Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors revealed their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. Yet the first hesitations quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful town presents beyond just swimming. Visitors can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled lanes housing busy seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Local spots offer flaky pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Classic Music in The German Capital
For fans of classic rock, 60s pop music, and Motown, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ using just vinyl. Chairs and tables are often moved to make space to dance. Operating late, the bar sometimes has performances, making for a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene escape. Visitors may walk to the summit of a slope and go up a tall spiral platform for magnificent views over green pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be felt through rustic restaurants offering substantial fare and music. A museum celebrates the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre features a number of spring water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful discovery. Featuring several stunning sandy coastlines, its vibrant town center comes alive nightly with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town offered a local experience at a fraction of the cost. The lodging featured direct a path to the sea and a stylish but welcoming environment.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from a nearby city. However, this service is potentially under threat of closure. The trip includes breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Visitors are urged to see this picturesque line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct culture. The capital, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by coastline, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is without charge, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in England
It is possible to stroll for miles along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This hidden area provides expansive vistas, seals in the water, and an array of birdlife. The path meanders along marshes flanking an estuary, where wrecks of ships lie. A walk can begin at a 7th-century church, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in early summer. The journey requires many switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible views. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the potential for seeing animals, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a bustling city transports visitors to a peaceful island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, guests meander along quiet roads flanked by grand mansions. The rhythm is slow, frequently interrupted by local felines and chances to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually filled with plans for a next visit to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a historic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of ancient volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition features exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
