Cornwall, UK is the world’s best slow travel destination, beating other top holiday spots like Algarve, Lanzarote and Dubrovnik, according to new research by Sainsbury’s Bank.
Slow travel searches in the UK have risen 5.4 per cent on an annual basis to 4,608 between April 2024 and March 2025, as more travellers seek meaningful local connections and restorative experiences over packed itineraries.
The bank’s Slow Travel Index takes into account a number of metrics such as travel prices, accommodation, cuisine, proximity to nature and relaxation across the 30 most frequented slow travel destinations.
“Slow travel helps us to truly experience a place rather than rushing through it, allowing for a more restful and enriching journey. In a world where burnout is on the rise, this mindful approach to travel could be a game-changer for physical and emotional well-being,” wellness expert Eloise Skinner said in an email to Euronews Travel.
She added: “Spending longer in one place helps us feel more grounded and present in the moment.”
Other top slow travel destinations in Europe include the Algarve, Provence, Lanzarote and Oslo. County Mayo in Ireland, Dubrovnik, the Balkans, Iceland and Tallinn also ranked highly on the index.
Cornwall’s rugged coastlines and stunning beaches
Cornwall, located in the southwest of England, has a long history of being one of the UK’s favourite holiday spots. Coveted for its breathtaking beaches, lush countryside and abundance of nature and outdoor activities, slow travellers have plenty of opportunities to rest, relax and recharge.
Travellers looking for outdoor adventures can pedal coast-to-coast on the Bissoe Cycle Trail, or spend a quiet day in a sleepy coastal village like Portloe. Spend a day on a cruise ship, or get a taste of pirate and smuggling life exploring Holywell Bay’s sea caves.
For wellness travellers looking for meditation, yoga and spa treatments, Cornwall has a number of retreats such as The Raw Retreat, Cabilla Cornwall, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, and St Michaels Resort. Some highlights include a sensory spa garden, hydrotherapy pools and gorgeous woodland settings. Sample traditional Cornish fare like potted crab, saffron cake, or a cornish pasty—a handheld pie typically filled with beef, potatoes and vegetables.
Cornwall also offers several accommodation choices for a range of budgets, including glamping and camping options such as Willow Valley Glamping in Bude, The Beeches Glamping in Newquay and Mount Pleasant Eco Park in Porthtowan.
For those who want a more upscale experience, historic hotels like The Alverton in Truro and Tregenna Castle Resort in St Ives offer a beautiful blend of contemporary and heritage design, while still being easily accessible.
“When creating our index, Cornwall’s stunning coastline, hidden gems and rich history that encourage travellers to slow down really helped secure its top position. It offers visitors ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration at their own pace,” Stuart Brian, head of travel money at Sainsbury’s Bank said in an email.
Algarve’s traditional cuisine and turquoise lagoons
Portugal’s Algarve region bagged the top spot for cuisine in the index, making it a must-visit for slow travellers looking for authentic culinary experiences in idyllic settings. Tuck into traditionally prepared local seafood and fresh organic produce on sun-kissed beach terraces overlooking endless blue waters.
Experience a range of vineyards which also offer countryside dining options such as Quinta dos Sentidos, Morgado do Quintão and Quinta dos Vales. Wine tastings start from as little as €30 per person. The Algarve also has plenty of quiet beaches, nature and cliffs to explore, with visitors able to cycle through the countryside or hike in the Monchique Mountains.
Stay in traditional farm houses (quintas) like Quinta do Pinheiro in the protected nature reserve of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and Quinta da Donalda in Portimão or peaceful eco-lodges like Conversas de Alpendre in Santa Rita.
Provence’s vineyards and lavender fields
One of southern France’s most popular spots, Provence, offers a prime slow travel escape, with the perfect blend of cuisine, relaxation and accommodation. With rolling vineyards and enchanting landscapes, sharp coastlines and vividly purple lavender fields, Provence allows travellers to connect more deeply with nature, while always having more to explore.
Indulge in Mediterranean flavours and leisurely meals in top Michelin-starred restaurants plating up garden-to-table dishes, or hunt for antiques and truffles in farmers’ markets or hop on a boat to the Calanques National Park, where you can hike, swim or kayak. Cycle along Luberon’s hills, or spend the day at a spa soaking in thermal springs in Digne-les-Bains or Aix-en-Provence.
Choose from a range of B&Bs, boutique hotels and countryside retreats like Moulin des Sources: Chambres in Les Gros and Chateau Le Cagnard in Cagnes-sur-Mer, or treat yourself to a historic mansion or restored farmhouse like Hotel de Tourrel in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,or La Bastide du Tinal in Ménerbes.
Ocean therapy and volcanoes in Lanzarote
Immerse yourself in dramatic nature on a sustainable and slow holiday in Lanzarote, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. Known as “the island of a thousand volcanoes”, Lanzarote offers incredible landscapes, pristine beaches and rare ecosystems. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, meaning that the island balances the sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation.
Marvel at the volcanic geysers in Timanfaya National Park, or taste unique wines influenced by thelandscape. Learn about thousands of flora species in cactus gardens, or unwind in a number of spas offering seawater-based relaxation therapies and volcanic hot springs, such as Thalasso & Spa or The Hesperia, both in Puerto Calero.
Tuck into Canarian dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients like papas arrugadas, a traditional boiled potato dish served with chilli pepper garlic sauce called mojo rojo, at seafront restaurants or local bodegas.
Secret fjords and chic city culture in Oslo
Although a key Northern European capital, Oslo offers a variety of slow travel opportunities. Explore the Oslofjord’s stunning network of coastal landscapes and islands, perfect for slow walks along the waterfront, kayaking and ferry rides. Seek out hidden lakes for swimming, picnics and nature hikes. Relax in a floating sauna like KOK Oslo, starting at NOK 240 (€20.2) for shared saunas.
Experience sustainable harvesting culture first-hand with restaurants like Maaemo or Kontrast which prioritises high-quality ingredients from fjords and forests. Tuck into the country’s national dish, Fårikål, a cabbage and lamb stew, washed down with a hot cup of Nordic-style coffee and a kanelboller (cinnamon bun).
Travellers can choose from a range of countryside retreats in the middle of forests, such as Romskog Spa and Resort, which is one hour and 40 minutes away from Oslo, or hilltop homes and caravans for a different experience.
Read the full article here
