Globetrotters' Favorite Journey Finds of This Year: Lesser-Known Treasures Worldwide
Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known alpine train line in France, travelers revealed their most memorable finds from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after arriving, one visitor questioned about their selection. However the early hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque town provides more than a swim. Visitors can wander through ornate piazzas and narrow passageways lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Local spots serve up delicious pastries and beverages with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For lovers of classic rock, retro pop, and soul, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing only records. Seating are routinely cleared to create space to dance. Open late, the bar at times has live bands, ensuring a memorable evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a serene getaway. Guests may walk to the peak of a ski run and go up a tall wooden viewing tower for stunning panoramas over verdant fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic cuisine offering substantial food and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific folk artist, and the central spa has a number of mineral taps to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful choice. Boasting three stunning sandy shores, its bustling centre thrives every night with locals. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot delivered a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the price. Accommodation offered convenient access to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border runs a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from the region. But, this line is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The trip passes over breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to see this special railway soon.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting museums and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The countryside is attractive, featuring coastline, woods, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund marks a historical naval base constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is complimentary, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This hidden landscape offers wide-open views, seals in the water, and an array of wildlife. The trail winds along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A hike can start at a ancient place of worship, among the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Shut during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The journey requires constant switchbacks to navigate the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent views. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the chance for seeing animals, adding to the memorable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A brief ferry ride from a major city transports people to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the urban energy fades for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along tree-lined roads flanked by historic houses. The feel is slow, with time paused by local cats and moments to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often spent planning plans for a future return to this incredible sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a Gothic building is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The display features exquisite old maps and
