Globetrotters' Most Cherished Journey Finds of This Year: Hidden Gems Across the World
Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable encounters from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after stepping off the bus, one visitor wondered about their decision. Yet the first hesitations rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This delightful location offers more than a swim. Guests can wander through ornate piazzas and stone-paved lanes filled with vibrant seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town serve up crisp pastries and refreshments with warm welcome.
Retro Tunes in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul music, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized venue promises immense fun. The vibe is terrific, with a DJ playing exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are often pushed aside to allow for dance floor. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes has live music, making for a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a serene escape. Travelers can hike to the summit of a hill and ascend a tall wooden lookout for stunning vistas over verdant pastures. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional restaurants offering hearty food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the town centre features multiple spring taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful choice. Boasting multiple beautiful white sand beaches, its vibrant center comes alive every night with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location provided a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the price. A hotel provided easy access to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great day trip from the region. However, the route is said to be under threat of shutting down. The trip includes breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to ride this picturesque line soon.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is reachable by boat from several countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring coastline, woods, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can stroll for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing anyone. This undiscovered landscape provides sweeping views, seals in the water, and an array of wildlife. The trail meanders along estuarine flanking an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A walk can commence at a 7th-century chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt route. Inaccessible during winter, it usually opens in early summer. The trip involves constant switchbacks to ascend the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking vistas. Travelers can access a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also includes the opportunity for wildlife sightings, adding to the remarkable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A brief journey from a bustling city transports visitors to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the urban energy dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors meander along quiet roads flanked by historic houses. The pace is relaxed, often broken by local felines and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by plans for a next visit to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds thousands of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
