From a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors revealed their most memorable discoveries from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, one visitor wondered about their selection. Yet the initial hesitations quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming town offers beyond just a swim. Visitors can wander through ornate Venetian squares and cobbled alleys housing bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Nearby establishments provide crisp pastries and drinks with genuine service.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and Motown, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed music bar offers immense fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing just vinyl. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Open late into the night, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, making for a great evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a peaceful escape. Travelers can hike to the peak of a slope and go up a large spiral platform for magnificent views over verdant fields. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants serving hearty fare and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre features multiple medicinal water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent discovery. Featuring multiple stunning pristine shores, its lively town center comes alive nightly with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a local atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. A hotel featured direct entry to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from a nearby city. Yet, the route is potentially under threat of closure. The journey passes over breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Travelers are encouraged to ride this special line while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct identity. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is free, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can hike for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This secret landscape boasts wide-open vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birdlife. The trail follows along estuarine next to an estuary, where remnants of old vessels are visible. A hike can commence at a ancient church, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in early summer. The trip involves numerous switchbacks to navigate the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, offering excellent vistas. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, by car. The drive also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief journey from a vibrant city takes people to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along quiet lanes lined with historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, often paused by friendly felines and moments to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The ferry back is usually spent planning ideas for a comeback to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Located behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains thousands of rare volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection showcases gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
