From a Venetian-inspired Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their most memorable finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after arriving, one visitor questioned about their selection. Yet the initial doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This charming location provides more than swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful piazzas and cobbled passageways lined with busy eateries. Concrete diving platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Nearby establishments provide flaky pastries and drinks with genuine welcome.
Classic Sounds in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed venue offers immense fun. The ambiance is fabulous, complete with a DJ spinning just records. Chairs and tables are routinely cleared to create dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a serene getaway. Visitors may walk to the peak of a ski run and climb a tall spiral viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over green fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering substantial food and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the town centre boasts multiple mineral water sources to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant discovery. Boasting multiple stunning white sand coastlines, its bustling center comes alive every night with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a genuine atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. The lodging offered direct entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from a nearby city. But, this line is said to be at risk of being closed. The journey features spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, with rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and then demolished during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This secret landscape provides expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of birds. The path follows along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where remnants of boats can be seen. A journey can begin at a 7th-century chapel, among the oldest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Shut during winter, it usually reopens in June. The trip requires constant turns to ascend the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, by car. The journey also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, guests walk along historic roads featuring beautiful homes. The feel is slow, with time paused by resident felines and opportunities to look back at the skyline of the city. The trip home is usually spent planning plans for a next visit to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds thousands of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes exquisite 16th-century cartography and
