Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers revealed their most memorable finds from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after stepping off the bus, one visitor wondered about their choice. Yet the first doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This delightful location provides more than swimming. Guests may meander through ornate Venetian squares and narrow passageways housing bustling places to eat. Man-made jumping points render the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Local spots offer flaky pastries and beverages with friendly service.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For fans of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized music bar is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to create dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar at times features live bands, guaranteeing a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a serene getaway. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a slope and go up a large twisting platform for stunning vistas over lush fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering robust dishes and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre boasts several medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful find. Featuring several stunning sandy shores, its bustling centre is active in the evenings with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a genuine feel at a fraction of the price. The lodging offered easy a path to the beach and a chic yet friendly environment.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from nearby cities. But, the route is said to be under threat of being closed. The ride passes over spectacular bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Visitors are encouraged to ride this picturesque railway soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, characterized by shores, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base established by Russia and later attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can hike for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This undiscovered landscape provides wide-open views, seals in the water, and an array of wildlife. The coast path winds along estuarine bordering an estuary, where remnants of old vessels are visible. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, among the earliest in England, and finish in a charming coastal town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Closed during the colder months, it typically reopens in early summer. The trip involves numerous bends to ascend the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a major metropolis transports people to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, explorers walk along quiet roads featuring beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, with time broken by resident felines and moments to gaze back at the distant city. The trip home is often spent planning ideas for a comeback to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses numerous of ancient books, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes detailed old maps and
