Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after arriving, one visitor questioned about their choice. Yet the initial doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming town presents more than swimming. Guests can wander through beautiful piazzas and cobbled passageways filled with vibrant places to eat. Concrete platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots provide crisp pastries and beverages with warm service.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized club is a lot of fun. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively records. Furniture are often pushed aside to create space to dance. Open late, the bar occasionally features performances, guaranteeing a fantastic night out.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet retreat. Guests can hike to the peak of a hill and ascend a giant spiral lookout for stunning panoramas over green pastures. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture is on display through traditional restaurants serving robust dishes and music. A museum showcases the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre features several medicinal taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. With three stunning white sand shores, its lively centre thrives nightly with families. While the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location delivered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. A hotel offered easy entry to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb day trip from the region. But, this line is reportedly under threat of being closed. The journey passes over breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Tourists are advised to see this unique line before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The countryside is striking, characterized by coastline, forests, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is complimentary, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to hike for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This undiscovered landscape offers sweeping vistas, marine life offshore, and an array of birds. The coast path meanders along estuarine bordering an estuary, where wrecks of boats are visible. A walk can start at a 7th-century church, reportedly the earliest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Shut during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The trip features many switchbacks to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent vistas. Visitors can access a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a vibrant metropolis takes travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along historic streets flanked by grand mansions. The feel is slow, with time broken by local felines and chances to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a library that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of magnificent books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes detailed 16th-century maps and
