Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain railway in France, explorers have shared their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer questioned about their decision. But the initial suspicions quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This picturesque town offers beyond just swimming. Guests are able to stroll through beautiful public squares and cobbled lanes housing busy seafood restaurants. Man-made diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots provide crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine welcome.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is great enjoyment. The ambiance is fabulous, complete with a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are often moved to create space to dance. Open late, the bar at times hosts live bands, guaranteeing a memorable experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a quiet getaway. Visitors can hike to the top of a hill and climb a large wooden lookout for magnificent panoramas over verdant pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage is on display through rustic cuisine offering robust dishes and traditional music. A gallery celebrates the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa boasts several spring water fountains to try.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Boasting multiple beautiful sandy beaches, its bustling centre thrives every night with locals. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a genuine feel at a a quarter of the cost. The lodging provided easy access to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great excursion from a nearby city. But, this service is said to be at risk of being closed. The ride includes breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Travelers are advised to ride this unique railway before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is easy to get to by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and then attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can walk for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This secret area provides expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of birds. The path follows along marshes next to an estuary, where remnants of boats lie. A journey can commence at a very old chapel, one of the oldest in England, and end in a charming town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The journey requires numerous bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking views. Visitors can access a mountain lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the chance for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a vibrant city takes people to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the city chaos dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests stroll along tree-lined roads flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is slow, with time broken by resident cats and chances to gaze back at the far-off city. The ferry back is often filled with ideas for a future return to this special place.
Top Discovery: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes exquisite old maps and
