From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors disclosed their most memorable finds from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after arriving, an explorer questioned about their choice. But the first hesitations quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful settlement presents beyond just a swim. Guests may meander through elaborately decorated public squares and cobbled lanes filled with bustling places to eat. Man-made jumping points turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town provide flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul music, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a DJ playing exclusively records. Furniture are routinely moved to create space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar at times hosts performances, making for a great experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a quiet retreat. Guests can hike to the top of a slope and go up a giant spiral viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over verdant pastures. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic cuisine offering substantial fare and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa has a number of medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful choice. With three beautiful white sand shores, its bustling town center thrives every night with residents. While the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location delivered a more authentic feel at a fraction of the cost. A hotel offered convenient a path to the beach and a elegant and warm environment.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great journey from nearby cities. Yet, this line is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The ride passes over breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to ride this unique line before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct culture. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting attractions and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by coastline, woods, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and then attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is complimentary, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This secret world boasts wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The path winds along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of ships lie. A hike can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in June. The drive features many turns to climb the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the potential for spotting bears, completing the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a bustling metropolis transports visitors to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, explorers walk along quiet roads flanked by grand mansions. The rhythm is leisurely, often broken by friendly felines and opportunities to look back at the distant city. The return journey is often filled with ideas for a future return to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of magnificent volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases detailed Renaissance-era maps and
