Readers' Top Journey Finds of This Year: Lesser-Known Treasures Across the World
Starting with a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their standout encounters from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their choice. However the first doubts rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This picturesque town offers more than swimming. Guests may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and narrow lanes housing vibrant places to eat. Concrete diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for people of every age. Places in town offer delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Retro Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized venue promises immense fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, featuring a DJ playing exclusively records. Furniture are sometimes moved to make space to dance. Staying open late, the bar at times has performances, ensuring a memorable evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a quiet getaway. Visitors can hike to the summit of a hill and ascend a large spiral viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over verdant pastures. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture is on display through traditional restaurants with hearty food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a prolific naive artist, and the town centre features a number of medicinal taps to try.
Sardinian Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a excellent find. Boasting three beautiful pristine coastlines, its bustling centre thrives nightly with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic feel at a much lower of the cost. The lodging provided direct access to the beach and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb excursion from the region. Yet, the route is reportedly threatened of closure. The trip features photogenic bridges around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are advised to see this special line before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is easy to get to by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by shores, woods, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress constructed by Russia and then attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to hike for hours along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another soul. This secret landscape provides expansive vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail follows along salt marsh next to an river mouth, where remnants of ships are visible. A walk can start at a ancient place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and end in a charming town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Closed during winter, it typically reopens in early summer. The trip requires constant switchbacks to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, offering excellent scenery. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, still covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the chance for wildlife sightings, completing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city transports visitors to a peaceful island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, explorers walk along tree-lined lanes flanked by historic houses. The pace is slow, with time broken by local felines and chances to stare back at the skyline of the mainland. The ferry back is usually spent planning plans for a comeback to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds thousands of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The display includes gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
