Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten mountain railway in France, visitors disclosed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer questioned about their choice. However the first suspicions quickly faded upon entering Piran. This charming location offers beyond just a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through ornate public squares and stone-paved passageways lined with busy places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Local spots offer crisp pastries and drinks with genuine welcome.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar promises immense fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, complete with a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are often cleared to create dancing. Staying open late, the bar sometimes features live music, ensuring a memorable evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet escape. Visitors can hike to the peak of a ski run and ascend a tall twisting platform for stunning panoramas over verdant landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture is on display through traditional restaurants serving substantial dishes and traditional music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa features multiple mineral water sources to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. Boasting several stunning pristine beaches, its lively center comes alive nightly with families. While the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location offered a local experience at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation offered direct entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect excursion from the region. Yet, the route is reportedly under threat of being closed. The trip includes spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Tourists are advised to experience this special line soon.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable attractions and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, with coastline, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost established by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the fort ruins is complimentary, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This undiscovered area boasts expansive views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path winds along estuarine bordering an estuary, where remnants of ships are visible. A journey can begin at a 7th-century place of worship, among the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Closed during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The drive involves numerous turns to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible views. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also includes the potential for seeing animals, completing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short journey from a major metropolis takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests walk along tree-lined roads featuring historic houses. The pace is relaxed, with time interrupted by local felines and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by ideas for a next visit to this special sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a historic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of magnificent tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection showcases detailed Renaissance-era maps and
