Travelers are sharing hidden gems and memorable experiences across Europe, from the Venetian charm of a Slovenian coastal town to a historic railway in the French Jura mountains.
A Venetian Masterpiece in Slovenia
Piran, a Slovenian coastal town, offers more than just swimming, with Venetian squares, bustling seafood restaurants, and concrete diving platforms along the Adriatic Sea. Local highlights include the bakery Naša Pekarna, known for its böreks, and the bar/cafe Pri Starcu, owned by former Slovenia international footballer Patrik Ipavec.
Vintage Rock’n’roll, Pop and Soul in Berlin
In Berlin’s Neukölln district, Soul Cat offers a night out with 1950s rock’n’roll, 1960s pop, and classic soul music. The bar features a DJ spinning vinyl records and space for dancing, staying open late and occasionally hosting live bands.
Lemkos Culture in a Polish Spa Town
Krynica-Zdrój, a Polish spa town, provides a cultural experience with the Lemkos, a Carpathian upland people. Visitors can ascend the Slotwiny lookout tower for views of the Beskid mountains and enjoy rustic cuisine at the Karczma Łemkowska restaurant. The town also features a museum dedicated to the artist Nikifor and mineral waters like Zuber and Słotwinka.
Brilliant Beaches in Sardinia
San Teodoro, Sardinia, boasts three white sand beaches and a vibrant town center. The Hotel L’Esagono offers direct beach access and a chic atmosphere, providing a more authentic experience than the nearby Costa Smeralda.
A Classic Mountain Railway in France
The Swallows’ Line, a rural railway in the Jura mountains, is threatened with closure. The route from Dole to Saint-Claude offers views of viaducts around Morez.
A Baltic Battleground in Finland
The Åland islands, part of Finland but culturally Swedish, offer a maritime museum in Mariehamn and attractive countryside. The ruins of the Russian naval base at Bomarsund, destroyed during the Crimean War, are free to explore.
The Only Way is Essex
The Dengie peninsula in Essex, England, offers a five-hour coastal walk with expansive views, seals, and butterflies. Starting at 7th-century St Peter-on-the-Wall, walkers can explore Burnham-on-Crouch with its houseboats and pubs.
Automotive Perfection in Romania
The Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania, described as “automotive perfection,” opened in early June, offering steep climbs and views of the Carpathian mountains, including the snowy Bâlea Lake. Travelers reported spotting five brown bears along the route.
Mansions and Cats on an Island Near Istanbul
Büyükada, an island near Istanbul, offers mansion-lined streets, a car-free environment, and numerous cats. A ferry ride from Istanbul provides a calm escape to explore the island’s architecture and atmosphere.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Colmar, France, features a hidden Dominican library behind the 14th-century Dominican church. The library, free to visit, houses thousands of books, including 1,200 illuminated manuscripts, 16th-century maps, and letters from Christopher Columbus.
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