From a Venetian-style Slovenian coastal town to a overlooked alpine railway in France, travelers revealed their most unforgettable encounters from their journeys.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. Yet the early hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This delightful settlement offers more than a swim. Visitors may meander through ornate public squares and stone-paved lanes lined with busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town provide crisp pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Classic Music in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed venue offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl records. Chairs and tables are routinely cleared to create dancing. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a memorable experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring presents a serene getaway. Visitors can hike to the peak of a hill and ascend a tall twisting platform for breathtaking panoramas over verdant pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic restaurants with robust food and music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a renowned folk artist, and the town centre boasts a number of mineral water sources to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant find. Featuring multiple beautiful white sand coastlines, its bustling centre comes alive nightly with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a genuine experience at a much lower of the price. A hotel featured easy access to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride 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 perfect journey from a nearby city. But, this service is reportedly at risk of shutting down. The journey includes photogenic bridges around the area of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to see this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The capital, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is reachable by boat from several countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring coastline, forests, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a historical naval base established by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in England
It is possible to stroll for miles along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This secret landscape boasts wide-open vistas, marine life in the water, and an abundance of wildlife. The path winds along marshes flanking an estuary, where remains of old vessels lie. A walk can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, reportedly the most ancient in England, and end in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Shut during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The journey involves constant bends to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent views. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The drive also offers the potential for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, guests stroll along historic streets featuring historic houses. The rhythm is slow, with time paused by friendly cats and chances to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by thoughts for a future return to this unique place.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains thousands of ancient books, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes exquisite 16th-century maps and
