Globetrotters' Most Cherished Travel Revelations of This Year: Secret Spots Worldwide
Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten mountain railway in France, explorers revealed their most unforgettable encounters from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer pondered about their choice. However the first hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming town presents more than a swim. Tourists are able to stroll through beautiful piazzas and cobbled lanes housing busy seafood restaurants. Concrete diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Nearby establishments provide crisp pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Retro Sounds in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized venue promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ using only records. Seating are sometimes pushed aside to make dancing. Operating late into the night, the bar sometimes features performances, making for a great evening.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet escape. Travelers may walk to the top of a ski run and climb a tall wooden viewing tower for breathtaking views over green fields. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. The local heritage is on display through traditional dining serving hearty dishes and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a prolific naive artist, and the main area has several medicinal water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. Featuring three wonderful white sand beaches, its lively centre thrives in the evenings with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town provided a genuine atmosphere at a much lower of the price. A hotel offered direct entry to the beach and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from the region. But, this service is said to be threatened of being closed. The journey includes photogenic bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this unique railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The landscape is beautiful, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to stroll for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This hidden world provides expansive vistas, seals in the water, and an profusion of birds. The trail follows along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of boats lie. A journey can commence at a ancient church, among the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved mountain road. Closed during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip requires constant turns to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the memorable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a bustling metropolis takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the sun sets, the city chaos dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, explorers walk along historic lanes lined with beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, often broken by local felines and opportunities to look back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually filled with ideas for a next visit to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Tucked away behind a historic building is a collection that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of ancient books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition features gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and