From a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a little-known alpine railway in France, visitors disclosed their most unforgettable finds from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. But the initial doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement provides more than a swim. Tourists are able to stroll through beautiful piazzas and cobbled lanes housing vibrant places to eat. Man-made diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town provide delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and Motown, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed venue promises a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Seating are sometimes cleared to allow for dance floor. Operating late, the bar sometimes has live bands, making for a great experience.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful retreat. Travelers can hike to the top of a slope and ascend a giant spiral viewing tower for stunning panoramas over green landscapes. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine offering substantial fare and music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa features a number of mineral taps to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. Boasting multiple stunning pristine shores, its bustling town center is active every night with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a more authentic experience at a much lower of the price. The lodging offered direct access to the shore and a elegant and warm environment.
A Historic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from a nearby city. But, this line is reportedly threatened of shutting down. The journey includes photogenic viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this unique railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, featuring shores, forests, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund marks a historical fortress built by Russia and later attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can hike for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This hidden world offers expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an array of wildlife. The coast path follows along marshes flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can commence at a ancient chapel, reportedly the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during winter, it typically reopens in June. The trip requires many bends to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, by car. The drive also offers the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a bustling metropolis takes visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, explorers stroll along tree-lined roads flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, frequently paused by local cats and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is often filled with thoughts for a future return to this unique retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Located behind a Gothic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
