Readers' Favorite Adventure Finds of This Year: Secret Spots Around the Globe
Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a little-known alpine railway in France, explorers have shared their most memorable finds from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after arriving, a traveler pondered about their choice. Yet the early doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque town provides more than a swim. Tourists can wander through ornate piazzas and stone-paved alleys lined with bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea manageable for people of every age. Nearby establishments provide crisp pastries and beverages with genuine welcome.
Retro Music in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, retro pop, and Motown, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a themed music bar promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ playing just records. Chairs and tables are routinely cleared to make dance floor. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts performances, making for a great evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene retreat. Travelers can hike to the peak of a ski run and ascend a giant wooden lookout for magnificent views over lush fields. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture is on display through traditional restaurants offering robust dishes and folk music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa features several medicinal water sources to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant discovery. Boasting multiple wonderful pristine beaches, its bustling center is active every night with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a genuine experience at a fraction of the cost. The lodging featured convenient access to the shore and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Scenic Alpine Rail Line in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect day trip from nearby cities. Yet, the route is potentially threatened of closure. The ride features breathtaking bridges around the area of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to see this special railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is striking, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress built by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This secret world offers wide-open views, seals bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The coast path follows along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of ships are visible. A hike can commence at a ancient place of worship, one of the earliest in England, and finish in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Shut during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The journey involves numerous bends to climb the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding excellent views. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also presents the potential for spotting bears, enhancing the memorable experience.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A brief journey from a vibrant city takes visitors to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the urban energy fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors meander along historic streets featuring grand mansions. The pace is slow, often interrupted by resident felines and opportunities to stare back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is often accompanied by plans for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem awaits. Located behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains numerous of magnificent tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
