From a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a overlooked mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable discoveries from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor wondered about their selection. Yet the early hesitations soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement offers more than a swim. Tourists can wander through beautiful piazzas and cobbled passageways filled with bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Local spots serve up flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Retro Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar promises great enjoyment. The vibe is fabulous, complete with a DJ spinning just vinyl records. Furniture are routinely cleared to allow for space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a great experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene retreat. Travelers can hike to the top of a ski run and go up a large spiral lookout for magnificent views over verdant fields. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage can be felt through traditional cuisine serving hearty food and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre features several spring taps to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. Boasting several beautiful pristine beaches, its lively town center thrives in the evenings with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation provided easy access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming environment.
An Iconic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from a nearby city. However, this line is reportedly at risk of closure. The journey features photogenic stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are advised to see this unique line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable attractions and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, characterized by shores, forests, and farms. A notable location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to stroll for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This secret world provides wide-open views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an array of birds. The coast path winds along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A walk can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, among the earliest in England, and end in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Shut during the colder months, it usually reopens in late spring. The drive requires numerous bends to climb the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent views. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the potential for wildlife sightings, completing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A brief boat trip from a major city takes travelers to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, explorers stroll along tree-lined roads lined with beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently interrupted by resident felines and opportunities to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by thoughts for a comeback to this incredible place.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Located behind a historic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display includes detailed old cartography and
