From a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, explorers disclosed their standout finds from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after arriving, an explorer questioned about their choice. But the initial doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful town offers more than swimming. Tourists can wander through ornate public squares and stone-paved alleys lined with vibrant places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Local spots provide flaky pastries and beverages with warm hospitality.
Classic Music in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated venue promises a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ playing just vinyl records. Chairs and tables are often cleared to make space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally has live music, guaranteeing a great experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a ski run and go up a large spiral viewing tower for stunning panoramas over verdant fields. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional cuisine serving hearty fare and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a renowned folk artist, and the central spa has several medicinal water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Featuring three beautiful pristine coastlines, its lively town center is active nightly with locals. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot offered a more authentic feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging featured direct access to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from a nearby city. But, this service is potentially under threat of being closed. The journey features breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are advised to ride this picturesque railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring coastline, forests, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This undiscovered area boasts sweeping vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birds. The path winds along marshes bordering an estuary, where remnants of boats can be seen. A hike can start at a very old chapel, one of the earliest in England, and end in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip requires many switchbacks to ascend the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, directly. The drive also offers the chance for wildlife sightings, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short journey from a major city transports travelers to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, explorers meander along historic roads flanked by grand mansions. The rhythm is slow, with time interrupted by resident cats and opportunities to stare back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often spent planning ideas for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Housed behind a Gothic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses a vast collection of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases gorgeous old cartography and
