From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their most memorable discoveries from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after stepping off the bus, an explorer questioned about their decision. Yet the first doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement provides more than swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and cobbled alleys lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Local spots serve up delicious pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Classic Tunes in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to create dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes has live music, making for a fantastic experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a serene getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a hill and climb a large wooden viewing tower for breathtaking views over lush fields. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Lemko culture is on display through rustic restaurants with robust food and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre features multiple spring water fountains to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. Boasting multiple beautiful pristine coastlines, its lively center comes alive every night with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location provided a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. The lodging provided direct access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming environment.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb day trip from the region. But, the route is potentially under threat of shutting down. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to ride this unique line soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is reachable by boat from several countries. The countryside is beautiful, characterized by coastline, forests, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is without charge, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can hike for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This secret landscape offers wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an array of wildlife. The coast path follows along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where remnants of old vessels lie. A journey can begin at a 7th-century church, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The trip features numerous bends to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing excellent vistas. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, visitors walk along quiet lanes lined with beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, frequently interrupted by local cats and opportunities to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by ideas for a future return to this incredible place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains numerous of magnificent tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection showcases gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
