Globetrotters' Favorite Travel Finds of The Past Year: Secret Spots Around the Globe
From a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a little-known alpine train line in France, travelers have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, one visitor pondered about their choice. However the initial doubts quickly faded upon entering Piran. This delightful location presents more than a swim. Tourists are able to stroll through ornate public squares and cobbled alleys lined with vibrant places to eat. Man-made diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Nearby establishments offer delicious pastries and refreshments with friendly welcome.
Retro Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of classic rock, retro pop, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized music bar is a lot of fun. The ambiance is fabulous, complete with a DJ playing just records. Furniture are routinely pushed aside to create dancing. Staying open until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Cultural Legacy in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a quiet retreat. Guests can hike to the top of a hill and go up a giant spiral viewing tower for stunning views over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Their culture is on display through traditional dining with substantial food and music. A museum showcases the work of a renowned painter, and the main area features multiple medicinal water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Boasting several stunning white sand beaches, its vibrant town center thrives nightly with families. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a local atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. Accommodation offered easy a path to the beach and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from a nearby city. However, the route is said to be at risk of being closed. The trip passes over photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are advised to see this unique line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable attractions and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is attractive, with coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This secret world offers expansive vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The path winds along estuarine bordering an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A hike can begin at a ancient church, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a quaint town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually opens in June. The trip involves numerous bends to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, directly. The journey also presents the chance for seeing animals, completing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A short boat trip from a major metropolis takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors stroll along tree-lined lanes lined with historic houses. The feel is slow, frequently paused by local cats and chances to gaze back at the distant city. The trip home is often filled with ideas for a comeback to this unique retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses thousands of ancient volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes gorgeous old cartography and
