Readers' Top Travel Finds of 2025: Hidden Gems Worldwide
From a Venetian-style Slovenian coastal town to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors disclosed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after arriving, a traveler wondered about their decision. Yet the first hesitations soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming location offers more than swimming. Visitors can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved alleys housing busy eateries. Concrete diving platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Nearby establishments offer flaky pastries and refreshments with warm hospitality.
Vintage Music in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club is immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ using exclusively vinyl. Furniture are sometimes pushed aside to make dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Traveling into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a quiet retreat. Travelers may walk to the peak of a slope and go up a tall twisting viewing tower for magnificent vistas over verdant landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be experienced through rustic dining offering substantial food and traditional music. A gallery celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the central spa boasts multiple mineral water fountains to try.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent discovery. Boasting three wonderful pristine beaches, its vibrant center is active in the evenings with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a more authentic feel at a much lower of the price. A hotel provided easy entry to the sea and a stylish but welcoming environment.
A Historic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a rural train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from the region. But, this service is potentially under threat of being closed. The trip includes breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to experience this unique railway before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is accessible by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, characterized by coastline, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century fortress established by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is complimentary, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
One can stroll for miles along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This secret world provides sweeping vistas, seals in the water, and an array of wildlife. The path meanders along marshes next to an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A journey can commence at a very old church, among the oldest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular asphalt mountain road. Closed during winter, it usually reopens in late spring. The trip features constant turns to climb the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking views. Drivers can reach a high-altitude lake, often surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the potential for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Getaway Close to a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a vibrant city transports travelers to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers meander along quiet roads featuring grand mansions. The rhythm is leisurely, often paused by local cats and opportunities to look back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often accompanied by plans for a next visit to this unique sanctuary.
Top Discovery: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Located behind a Gothic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses numerous of rare tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
