From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after arriving, one visitor pondered about their choice. But the first doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement offers beyond just swimming. Visitors can wander through ornate piazzas and narrow passageways housing busy eateries. Concrete platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots provide crisp pastries and beverages with friendly hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Germany's Capital
For fans of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated club promises immense fun. The vibe is fantastic, complete with a DJ spinning just records. Seating are sometimes moved to allow for dancing. Operating late into the night, the bar sometimes hosts performances, ensuring a memorable night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a quiet getaway. Guests can hike to the summit of a hill and ascend a giant wooden viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine serving hearty dishes and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre has a number of spring taps to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Featuring multiple stunning pristine beaches, its lively town center thrives nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a genuine feel at a much lower of the cost. The lodging provided easy access to the sea and a elegant and warm environment.
A Scenic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this line is potentially under threat of closure. The journey includes breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to ride this special railway before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The countryside is beautiful, with shores, forests, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This undiscovered world offers expansive vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The coast path winds along marshes next to an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A journey can start at a 7th-century chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and finish in a quaint town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in late spring. The drive involves constant turns to navigate the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Visitors can access a mountain lake, sometimes covered in snow, directly. The route also presents the chance for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Major City
A short journey from a vibrant metropolis takes visitors to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers walk along tree-lined streets featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, with time broken by friendly felines and chances to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often spent planning plans for a future return to this incredible retreat.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a historic church is a archive that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains numerous of rare books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
