Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable finds from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after getting off the bus, one visitor questioned about their selection. But the early doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This delightful settlement presents beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and narrow lanes lined with busy places to eat. Concrete platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Nearby establishments provide flaky pastries and drinks with warm service.
Classic Tunes in Germany's Capital
For lovers of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is terrific, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Furniture are sometimes pushed aside to create dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar at times hosts live music, ensuring a memorable evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a quiet escape. Travelers can hike to the summit of a ski run and go up a large spiral platform for stunning panoramas over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional restaurants with robust food and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a noted painter, and the main area features a number of spring water fountains to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent find. Featuring multiple beautiful white sand beaches, its vibrant center comes alive every night with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a genuine experience at a fraction of the price. The lodging offered direct entry to the shore and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from the region. Yet, this service is said to be under threat of being closed. The journey features photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to experience this unique line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is striking, with rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a historical outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is free, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can walk for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This secret world boasts sweeping views, seals in the water, and an abundance of birdlife. The coast path meanders along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where wrecks of ships are visible. A hike can begin at a very old place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The drive involves numerous switchbacks to climb the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, by car. The journey also offers the chance for spotting bears, completing the memorable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant city takes travelers to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, visitors meander along tree-lined lanes featuring grand mansions. The feel is relaxed, with time broken by friendly felines and opportunities to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is usually spent planning plans for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Located behind a 14th-century church is a library that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains a vast collection of rare volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection includes exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
