Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their most unforgettable finds from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. However the first hesitations quickly faded upon entering Piran. This charming town provides more than swimming. Tourists may meander through elaborately decorated piazzas and cobbled alleys lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Local spots offer delicious pastries and drinks with warm hospitality.
Classic Sounds in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club offers a lot of fun. The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a DJ spinning only vinyl. Furniture are often pushed aside to create space to dance. Staying open late, the bar sometimes hosts performances, making for a memorable night out.
Cultural Legacy in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a peaceful getaway. Visitors are able to climb to the summit of a hill and go up a large wooden platform for breathtaking views over lush landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through rustic dining serving robust food and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the town centre boasts a number of spring taps to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent find. Featuring several wonderful sandy shores, its lively center comes alive every night with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a a quarter of the cost. Accommodation featured direct access to the beach and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect day trip from nearby cities. Yet, the route is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The trip includes spectacular viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are encouraged to ride this special railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is accessible by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This secret landscape offers sweeping views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birdlife. The path meanders along marshes flanking an estuary, where remains of old vessels lie. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Shut during winter, it usually reopens in June. The drive involves many turns to navigate the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Visitors can access a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The route also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant city takes travelers to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, visitors stroll along historic lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is slow, with time paused by local felines and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The ferry back is often filled with ideas for a future return to this unique sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition features detailed old cartography and
