From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten mountain train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable discoveries from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their choice. Yet the first doubts soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement presents beyond just swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through beautiful public squares and stone-paved lanes housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town provide flaky pastries and beverages with genuine service.
Retro Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club promises immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ playing just records. Chairs and tables are often cleared to allow for space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times features live bands, guaranteeing a great night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene escape. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a hill and go up a giant wooden lookout for magnificent views over verdant landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture is on display through traditional dining offering hearty dishes and folk music. A museum celebrates the work of a renowned folk artist, and the central spa has a number of mineral water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant discovery. Boasting multiple beautiful pristine shores, its vibrant town center is active every night with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location delivered a local feel at a much lower of the price. The lodging provided direct a path to the shore and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from the region. However, the route is potentially under threat of closure. The trip features photogenic bridges around the town of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to see this special railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is reachable by ferry from several countries. The landscape is attractive, with shores, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered landscape offers expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path follows along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remains of old vessels lie. A walk can start at a 7th-century place of worship, one of the earliest in England, and conclude in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Closed during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The journey features constant switchbacks to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible vistas. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Major City
A short boat trip from a major metropolis takes visitors to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, visitors stroll along quiet roads lined with beautiful homes. The pace is slow, often interrupted by friendly cats and moments to look back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this incredible retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds numerous of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features gorgeous old cartography and
