Readers' Top Journey Discoveries of The Past Year: Hidden Gems Across the World
From a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a overlooked alpine railway in France, explorers revealed their most memorable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after arriving, an explorer wondered about their choice. Yet the first suspicions quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This delightful location offers more than swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and narrow passageways lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Man-made platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Nearby establishments serve up delicious pastries and beverages with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Tunes in Berlin
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a dedicated club offers immense fun. The vibe is fabulous, complete with a DJ spinning just vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes pushed aside to make space to dance. Staying open late, the bar sometimes features performances, ensuring a great experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring presents a peaceful getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a hill and climb a large wooden lookout for magnificent vistas over verdant fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage can be felt through rustic restaurants offering hearty fare and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area features a number of mineral water sources to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a excellent discovery. With three wonderful sandy beaches, its bustling centre is active every night with locals. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location delivered a local experience at a much lower of the price. The lodging offered convenient entry to the shore and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a great excursion from nearby cities. Yet, this line is said to be under threat of shutting down. The trip passes over spectacular stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are urged to see this special line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers notable sites and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The landscape is striking, featuring rocky inlets, woods, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a historical naval base established by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the remains is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to stroll for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another person. This hidden area boasts wide-open views, marine life in the water, and an abundance of birds. The trail meanders along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of boats are visible. A hike can commence at a 7th-century chapel, reportedly the earliest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. Inaccessible during winter, it typically opens in early summer. The trip involves numerous turns to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing excellent scenery. Travelers can reach a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The drive also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along tree-lined streets featuring grand mansions. The feel is leisurely, with time paused by resident felines and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this special sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a library that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains numerous of rare books, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes detailed Renaissance-era cartography and