Globetrotters' Top Travel Finds of This Year: Secret Spots Worldwide
From a Venice-like Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their most memorable encounters from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. Yet the first hesitations rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This charming settlement offers beyond just a swim. Guests are able to stroll through beautiful public squares and stone-paved passageways filled with vibrant eateries. Man-made platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments serve up crisp pastries and refreshments with friendly welcome.
Retro Sounds in The German Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar is a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ spinning only vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes pushed aside to make dancing. Open late into the night, the bar occasionally hosts live music, guaranteeing a great night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a peaceful escape. Guests are able to climb to the top of a hill and go up a tall wooden platform for breathtaking views over green pastures. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic dining with hearty fare and music. A gallery displays the work of a noted folk artist, and the main area has multiple mineral water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful discovery. With several wonderful sandy shores, its lively centre comes alive in the evenings with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. Accommodation offered easy entry to the beach and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb day trip from a nearby city. But, this line is reportedly at risk of being closed. The ride passes over spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are encouraged to experience this unique railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, with rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress built by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing anyone. This undiscovered world provides wide-open views, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The path meanders along salt marsh next to an estuary, where remains of ships can be seen. A walk can commence at a ancient place of worship, among the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt route. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually reopens in June. The journey requires many bends to ascend the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still covered in snow, by car. The drive also includes the potential for spotting bears, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a major city transports travelers to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests meander along quiet streets featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, with time paused by local cats and moments to stare back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is usually filled with ideas for a next visit to this unique retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Located behind a historic building is a library that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of rare volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes detailed 16th-century cartography and