Readers' Favorite Travel Discoveries of The Past Year: Secret Spots Across the World
Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain train line in France, explorers have shared their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, one visitor questioned about their selection. However the early hesitations soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This delightful town presents beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through ornate piazzas and narrow lanes housing busy eateries. Man-made diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Local spots offer crisp pastries and refreshments with genuine welcome.
Classic Music in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated club offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fabulous, with a DJ spinning exclusively vinyl. Furniture are sometimes cleared to allow for space to dance. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts live music, ensuring a fantastic evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene retreat. Guests can hike to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant wooden lookout for breathtaking panoramas over verdant fields. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage is on display through traditional restaurants serving substantial dishes and music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa boasts multiple mineral water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent choice. Featuring multiple stunning white sand shores, its lively centre is active every night with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot provided a local atmosphere at a fraction of the price. The lodging offered easy access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great day trip from a nearby city. Yet, this service is said to be at risk of shutting down. The journey features breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as architectural treasures. Visitors are urged to experience this special railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is reachable by ferry from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, characterized by shores, forests, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the remains is free, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This hidden landscape offers expansive vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birdlife. The path winds along salt marsh flanking an river mouth, where wrecks of ships can be seen. A hike can commence at a ancient chapel, reportedly the most ancient in England, and finish in a charming town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Shut during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The trip requires constant bends to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, providing excellent views. Visitors can reach a mountain lake, often covered in snow, by car. The journey also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a bustling city transports travelers to a car-free island. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along tree-lined lanes lined with historic houses. The rhythm is slow, often paused by friendly felines and moments to stare back at the far-off city. The ferry back is often spent planning ideas for a next visit to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Tucked away behind a historic building is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains a vast collection of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
