From a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors revealed their standout encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Right after stepping off the bus, one visitor questioned about their choice. Yet the initial doubts soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This delightful location presents more than swimming. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled lanes housing busy eateries. Man-made diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Retro Music in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue is immense fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a DJ playing only vinyl. Seating are sometimes cleared to allow for dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar sometimes has live bands, ensuring a great night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a ski run and ascend a tall twisting lookout for magnificent vistas over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage is on display through rustic restaurants serving robust food and traditional music. A gallery celebrates the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre has a number of mineral water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Featuring multiple stunning white sand beaches, its vibrant center is active nightly with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town provided a genuine atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. The lodging offered convenient access to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border runs a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb journey from a nearby city. Yet, the route is said to be under threat of shutting down. The journey includes breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Tourists are advised to ride this special line while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable attractions and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The countryside is attractive, featuring coastline, forests, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to hike for miles along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing anyone. This hidden world boasts expansive views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The path follows along estuarine flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels are visible. A walk can start at a ancient church, reportedly the oldest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Shut during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The journey requires constant switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent vistas. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Near a Major City
A quick boat trip from a vibrant city transports people to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors meander along quiet roads flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, often broken by resident cats and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often filled with ideas for a next visit to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a historic church is a archive that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It houses thousands of rare tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes exquisite 16th-century cartography and
