Globetrotters' Most Cherished Journey Finds of This Year: Secret Spots Around the Globe
Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known alpine railway in France, travelers revealed their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Right after getting off the bus, one visitor pondered about their selection. Yet the early doubts soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming location offers more than a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and stone-paved passageways filled with busy seafood restaurants. Man-made platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Local spots offer delicious pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized club offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fabulous, complete with a DJ playing exclusively vinyl records. Furniture are sometimes cleared to allow for space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally has live music, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene escape. Guests are able to climb to the top of a hill and ascend a tall spiral platform for stunning vistas over verdant landscapes. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Lemko culture is on display through traditional restaurants offering substantial food and folk music. A museum displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the main area features several medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful find. Featuring three stunning sandy beaches, its lively town center is active every night with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. A hotel provided easy entry to the sea and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from nearby cities. Yet, this line is potentially at risk of shutting down. The ride features breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Travelers are encouraged to see this special line while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting sites and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is attractive, featuring shores, forests, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is complimentary, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This secret world boasts wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of birds. The trail winds along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A hike can commence at a very old place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Closed during the colder months, it typically reopens in June. The drive involves numerous switchbacks to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering excellent scenery. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, by car. The route also presents the opportunity for wildlife sightings, adding to the memorable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along quiet streets lined with beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, frequently broken by local cats and opportunities to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually filled with thoughts for a next visit to this incredible place.
Top Discovery: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features detailed 16th-century cartography and