Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian coastal town to a overlooked alpine train line in France, travelers have shared their most memorable encounters from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after arriving, an explorer wondered about their decision. Yet the initial hesitations rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This delightful location presents more than swimming. Tourists may meander through beautiful piazzas and narrow lanes lined with busy places to eat. Concrete jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots serve up delicious pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Retro Music in The German Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club is immense fun. The ambiance is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to create space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally features live bands, making for a memorable night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the peak of a hill and go up a tall spiral platform for stunning vistas over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage is on display through rustic cuisine with robust food and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a renowned folk artist, and the town centre has multiple mineral taps to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent choice. Featuring three beautiful white sand beaches, its vibrant town center is active in the evenings with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation provided direct a path to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect excursion from the region. However, the route is said to be at risk of shutting down. The trip passes over breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are encouraged to see this special line soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is striking, characterized by coastline, woods, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This secret landscape boasts expansive vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The path winds along marshes next to an estuary, where remains of boats can be seen. A walk can commence at a 7th-century chapel, among the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in June. The drive requires many bends to ascend the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible views. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, by car. The drive also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A short journey from a bustling city transports people to a tranquil getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, explorers stroll along tree-lined streets lined with historic houses. The rhythm is relaxed, with time broken by local felines and moments to stare back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often filled with ideas for a future return to this unique retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
