Readers' Favorite Travel Finds of This Year: Hidden Gems Across the World
Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors revealed their most unforgettable discoveries from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after arriving, an explorer wondered about their choice. But the initial hesitations soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This delightful location presents more than swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful public squares and cobbled lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Local spots offer crisp pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Vintage Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed music bar promises immense fun. The atmosphere is terrific, complete with a DJ playing exclusively records. Seating are routinely pushed aside to make space to dance. Operating late, the bar sometimes has live bands, ensuring a memorable experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a slope and ascend a tall wooden lookout for stunning panoramas over lush fields. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture is on display through traditional dining serving robust dishes and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa boasts several medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. Featuring multiple stunning sandy shores, its lively town center is active every night with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot delivered a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. The lodging provided easy entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from a nearby city. Yet, this line is reportedly threatened of shutting down. The ride passes over photogenic viaducts around the area of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Visitors are encouraged to see this special line before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to hike for miles along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This undiscovered landscape provides wide-open views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The coast path meanders along marshes flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of boats can be seen. A hike can begin at a ancient place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and finish in a charming town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in June. The journey involves numerous bends to ascend the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also offers the potential for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a major metropolis takes visitors to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle fades for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests walk along tree-lined lanes flanked by beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently interrupted by local cats and chances to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often filled with plans for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Housed behind a Gothic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds numerous of rare volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes detailed old cartography and
