Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers revealed their most unforgettable encounters from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. Yet the first hesitations rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This picturesque settlement presents more than swimming. Guests may meander through elaborately decorated piazzas and narrow passageways housing busy places to eat. Man-made platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town provide crisp pastries and drinks with warm hospitality.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul music, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized venue is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ using exclusively records. Seating are routinely cleared to create dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times features live bands, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a serene getaway. Visitors may walk to the top of a ski run and ascend a giant twisting viewing tower for stunning views over lush landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be felt through traditional restaurants serving robust dishes and music. A museum showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa boasts a number of mineral water fountains to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Boasting multiple beautiful pristine coastlines, its bustling center is active every night with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location offered a more authentic feel at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided direct access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming environment.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this service is potentially at risk of closure. The journey passes over breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are advised to ride this special line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct identity. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable attractions and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, featuring shores, woods, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is free, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another soul. This secret world boasts expansive vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The coast path follows along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where remnants of old vessels are visible. A journey can commence at a 7th-century church, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Closed during the colder months, it usually opens in June. The journey features constant bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible scenery. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, by car. The journey also presents the chance for seeing animals, completing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a major metropolis takes travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos dissipates for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, explorers meander along tree-lined roads featuring beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, frequently paused by local cats and chances to stare back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is usually spent planning plans for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Housed behind a historic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display features detailed 16th-century cartography and
