From a Venice-like Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked alpine train line in France, travelers revealed their most memorable discoveries from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler wondered about their choice. But the initial suspicions quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque settlement presents beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through elaborately decorated public squares and stone-paved lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete jumping points render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and beverages with warm service.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated venue offers great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, complete with a DJ playing exclusively records. Chairs and tables are sometimes cleared to make dance floor. Staying open late, the bar occasionally has live bands, ensuring a memorable experience.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Health Resort
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene retreat. Visitors can hike to the top of a slope and go up a tall spiral platform for magnificent panoramas over green fields. This region is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional dining serving hearty food and music. A dedicated museum displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the main area has several medicinal water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. With multiple beautiful pristine shores, its vibrant centre comes alive nightly with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. The lodging provided easy entry to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from nearby cities. However, this service is said to be at risk of closure. The journey features spectacular bridges around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are urged to ride this unique railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong identity. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is attractive, with rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and later attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This undiscovered landscape offers wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an profusion of birds. The path follows along marshes flanking an estuary, where remains of ships are visible. A walk can begin at a ancient chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and finish in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The journey involves constant bends to navigate the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible scenery. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes covered in snow, by car. The journey also includes the chance for spotting bears, enhancing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A quick boat trip from a bustling city takes visitors to a peaceful island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, explorers meander along quiet roads flanked by grand mansions. The feel is leisurely, with time broken by local cats and chances to look back at the far-off city. The ferry back is often filled with ideas for a future return to this incredible retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a historic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains numerous of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features detailed old cartography and
