Swedish Riviera crowned Best in Travel 2027 by Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet has named Skanör-Falsterbo on the Swedish Riviera among its top global destinations in Best in Travel 2027. Situated in southwest Skåne, Sweden's southernmost province, this coastal peninsula joins two medieval towns with white sand dunes and Sweden's oldest nature reserve. A perfect choice for travellers seeking quiet nature, slow coastal living, active outdoor exploration, and rich regional gastronomy.

Watch tower on Skanör beach. Photo: © Lukasz Burda (Download)

Recognition for Slow Travel and Coastal Nature
Lonely Planet selected Skanör-Falsterbo as part of its global recommendations for travellers who want to escape crowds and find meaningful experiences. The Falsterbo peninsula forms an elongated reef where nature creates a sanctuary for wildlife and visitors alike.

Every autumn, around 500 million migrating birds and 359 distinct species pass Falsterbo Lighthouse, making the reserve a key migration station in northern Europe. The surrounding crystal-clear waters provide breeding grounds for shorebirds and seals, while colourful painted wooden bathing huts line the white sand dunes along Skanör, Falsterbo, and Höllviken.

Måkläppen nature reserve in Falsterbo is Sweden’s oldest nature reserve and an important breeding area for shorebirds and seals. The nature reserve is characterised by large sand deposits, constantly changing in shape and size due to ocean currents and wind. Måkläppen has a history stretching back 8,000 years, with stone tools left by some of the first hunter-gatherers to settle here after the last Ice Age. Its waters also hold shipwrecks dating from the Viking Age to the present day, reminders of the treacherous reefs off the Falsterbo Peninsula.

Where to Stay and Active Coastal Travel
Skanör-Falsterbo caters to diverse travel preferences with distinctive heritage boutique lodging and eco-friendly coastal resorts:

Hotell Gässlingen (Skanör): A charming boutique hotel located at Rådhustorget in Skanör, set in a historic 1964 converted farm. Open year-round, it features full spa and relaxation facilities, an outdoor pool, and a kitchen dedicated to locally grown Skåne produce. Special seasonal packages include traditional autumn Gåsamiddag (goose dinner) celebrations and culinary weekend stays.
Falsterbo Resort (Falsterbo): Situated just a few hundred metres from the beach adjacent to Ljungen nature reserve. Accommodations range from camping pitches and glamping tents to stopovers and custom cabins styled after the area's iconic coastal bathing huts. The resort serves as an outdoor activity hub offering padel courts, minigolf, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), an on-site bistro with rooftop terrace, and bicycle rentals via Hyrenhoj.
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For active travellers, the flat peninsula terrain is ideal for cycle touring. National cycling trail Sydkustleden and the hiking routes Skåneleden (SL5 Öresund) and Östersjöleden pass directly through the resort area, connecting travellers north to Malmö and east to Österlen. Visitors can also travel between Skanör and Falsterbo via the Gåsatåget local land train.

Why Skåne? Sweden's Portal to Northern Europe
Skåne is Sweden's southernmost county, celebrated for its diverse landscapes ranging from bright yellow rapeseed fields and enchanted beech forests to over 40 km of pristine white sand beaches. Bridging Scandinavia and continental Europe via the Öresund Bridge, Skåne combines a rich cultural heritage—shaped by centuries of Danish rule—with a pioneering culinary scene and vibrant city life.

Things Not to Miss in Skåne
Malmö City Pulse: Explore Sweden's third-largest city, home to the 190-metre twisting Turning Torso skyscraper, Scandinavia's oldest Renaissance castle (Malmöhus Castle), and Ribersborgs Kallbadhus ('Kallis') historic cold bathhouse.

Historic Lund: Visit the university city of Lund, famous for its 12th-century Romanesque Lund Cathedral with magnificent twin towers.

Österlen & Stenshuvud: Discover the pristine coastal region of Österlen, Stenshuvud National Park, and the apple orchards of Kiviks Musteri.

Ale's Stones (Ales stenar): Marvel at Scandinavia's iconic 1,400-year-old megalithic monument consisting of 59 massive boulders overlooking the Baltic Sea.

Swedish Wine Country: Sample award-winning cool-climate wines at local vineyards such as Hällåkra Vingård.

Outdoor Adventure: Hike or cycle along the 1,600 km Skåneleden trail network or the national Sydkustleden cycling route. Paddle the lakes and rivers of Skåne or take to horseback to enjoy the region´s dramatic natural scenery.

Media Assets and Press Contacts
High-resolution press photographs of Skanör-Falsterbo and the Swedish Riviera are available via the:

Visit Sweden imagebank at imagebank.sweden.se.
Visit Skåne media bank at mediabank.visitskane.com

Additional details on the Best in Travel 2027 list and destination itineraries are available through Lonely Planet channels. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel.
Lonely Planet EMEA Media Office (Gosh PR): lonelyplanet@goshpr.co.uk

Press Contact Visit Sweden, Ebba Ekelund, ebba.ekelund@visitsweden.com
Website: www.visitsweden.nl
Newsroom: https://press.visitsweden.com/dutch
Image Bank Sweden: https://imagebank.sweden.se/