Readers' Most Cherished Journey Finds of This Year: Secret Spots Around the Globe
From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a overlooked mountain railway in France, explorers revealed their standout discoveries from their journeys.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, one visitor pondered about their choice. But the initial suspicions soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This picturesque settlement offers more than swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful piazzas and narrow alleys lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Places in town offer crisp pastries and refreshments with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For fans of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized music bar offers a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fantastic, complete with a DJ playing exclusively records. Seating are often cleared to allow for dance floor. Open late into the night, the bar occasionally features live bands, making for a great experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a peaceful getaway. Guests are able to climb to the peak of a ski run and ascend a tall spiral viewing tower for breathtaking views over green landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be felt through rustic restaurants with hearty food and folk music. A museum displays the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa features a number of mineral water sources to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent choice. With multiple wonderful pristine coastlines, its lively town center comes alive every night with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local atmosphere at a much lower of the price. A hotel offered easy entry to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from the region. However, the route is reportedly at risk of shutting down. The journey includes photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are advised to see this special railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable attractions and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farms. A historical fort at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This hidden landscape provides sweeping views, marine life offshore, and an profusion of birds. The path follows along marshes next to an estuary, where remnants of boats lie. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved mountain road. Shut during winter, it usually opens in June. The drive features numerous switchbacks to navigate the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent scenery. Drivers can reach a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the potential for spotting bears, completing the remarkable experience.
Ferry Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief journey from a vibrant metropolis takes people to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, explorers stroll along quiet lanes featuring beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, with time interrupted by resident cats and opportunities to look back at the distant mainland. The trip home is often spent planning ideas for a future return to this unique retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Housed behind a historic church is a archive that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds numerous of magnificent volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes detailed Renaissance-era maps and
