Readers' Top Journey Discoveries of 2025: Hidden Gems Across the World
From a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten mountain railway in France, explorers revealed their most unforgettable discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler wondered about their decision. But the early hesitations soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This charming settlement presents more than swimming. Visitors may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and stone-paved alleys filled with vibrant places to eat. Concrete platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for everyone. Places in town offer flaky pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Retro Music in Berlin
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed venue is great enjoyment. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl. Furniture are routinely pushed aside to make space to dance. Operating late into the night, the bar occasionally features performances, guaranteeing a memorable experience.
Ethnic Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a peaceful getaway. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a slope and ascend a giant spiral viewing tower for magnificent views over verdant fields. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Lemko culture can be felt through rustic restaurants offering robust dishes and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a noted folk artist, and the main area has several mineral taps to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful choice. Boasting multiple wonderful sandy shores, its bustling town center thrives every night with locals. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town offered a genuine experience at a a quarter of the price. A hotel offered convenient a path to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Rail Line in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from a nearby city. However, the route is reportedly at risk of being closed. The journey includes spectacular bridges around the town of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to see this unique railway 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 notable sites and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The landscape is attractive, with coastline, woods, and farms. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress constructed by Russia and subsequently demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
It is possible to walk for miles along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This secret landscape offers expansive vistas, seals in the water, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail meanders along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where remains of boats lie. A journey can commence at a ancient church, among the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal 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 paved mountain road. Closed during the colder months, it typically reopens in June. The trip involves many switchbacks to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking views. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, by car. The drive also offers the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A brief boat trip from a major city transports travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the day ends, the urban energy is replaced for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, guests meander along quiet streets featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is slow, frequently paused by local felines and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often spent planning ideas for a comeback to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the half-timbered city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Housed behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses numerous of ancient books, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection showcases detailed 16th-century cartography and