Globetrotters' Top Travel Revelations of This Year: Hidden Gems Around the Globe
From a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after stepping off the bus, one visitor pondered about their choice. But the initial suspicions quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque location presents beyond just a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through beautiful piazzas and cobbled lanes housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Places in town provide crisp pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Vintage Sounds in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated venue promises immense fun. The ambiance is fabulous, with a DJ spinning exclusively records. Furniture are sometimes moved to create space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times has live music, making for a great experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a peaceful escape. Travelers can hike to the peak of a slope and ascend a giant twisting platform for breathtaking vistas over lush fields. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine serving substantial food and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa has several medicinal water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent discovery. Featuring three wonderful sandy coastlines, its bustling center thrives in the evenings with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic experience at a fraction of the cost. A hotel provided easy entry to the beach and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great journey from the region. Yet, this line is said to be at risk of closure. The ride includes photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to see this unique railway while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting museums and is reachable by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is striking, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A historical location at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and subsequently attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This hidden world offers expansive vistas, marine life in the water, and an array of wildlife. The trail meanders along marshes bordering an estuary, where remnants of boats can be seen. A journey can begin at a ancient place of worship, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a charming town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The drive features many turns to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, still covered in snow, directly. The route also presents the chance for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports people to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the urban energy fades for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, explorers stroll along quiet roads lined with beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, with time broken by local felines and chances to stare back at the far-off mainland. The return journey is usually spent planning thoughts for a next visit to this special sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a Gothic building is a collection that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds numerous of magnificent books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition features exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
