lonely

If you’re already dreaming about your next getaway, then you’re in luck, as the best places for 2027 have been named by Lonely Planet, and there’s a lesser-known Spanish city that warrants attention

We’re all familiar with the Spanish hotspots of Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza and Palma, but there’s a lesser-known destination worth putting on your radar. Often missed by tourists, Lonely Planet has hailed a Spanish city as the best place for 2027, with blissfully few crowds and free tapas under the Mediterranean sun.

It’s not too early to start thinking about your holiday plans for next year, and now just might be the best time, as Lonely Planet has released its ‘Best in Travel’ list, highlighting the top worldwide destinations to visit in 2027. Among their top 24, five underrated European spots made the list, including the beautiful city of León in Spain.

Sitting along the Bernesga River in northern Spain, León is brimming with whimsical architecture, a vibrant old quarter, and a welcoming free-tapas culture. Crowned as one of the best places to visit next year, Lonely Planet noted: “Located in northern Spain, off the traditional tourist radar, it is one of the country’s most evocative medieval cities, combining magnificent Gothic architecture, centuries of history and a lively contemporary spirit.”

Among its striking French-style Gothic landmarks is the majestic 13th-century León Cathedral, known as Pulchra Leonina, meaning ‘the Leonese beauty’ or ‘the House of Light’. It has more than 1,800 square meters of stained glass across 125 windows, along with intricate stone carvings and towering spires, leaving visitors in awe.

One traveller shared on TripAdvisor earlier this month: “This is an extraordinarily beautiful cathedral. The many stained glass windows create a unique ambience in the cathedral. It is an inspiring space for prayer. Take time to attend Mass so that you can just immerse in the beauty of the space.”

A second commented: “A real jewel in a city a little neglected by tourism. A Gothic marvel at the level of Reims Cathedral. And in addition to the splendid stained glass windows and an incredible atmosphere. The museum is also very rich. Worth the trip.” While one more exclaimed, “I think it’s the most spectacular cathedral I’ve ever seen. It’s worth paying to see.”

In the heart of the Spanish city sits the ancient Barrio Húmedo district, packed with more than 100 bars and a legendary free-tapas culture, where Leonese bars automatically serve a hearty free tapa, from croquetas and patatas bravas to stews, with every drink ordered, whether it’s a local wine or a small beer. The quarter comes alive with locals gathering for drinks and traditional Leonese cuisine, alongside a thriving nightlife scene.

Furthermore, the city is home to the Catholic church, the Basílica de San Isidoro, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art’, which is interestingly located on the site of an ancient Roman temple. The Casa Botines museum is another standout landmark with its fairy-tale design, and it houses a collection of Spanish art dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

Yet, there’s plenty to explore in León simply by wandering its narrow lanes and past medieval stone walls, with plenty of authentic espresso bars dotted around the city alongside trendy restaurants and cosy tapas bars serving up the best of Spanish cuisine. There are serene parks and gardens nestled along the river for gentle strolls and to soak up the sun during the warmer months, as well as outdoor terraces offering picturesque views over the unsung Spanish city.

Offering a closer insight into León, writer and traveller Mark Eveleigh told Lonely Planet: “By day, you’ll encounter a city with its roots firmly planted in the soil of northern Castilla, with its grand monuments, Catholic heritage and access to the Camino de Santiago. By night, León is taken over by a deep-into-the-night soundtrack of revelry that floods the narrow streets and plazas of the picturesque old quarter. Two cities in one.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

KATE Beckinsale has revealed her PTSD diagnosis and admitted she’s in a ‘lonely place’ in a heartbreaking Instagram video.

The actress said that there’s loads of information around military PTSD but not Civilian PTSD and that people find that harder to understand.

Kate, 53, explained that people who “have seen or experienced levels of horror, terror or violence” see it every time they blink or any time they close their eyes for a second.

She said: “Those people aren’t recognised as heroes.”

She went on to explain that although people with PTSD go about their everyday lives that “they don’t sleep for more than an hour because when they do, it’s full of nightmares.”

She said: “Anything, smells, sounds, thoughts, feelings. Can trigger them into a place that is actually like hell.”

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She shared that since battling PTSD is “invisible,” people should be “kinder and gentler” to others.

She continued: “It really is true that if you haven’t walked a mile in someone’s shoes — however fancy you think the shoes are — you have absolutely no idea what they might be carrying, masking, dealing with day and night.

“And if in doubt, especially to a little child. And I am someone who had a little child who was treated extremely cruelly by grown adults, who forgave themselves immediately.

“So if in doubt be kind. Always be kind.”

The star ended her video by explaining that PTSD victims “are the loneliest people because they are alone with a level of horror that’s incompatible with life.

“Yet a lot of the time these people continue to try and put one foot in front of the other.”

Fans flocked to comment and one wrote: “Thank you for sharing this, I appreciate you being so open n giving some insight, I don’t know if it helps but I hope you know it’s appreciated.”

Kate replied: “I’m really glad that makes me happy. I just hope at least one person can feel seen and appreciated and understood. It can be such a lonely place.”

Another added: “Sending love and hugs.”

A third wrote: “The truest words I’ve heard all f***ing year! Hope you’re ok xx.”

While a fourth said: “You’re right… there’s not enough awareness of complex PTSD at all!”

Kate lost her beloved mum Judy Loe, 73, in 2025 after a battle with cancer.

Kate first revealed her mother’s cancer diagnosis last year, shortly after the death of her famous stepfather Roy Battersby, who tragically passed away following a massive stroke.

The Serendipity star also lost her father Richard Beckinsale at the age of five after he suffered a huge heart attack.