Globetrotters' Favorite Journey Revelations of This Year: Lesser-Known Treasures Worldwide
From a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors revealed their most memorable encounters from their journeys.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after getting off the bus, one visitor questioned about their choice. Yet the first suspicions quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful town offers more than a swim. Guests can wander through ornate public squares and cobbled passageways housing vibrant eateries. Man-made jumping points turn the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for all ages. Places in town provide flaky pastries and beverages with warm hospitality.
Classic Music in Berlin
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and soul music, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated club offers immense fun. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ using exclusively records. Furniture are routinely cleared to allow for dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes features live music, guaranteeing a great experience.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a serene getaway. Visitors may walk to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant spiral platform for breathtaking views over green fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic restaurants serving substantial fare and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the main area has a number of medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful find. Boasting three stunning white sand coastlines, its bustling centre thrives in the evenings with locals. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location delivered a more authentic experience at a much lower of the cost. A hotel provided easy access to the shore and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect day trip from nearby cities. However, this line is potentially threatened of being closed. The trip passes over breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Travelers are advised to experience this unique line soon.
Island History in the Baltic
The Ã…land islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish culture. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is accessible by ferry from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A notable fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost built by Russia and later destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This undiscovered landscape provides sweeping vistas, marine life offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The coast path winds along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remains of ships can be seen. A walk can start at a 7th-century chapel, one of the most ancient in England, and end in a charming town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in early summer. The trip features many switchbacks to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The journey also presents the chance for wildlife sightings, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A short journey from a major metropolis takes visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, guests meander along quiet lanes flanked by grand mansions. The rhythm is relaxed, with time broken by friendly cats and moments to look back at the distant city. The return journey is often filled with thoughts for a future return to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds thousands of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The collection features gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
