Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, explorers revealed their most memorable discoveries from the past year.
Moments after getting off the bus, one visitor pondered about their selection. Yet the early doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This picturesque location presents more than swimming. Guests may meander through beautiful piazzas and narrow alleys lined with busy eateries. Concrete diving platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Local spots provide flaky pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
For lovers of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed club is immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ spinning just vinyl records. Seating are routinely moved to create space to dance. Open late into the night, the bar occasionally features performances, ensuring a memorable night out.
Crossing into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet escape. Visitors may walk to the peak of a slope and go up a tall twisting lookout for stunning views over verdant landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage is on display through traditional restaurants with substantial dishes and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa boasts a number of mineral water sources to taste.
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent discovery. Boasting several stunning sandy coastlines, its vibrant centre is active in the evenings with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot provided a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. A hotel provided convenient a path to the sea and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from the region. However, this service is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to ride this unique railway soon.
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable museums and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund marks a historical fortress constructed by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a charge for the on-site museum.
It is possible to stroll for miles along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This undiscovered world boasts expansive views, seals offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The trail winds along estuarine next to an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels lie. A journey can start at a very old church, among the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Closed during the colder months, it usually reopens in June. The drive requires many bends to navigate the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Travelers can access a mountain lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the potential for seeing animals, completing the memorable experience.
A brief journey from a vibrant city transports travelers to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, visitors walk along quiet lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, often paused by resident cats and opportunities to stare back at the distant city. The trip home is usually spent planning thoughts for a next visit to this special place.
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a Gothic building is a library that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds numerous of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.