From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, travelers have shared their most memorable discoveries from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after getting off the bus, one visitor wondered about their choice. Yet the first hesitations soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This charming location provides beyond just swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful Venetian squares and cobbled lanes filled with vibrant eateries. Man-made diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town offer delicious pastries and refreshments with warm hospitality.
Vintage Music in The German Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and Motown, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The vibe is fabulous, complete with a DJ using only vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes cleared to make dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar sometimes features live bands, making for a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a serene getaway. Visitors are able to climb to the top of a hill and ascend a giant spiral viewing tower for stunning vistas over green landscapes. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture is on display through traditional restaurants with robust food and folk music. A museum celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre features multiple mineral water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Featuring several wonderful pristine beaches, its lively centre is active every night with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location provided a local experience at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation offered direct a path to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from a nearby city. However, this line is reportedly at risk of shutting down. The trip passes over spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to experience this special railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong identity. The capital, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The natural surroundings is striking, characterized by coastline, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This undiscovered area provides expansive views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birds. The path meanders along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remnants of boats can be seen. A walk can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, one of the most ancient in England, and end in a charming coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The trip requires many bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Visitors can drive up to a high-altitude lake, often ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the potential for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A brief journey from a major metropolis transports people to a car-free island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, explorers meander along tree-lined roads featuring historic houses. The rhythm is slow, with time interrupted by local felines and chances to look back at the distant city. The ferry back is often filled with plans for a next visit to this incredible place.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a historic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses thousands of magnificent books, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features detailed 16th-century maps and
