From a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable finds from their journeys.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, a traveler pondered about their choice. But the initial suspicions quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque settlement offers beyond just swimming. Tourists may meander through ornate Venetian squares and cobbled alleys housing bustling places to eat. Concrete jumping points make the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments offer flaky pastries and beverages with friendly service.
Classic Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed venue offers great enjoyment. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning just vinyl. Furniture are often pushed aside to create dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, making for a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful retreat. Visitors are able to climb to the top of a hill and go up a large spiral platform for stunning panoramas over verdant fields. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture is on display through traditional dining offering robust dishes and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the central spa boasts several mineral taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant choice. Featuring three stunning pristine beaches, its lively centre thrives in the evenings with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot delivered a local atmosphere at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation offered convenient a path to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from a nearby city. Yet, this line is reportedly at risk of shutting down. The journey features breathtaking bridges around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to experience this unique railway soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, with shores, forests, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This secret area offers wide-open views, marine life offshore, and an abundance of birdlife. The path follows along marshes bordering an estuary, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A hike can start at a ancient chapel, one of the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The drive involves constant switchbacks to climb the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, by car. The drive also presents the potential for seeing animals, completing the memorable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a major metropolis transports visitors to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, visitors stroll along quiet lanes flanked by grand mansions. The rhythm is slow, often interrupted by friendly felines and moments to stare back at the distant mainland. The return journey is usually spent planning ideas for a comeback to this unique sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses numerous of magnificent volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features detailed 16th-century cartography and
