experiences

DRAMATIC Alaskan landscapes, a medieval city on Spain’s north coast and surf beaches in Morocco are among THE places to visit in 2027, according to Lonely Planet.

The experts’ latest book – Best In Travel 2027 – recommends exploring a treasure trove of places off the beaten track.

And that includes unforgettable experiences tipped for 2027, from “flightseeing” in the skies above icy Alaska, to hiking the historic St Cuthbert’s Way from the Scottish borders to Northumberland.

Lisa Minot picks her favourite destinations and experiences from the list.

BEST EXPERIENCES

GO FLIGHTSEEING ALASKA: With just 20 per cent of Alaska accessible by road, taking to the skies in a small plane is one of the best ways to experience its vast wilderness.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

May and June are the best months for the driest, most stable weather, while July and August mean up to 20 hours of daylight and lush landscapes.

WALK ST CUTHBERT’S WAY: Follow this 62-mile pilgrimage from Melrose to Lindisfarne through the wild uplands of the Scottish borders to Northumberland.

You’ll pass through moorlands, by ghostly hill forts and stop at cosy village pubs before visiting Holy Island.

See stcuthbertsway.info.

DIVE THE AEGEAN: Once heavily restricted to protect underwater antiquities from pillaging, you can now discover Poseidon’s underwater world as new legislation and the opening of underwater archaeological sites allows you to explore marine treasures.

Examples include the Peristera shipwreck off the island of Alonissos.

It sank in the 5th century, carrying more than 4,000 wine amphorae (clay jars).

Or visit the Fourni Archipelago, known as the ancient shipwreck capital of the world.

SAIL THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS, ITALY: Island hopping isn’t the reserve of the Greeks.

Sail between these lesser-known islands to discover rugged coastlines, clear waters and Italian traditions.

Set sail from Sicily on the fast ferries that visit all seven islands, but book ahead in summer.

Or join a skippered sailing holiday through UK operators such as Sunsail or Dream Yacht Charter.

EXPLORE KILLARY FJORD, IRELAND: Tucked along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the Killary Fjord in Co Galway cuts its way ten miles inland towards the village of Leenaun, past steep peaks that change dramatically with the seasons. It’s some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.

BEST PLACES

SWEDISH RIVIERA: After this year’s heatwaves, travellers may be looking for cooler destinations.

The twin towns of Skanor and Falsterbo are connected by a bridge and home to colourful cottages, gardens and an endless coastline.

SIBENIK, CROATIA: This small but lively Adriatic city has colourful festivals and gastronomic delights from fresh Adriatic seafood to truffle pastas.

Explore a labyrinth of steep stone alleyways, hidden plazas and Venetian-era architecture.

The city sits between the coastal towns of Split and Zadar and there are plenty of low-cost flights into both from the UK.

LEON, SPAIN: Northern Spain is having its moment in 2027.

Known for its many bars offering free tapas, Leon combines centuries of history with a lively contemporary spirit.

When you order a wine, cider or beer, expect a substantial plate of local cured beef, cheese and spicy blood sausage.

Best explored by hire car, flying into Santander or Bilbao.

RABAT, MOROCCO: Think all the exotic excitement of Marrakech but without the crowds.

Rabat on Morocco’s coast boasts royal palaces, coastal breezes and clean, palm-lined avenues.

The country’s imperial city still has a great Medina — for haggling over leather goods, spices and rugs — as well as miles of wide, sandy beaches.

There are direct flights from Gatwick and Stansted.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA: Known as Canada’s food island, the country’s smallest province is known for mussels, oysters and roadside lobster rolls served straight off the fishing boats.

Expect lush hills, white sand beaches and red sandstone cliffs dotted with lighthouses.

Author LM Montgomery set her novel Anne Of Green Gables here, and Netflix’s adaptation, Anne With An E, filmed in the province.

St Cuthbert’s Way now ranks alongside the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and France’s scenic Route Napoleon as the ‘Best in Travel’ for Lonely Planet guide.

A 62-mile walking route to England’s Holy Island has been named as one of the world’s top experiences in the ‘travel bible’ Lonely Planet.

St Cuthbert’s Way now ranks alongside the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and France’s scenic Route Napoleon as the ‘Best in Travel’.

The list also highlights lesser-known destinations like Quebec and Veneto, and cities such as Dessau in Germany, Šibenik in Croatia, León in Spain and Rabat in Morocco.

