Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked mountain railway in France, travelers revealed their most memorable discoveries from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after arriving, an explorer questioned about their choice. But the first doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful town provides beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through beautiful Venetian squares and cobbled alleys housing bustling places to eat. Concrete platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Nearby establishments serve up flaky pastries and refreshments with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, retro pop, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue promises a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, complete with a DJ spinning just vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes moved to create dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times features live bands, guaranteeing a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a serene getaway. Travelers can hike to the summit of a hill and go up a giant twisting viewing tower for stunning panoramas over verdant landscapes. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Their culture is on display through rustic cuisine with robust fare and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the central spa has a number of medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. Featuring three wonderful sandy shores, its vibrant center is active nightly with families. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a genuine feel at a fraction of the price. Accommodation featured convenient entry to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from nearby cities. However, the route is potentially threatened of shutting down. The journey passes over spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are encouraged to experience this picturesque railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a historical naval base established by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This hidden world provides wide-open vistas, marine life offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The path winds along marshes bordering an estuary, where remnants of boats are visible. A hike can start at a 7th-century chapel, among the oldest in England, and end in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt road. Closed during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip requires many switchbacks to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible vistas. Travelers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A quick journey from a major metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, explorers walk along tree-lined roads featuring beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, with time broken by friendly cats and opportunities to gaze back at the distant city. The trip home is often filled with thoughts for a next visit to this special place.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds numerous of magnificent volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes detailed Renaissance-era maps and