Readers' Favorite Adventure Discoveries of The Past Year: Hidden Gems Worldwide
Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors disclosed their most memorable encounters from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after arriving, one visitor questioned about their decision. But the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming town offers more than a swim. Visitors may meander through beautiful piazzas and stone-paved lanes lined with busy eateries. Man-made platforms turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments serve up crisp pastries and beverages with genuine welcome.
Classic Tunes in Germany's Capital
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed venue offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing exclusively records. Chairs and tables are sometimes pushed aside to make space to dance. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes has live music, making for a great experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a peaceful escape. Guests can hike to the summit of a ski run and ascend a tall wooden viewing tower for breathtaking panoramas over green pastures. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage is on display through traditional dining offering substantial food and traditional music. A gallery celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the town centre has several medicinal water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful choice. Boasting several stunning pristine shores, its vibrant center comes alive in the evenings with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a local atmosphere at a much lower of the price. Accommodation provided direct access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect excursion from nearby cities. However, this line is said to be threatened of closure. The journey features spectacular bridges around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque line while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a strong culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is striking, with rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century outpost established by Russia and later attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is without charge, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can stroll for miles along a section of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This hidden landscape provides wide-open views, marine life in the water, and an profusion of wildlife. The coast path meanders along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where remnants of ships lie. A walk can begin at a ancient church, among the most ancient in England, and conclude in a quaint town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Closed during winter, it typically opens in June. The drive features numerous bends to climb the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent scenery. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The route also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a major metropolis takes travelers to a tranquil getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, guests walk along historic roads featuring grand mansions. The pace is slow, often paused by resident cats and moments to look back at the distant city. The ferry back is often accompanied by ideas for a future return to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Tucked away behind a Gothic building is a archive that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds thousands of rare volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and