From a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers disclosed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after arriving, an explorer pondered about their selection. Yet the early suspicions quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This charming location offers beyond just swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through beautiful piazzas and cobbled lanes filled with vibrant eateries. Concrete jumping points turn the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots provide delicious pastries and beverages with warm hospitality.
Classic Tunes in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club offers a lot of fun. The ambiance is fantastic, with a DJ playing only records. Chairs and tables are often cleared to create dance floor. Staying open until the early hours, the bar sometimes features live music, ensuring a great night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene getaway. Guests can hike to the top of a slope and ascend a giant wooden viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over verdant landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional restaurants offering substantial fare and traditional music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa features multiple medicinal taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. Featuring three stunning pristine shores, its bustling town center comes alive every night with locals. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a genuine atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation provided direct entry to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this service is potentially at risk of shutting down. The journey passes over breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to experience this unique railway while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is accessible by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, featuring coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is without charge, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This hidden world offers sweeping vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels are visible. A walk can begin at a ancient place of worship, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The drive features constant turns to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Drivers can access a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, directly. The drive also includes the potential for spotting bears, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A short ferry ride from a bustling city transports travelers to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests stroll along quiet streets lined with historic houses. The feel is relaxed, with time paused by local cats and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by ideas for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Housed behind a Gothic building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses thousands of magnificent books, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes detailed Renaissance-era cartography and
