Globetrotters' Favorite Travel Finds of This Year: Secret Spots Around the Globe
From a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten alpine railway in France, visitors have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, one visitor pondered about their choice. But the initial doubts quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful town provides beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through ornate Venetian squares and cobbled passageways filled with busy eateries. Concrete diving platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Nearby establishments serve up delicious pastries and drinks with friendly welcome.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized venue is immense fun. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively records. Furniture are sometimes cleared to create dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, guaranteeing a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a quiet retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a ski run and ascend a giant twisting viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over lush pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Their culture can be experienced through rustic dining with hearty food and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa boasts several medicinal water fountains to try.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. Boasting multiple wonderful white sand coastlines, its bustling centre is active every night with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a genuine feel at a a quarter of the price. The lodging offered convenient access to the shore and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great journey from a nearby city. Yet, this line is potentially threatened of shutting down. The journey features spectacular stone arches around the area of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are advised to ride this unique railway before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, with shores, woods, and farms. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to hike for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This hidden world provides wide-open views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The path follows along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where remnants of ships lie. A walk can start at a 7th-century chapel, one of the earliest in England, and end in a charming town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in early summer. The journey requires numerous switchbacks to ascend the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible vistas. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still covered in snow, by car. The journey also offers the potential for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a vibrant metropolis takes people to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests walk along quiet lanes lined with grand mansions. The pace is leisurely, frequently broken by friendly cats and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often spent planning ideas for a future return to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Located behind a historic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds a vast collection of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes exquisite old cartography and
