From a Venice-like Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after arriving, one visitor questioned about their selection. However the first doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This delightful location provides more than swimming. Guests may meander through elaborately decorated piazzas and narrow alleys filled with bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Local spots offer flaky pastries and drinks with genuine hospitality.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, with a DJ playing just vinyl records. Seating are routinely cleared to make dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar at times features live bands, guaranteeing a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a serene escape. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and climb a tall spiral lookout for breathtaking views over green fields. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture can be felt through rustic dining with robust dishes and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the town centre has a number of medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent choice. Boasting several stunning white sand coastlines, its bustling town center comes alive in the evenings with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation featured convenient entry to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this service is potentially threatened of closure. The journey passes over spectacular viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to experience this special line while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The natural surroundings is striking, with coastline, woods, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is complimentary, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can hike for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This undiscovered area provides sweeping views, marine life in the water, and an array of wildlife. The trail winds along estuarine next to an river mouth, where remains of old vessels lie. A walk can begin at a very old church, among the earliest in England, and end in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The trip requires many switchbacks to ascend the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, offering excellent vistas. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the potential for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a major city takes visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests meander along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The pace is slow, with time broken by resident cats and chances to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is often accompanied by thoughts for a comeback to this special place.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a Gothic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
