Readers' Favorite Journey Discoveries of 2025: Hidden Gems Around the Globe
Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian town by the sea to a forgotten mountain train line in France, explorers disclosed their standout encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Adriatic Shore
Right after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their decision. Yet the initial hesitations soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming settlement offers beyond just swimming. Visitors may meander through beautiful piazzas and stone-paved passageways housing bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town offer delicious pastries and beverages with genuine service.
Retro Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized club is great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl records. Furniture are routinely cleared to allow for dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar at times has performances, ensuring a memorable night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a serene retreat. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a ski run and go up a large wooden platform for stunning panoramas over verdant fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Their culture is on display through rustic dining serving robust food and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a renowned painter, and the central spa boasts a number of mineral water sources to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Featuring multiple beautiful white sand shores, its vibrant town center comes alive every night with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a local feel at a fraction of the cost. The lodging provided convenient access to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a superb excursion from nearby cities. However, the route is said to be threatened of shutting down. The journey includes spectacular bridges around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to experience this special railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a strong culture. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is attractive, characterized by coastline, forests, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical naval base built by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is free, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in Essex
One can walk for miles along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This hidden area boasts expansive vistas, marine life offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The path meanders along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where remnants of ships can be seen. A hike can commence at a very old church, one of the most ancient in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Closed during the colder months, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip involves many switchbacks to climb the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking views. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the opportunity for wildlife sightings, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Near a Major City
A quick journey from a bustling metropolis takes visitors to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors meander along tree-lined streets featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, frequently interrupted by local felines and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is usually accompanied by thoughts for a next visit to this unique sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a historic church is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses numerous of rare volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display includes gorgeous Renaissance-era cartography and