St Cuthbert’s Way covers 100km from Melrose in the Scottish Borders through some of the most peaceful countryside in the UK to Lindisfarne in Northumberland.

The BBC featured “The Road to Holy Island’ in a series earlier this year, including sections of St Cuthbert’s Way. It featured celebrities Patsy Kensit, Ashley Banjo, Hermione Norris and Jayne Middlemiss.

Lonely Planet recommends its “moorlands” and “ghostly hillforts” and village pubs. The walk officially opened in the summer of 1996. It begins in Melrose where St Cuthbert started his religious life in 650 AD and makes its way through the Eildon hills, past Jedburgh to Morebattle and Town Yetholm.

From there it crosses the border into England passing through Wooler before ending up on Holy Island off the Northumberland coast where St Cuthbert was first laid to rest.

Most people walk it from west to east as that follows the chronology of the saint’s life and also benefits from having the prevailing wind at your back.

It is described as enjoying an “ever-changing variety of scenery and spectacular views” and can be “easily completed” in four to six days.

The walk offers dramatic views of the countryside of southern Scotland and northern England, and an area identified as the most peaceful in the UK.

It ends with a ‘bit of a bang’ at Lindisfarne, famous for its causeway, castle and beautiful views. St Cuthbert is recognised as one of the world’s earliest wildlife conservationists. He was born in 635 AD and, after a “divine vision,” the young shepherd entered the monastery in Melrose.

A decade later, the town was struck by the plague and afterwards, he helped victims throughout the countryside and was reported to have performed many miracles.

He transferred to Lindisfarne in 664 but, described as a “hermit by nature,” retired to Inner Farne in 676. His efforts to protect birds led to his recognition as one of the earliest wildlife conservationists.

Andrew Fox, Chair of Visit Northumberland, said: “We are thrilled to see Northumberland featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027.

This recognition shines a global spotlight not only on St Cuthbert’s Way, but on the wider range of world-class experiences that make Northumberland such a distinctive destination.

“St Cuthbert’s Way perfectly captures the growing demand for more meaningful travel experiences.

Whether visitors come to walk, reflect, explore our coast and countryside, discover our historic sites or simply slow down and reconnect with nature, Northumberland offers an unforgettable journey and a genuine sense of place.”

The Lonely Planets top places and experiences in Europe are:

Places

1. Veneto, Italy
2. Dessau, Germany
3. Swedish Riviera (Skanör-Falsterbo), Sweden
4. Šibenik, Croatia
5. León, Spain

Experiences

1. Road-trip through history on the Route Napoléon, France
2. Sail the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
3. Walk St Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne, United Kingdom
4. Dive into an unexpected underwater world, Greece
5. Be wowed by wonderful Killary Fjord, Co Galway, Ireland

Simple sardines in the Algarve

Last August, the smoky aroma of grilled sardines drifting over the beach in Portimão woke me up from my sunbathing on the beach. Attracted by the aroma of barbecued fish, we found ourselves in the old port where, for €12, I was served two delicious sandwiches on rustic bread of sardines in garlic and olive oil, with a small cold beer. I sat down, ate and chatted with locals on benches at simple communal tables. The important thing seemed to be to enjoy food together. The next morning, a reenactment of the fishing boats arriving loaded with fish, as they once were, was a real spectacle – complete with guitar playing, drum-banging and excited seagulls whirling and wailing above in the hope of a feast. Later, concerts and dancing animated the town as the party for the sardine festival went on well into the night. Cooking demos and dishes including sardine-based soup and salads, added to the enjoyment. I never imagined such pleasure could be had from the simple sardine.
Joe

A family dinner in the Faroe Islands

My wife and I visited the Faroe Islands a few years ago, where we took part in heimablídni, a concept where traditional Faroese food is served in a home. We found it to be one of the best ways to experience the Faroes and a unique experience to share a meal with a local family. Homecooked dishes showcase ingredients from the surrounding sea and mountains. We were served smoked salmon from the host’s own smoker, lamb, potatoes and traditional specialities, all accompanied with great conversation about Faroese life and traditions. Sitting around a family table makes the experience feel personal and authentic.
Mike

