Readers' Most Cherished Journey Finds of 2025: Secret Spots Around the Globe
From a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked alpine railway in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable discoveries from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after stepping off the bus, one visitor wondered about their selection. However the early doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement provides beyond just swimming. Tourists can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and narrow passageways filled with bustling places to eat. Man-made diving platforms make the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town serve up crisp pastries and beverages with genuine hospitality.
Classic Music in Berlin
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized music bar promises great enjoyment. The ambiance is fantastic, with a DJ using just vinyl records. Furniture are sometimes cleared to make dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar sometimes has live bands, guaranteeing a memorable evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet escape. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a slope and go up a giant wooden lookout for stunning views over verdant fields. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture is on display through rustic restaurants serving substantial dishes and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa has a number of medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. Featuring several wonderful sandy shores, its lively town center thrives nightly with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot offered a local feel at a much lower of the cost. Accommodation featured convenient access to the sea and a elegant and warm environment.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from the region. But, the route is said to be under threat of being closed. The trip passes over photogenic bridges around the town of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are advised to experience this special line while they can.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by coastline, woods, and farmland. A notable site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is complimentary, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
It is possible to hike for hours along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This undiscovered landscape provides wide-open views, marine life offshore, and an array of wildlife. The coast path winds along marshes flanking an estuary, where remains of boats can be seen. A walk can start at a very old place of worship, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt mountain road. Shut during winter, it usually reopens in June. The trip requires constant switchbacks to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Visitors can reach a high-altitude lake, sometimes ringed with snow, without a cable car. The journey also includes the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the unforgettable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A quick boat trip from a vibrant city takes people to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along tree-lined streets featuring grand mansions. The rhythm is relaxed, frequently broken by resident cats and opportunities to gaze back at the distant city. The return journey is usually filled with thoughts for a comeback to this unique sanctuary.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Tucked away behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is complimentary to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains a vast collection of ancient books, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features detailed Renaissance-era maps and