Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known mountain railway in France, explorers disclosed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their choice. But the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming location offers more than swimming. Visitors may meander through beautiful public squares and stone-paved passageways housing bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Nearby establishments provide delicious pastries and beverages with genuine service.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, 1960s pop, and Motown, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ using exclusively vinyl records. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to make space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally features live bands, guaranteeing a memorable night out.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a peaceful retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a hill and climb a tall spiral platform for magnificent panoramas over green landscapes. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be felt through rustic restaurants with hearty food and music. A museum showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre has multiple mineral water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent discovery. With several stunning pristine coastlines, its bustling town center is active in the evenings with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a local experience at a fraction of the cost. A hotel provided convenient access to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from nearby cities. Yet, this line is said to be threatened of closure. The trip passes over photogenic viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Visitors are urged to experience this unique railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring shores, woods, and farms. A notable location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This secret landscape offers sweeping vistas, marine life offshore, and an array of birdlife. The path winds along salt marsh next to an estuary, where remains of boats are visible. A journey can begin at a very old chapel, among the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Closed during the colder months, it usually opens in June. The trip requires many switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, by car. The route also includes the opportunity for spotting bears, completing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, guests meander along tree-lined streets featuring historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, with time broken by local cats and opportunities to stare back at the distant mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by ideas for a next visit to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds thousands of ancient volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The display includes exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
