From a Venice-like Slovene coastal town to a overlooked mountain train line in France, visitors disclosed their most unforgettable finds from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after arriving, an explorer pondered about their choice. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming town presents beyond just a swim. Guests may meander through beautiful piazzas and narrow passageways lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments provide crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine welcome.
Classic Tunes in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized music bar offers immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a DJ spinning only vinyl. Seating are sometimes cleared to create dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar occasionally features performances, making for a fantastic night out.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet retreat. Guests are able to climb to the top of a ski run and ascend a tall spiral viewing tower for breathtaking panoramas over green pastures. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional restaurants offering robust dishes and traditional music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the town centre features a number of medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Featuring multiple wonderful pristine shores, its vibrant centre is active in the evenings with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town offered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation provided convenient a path to the sea and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from the region. However, this service is reportedly threatened of closure. The trip passes over spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Tourists are advised to see this unique railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, characterized by coastline, forests, and farms. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the site is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can stroll for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This secret area offers wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of birds. The coast path winds along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remnants of ships lie. A journey can start at a ancient chapel, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The trip requires many bends to navigate the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Visitors can access a mountain lake, often ringed with snow, directly. The journey also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city takes travelers to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle fades for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, guests walk along quiet lanes flanked by historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently broken by resident cats and moments to stare back at the far-off mainland. The return journey is often filled with thoughts for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a Gothic building is a archive that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains a vast collection of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes detailed 16th-century maps and
