Readers' Most Cherished Journey Finds of This Year: Lesser-Known Treasures Across the World
From a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their most memorable finds from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their selection. But the first doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming location presents beyond just swimming. Guests may meander through beautiful piazzas and stone-paved passageways housing vibrant eateries. Man-made jumping points render the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Local spots offer flaky pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ using just vinyl. Furniture are routinely moved to create space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally features live music, ensuring a great evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a quiet retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the peak of a ski run and go up a tall spiral lookout for breathtaking views over green fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain community. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering substantial dishes and folk music. A museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the main area boasts a number of mineral taps to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent find. Featuring several wonderful white sand shores, its vibrant centre is active nightly with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location provided a local atmosphere at a much lower of the price. Accommodation featured direct a path to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from the region. But, this line is reportedly at risk of being closed. The trip includes spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are urged to ride this picturesque railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable attractions and is accessible by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, with coastline, forests, and farms. A notable fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and subsequently demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to hike for miles along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This hidden area boasts wide-open views, seals in the water, and an abundance of wildlife. The coast path meanders along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where remnants of old vessels can be seen. A journey can commence at a very old chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually reopens in late spring. The drive features numerous bends to climb the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, often ringed with snow, by car. The journey also offers the chance for spotting bears, completing the memorable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a vibrant city takes people to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Walking through the island, guests meander along quiet lanes lined with beautiful homes. The feel is slow, with time interrupted by resident cats and opportunities to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is usually filled with ideas for a next visit to this special place.
Winning Tip: Ancient Treasures in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Located behind a historic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains thousands of ancient volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes gorgeous old maps and