A vegan feast in Sicily

As a vegan who loves trying local cuisine, the combination of warm hospitality and a high proportion of locals with a lactose intolerance makes Sicily the ideal foodie getaway. Having hiked to the top of Monte Pellegrino in 35C heat, we popped into a small nondescript street-food shop (the only place that was open) and were delighted to find panelle – delicious crispy chickpea-flour fritters served in sesame bread. We ate them overlooking Palermo harbour. That evening, we tried Haiku, a vegan restaurant with reimagined classics based on dishes such as carbonara and tiramisu. It was so good we kept ordering more and more courses until we could barely move.
Esther

Strong spirits and small plates in Greece

The city of Volos is famous for its Tsipouradika – tavernas that serve tsipouro, a strong spirit made from pomace, the stems, skins and seeds that are left over from wine making. It comes plain or infused with botanicals and anise, and is served with ice and water. Each glass you order arrives with a different small plate or meze. It could be grilled peppers, sundried octopus, a spicy cheese spread or smoked mackerel. You take pot luck as to what the patron fancies dishing up that day.
Barbara

The perfect snack to pair with Lithuanian beer

In Vilnius, we came across the ultimate food pairing for the fantastic beers available there in the form of kepta duona – deep-fried rye bread with garlic and cheese. Every bar has a slightly different version – raw, roast or confit garlic with cream, melted or simply grated cheese. A heavenly snack that could easily become your main meal.
Natalie

Vegan delights in the patisseries of Paris

Being an unfortunate combination of a foodie and a vegan, I was prepared for a weekend of staring longingly into patisserie windows when heading to Paris earlier this summer. I was not prepared for the unbridled joy awaiting me at the Land & Monkeys boulangeries/patisseries scattered across the capital. It began with an outrageously creamy raspberry petit gateaux from its Montmartre branch, followed by the unbelievable fluff and flake of a croissant aux champignons in the Marais the next day. A parting madeleine for the Eurostar on our last day was the pièce de résistance.
Elinor

Pasta with pears in Bologna

It was in Bologna, Italy’s self-proclaimed food capital, where I sampled the city’s signature dish of tortellini. We stumbled across Rosarose Bistrot, enticed by tables with red-checked cloths set in the middle of a cobblestone road. I enjoyed shells stuffed with tangy gorgonzola cheese and chunks of caramelised pears, a fruit I would usually avoid, but I placed trust in the regional delicacy. The fruit’s sweetness blended harmoniously with the strong cheese flavour; crispy and soft fried bread known as crescentine, was used to soak up the remaining sauce. It was only right to mark this culinary experience with a small tortellini keyring from a nearby gift shop, filled with various merchandise emblazoned with the pasta shell.
Caitlin

Catalonia’s ultimate slow-food festival

Last year, I discovered the ultimate slow-food festival – the Snail Feast of Lleida (L’Aplec del Caragol), 100 miles west of Barcelona. Over a long weekend, there was music, dancing, cooking and feasting, all in celebration of the tiny mollusc. Entrance to the festival is free, and visitors can enjoy traditional snail dishes in tents, local restaurants or simply in the town squares. I had two helpings of snails a la gormanda, cooked in a sauce of spicy paprika and herbs. Since attending the festival, I have been treading carefully in my garden in case I harm what I discovered are delicate and delicious creatures.
Helen

Heavenly cakes in Slovenia

Having travelled by train from Bristol down through the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, we reached our penultimate stop, Lake Bled. We’d been awed by the beautiful Swiss alpine scenery, but Bled took it up a notch. After a day of cycling from Bled to Lake Bohinj and back, we refuelled on the local delicacy, Bled cake, a sumptuously smooth set custard encased in the lightest of mille-feuille pastry and topped with whipped cream. Imagine an English custard slice, only a million times better. It was so welcome after a day in the Slovenian mountain air, we made it a holiday habit. A Bled cake a day until we had to come home!
Sara

Winning tip: delicious seafood soup in Spain

Few meals linger in the memory like a proper Asturian sopa de pescado y marisco (seafood soup). After kayaking 10 miles down the Sella River, my reward in the town of Arriondas wasn’t a humble bowl of soup – it was a whole pan! Every flavour shone through in a broth packed with white fish, prawns and sweet crab claws, so extraordinarily rich it almost brought me to tears. I devoured it all, skipping the rest of the courses without regret. Years later in Gijón, history repeated itself. Even my soup-sceptical husband declared it the best he had ever tasted. In Asturias, fish soup isn’t a starter. It’s an obsession in a pot.
Oksana