Globetrotters' Top Travel Discoveries of The Past Year: Secret Spots Around the Globe
Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked mountain railway in France, explorers revealed their standout finds from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. But the early suspicions quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This delightful location offers more than a swim. Guests are able to stroll through ornate piazzas and cobbled passageways housing busy eateries. Concrete diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Nearby establishments serve up flaky pastries and refreshments with genuine welcome.
Retro Music in Berlin
For fans of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed music bar is great enjoyment. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ using only vinyl. Chairs and tables are sometimes cleared to create dancing. Open late, the bar sometimes has live bands, guaranteeing a fantastic experience.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet escape. Visitors may walk to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant spiral viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over verdant pastures. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine serving robust dishes and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre boasts multiple mineral water sources to taste.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent discovery. With multiple beautiful pristine beaches, its lively centre thrives in the evenings with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this location offered a genuine atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. The lodging featured direct a path to the sea and a elegant and warm environment.
A Historic Alpine Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from the region. But, the route is potentially at risk of shutting down. The journey features breathtaking viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Tourists are advised to see this picturesque line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The capital, Mariehamn, features notable sites and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The landscape is striking, with coastline, forests, and farmland. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a historical naval base built by Russia and subsequently demolished during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to hike for miles along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another soul. This secret world boasts wide-open views, seals offshore, and an profusion of wildlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine bordering an estuary, where remains of boats can be seen. A walk can begin at a ancient place of worship, one of the most ancient in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip requires constant turns to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering incredible views. Travelers can drive up to a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the chance for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a major city takes travelers to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, guests walk along historic streets flanked by grand mansions. The pace is slow, often paused by local cats and chances to stare back at the distant city. The return journey is usually accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Located behind a historic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition showcases gorgeous 16th-century maps and
