Top Destinations for Slow Travel

Forget frantic itineraries and endless lists of activities to tick-off on holiday. So-called ‘slow travel’ is all about taking the time to immerse yourself in a destination and notice every little thing about it – and the trend shows no sign of slowing, according to latest data.

Web searches in the UK for slow travel have increased 5.4% year-on-year, going from 4,370 between April 2023 and March 2024 to 4,608 between April 2024 and March 2025. This increase suggests many people are dreaming of holidaying at a more relaxed pace. But which destinations can offer the best slow-travel experience?

From the Algarve to Oslo, using third-party data we have created an index of the 30 best slow travel destinations. Whether you’re backpacking with a partner, flying with children, or going it alone, we’ve gathered the top spots for laid-back exploration.
 

Jump straight to:

• Sainsbury’s Bank Slow Travel Index
• What the Wellness Expert Says
• Find Your Slow Travel Escape
• Travel Slow with Peace of Mind

Sainsbury’s Bank Slow Travel Index

Read on to discover the top destinations for superb slow travel stays.

Cornwall, UK

Cornwall topped the list of slow travel destinations, ranking highly for its natural beauty, cuisine, relaxation, accommodation and flight prices. And it’s easy to see why. Straddling a rocky peninsula in England’s southwest, Cornwall offers breathtakingly beautiful beaches, a rugged coastline and rolling countryside. Time truly slows down here, allowing nature lovers to soak up all it has to offer.

With sleepy waterside villages at one end and sweeping peaks at the other, it’s no wonder Cornwall is an ever-popular spot. Explore sea caves in Holywell Bay, pedal coast-to-coast starting at Portreath, or cruise along Mousehole – and tuck into potted Cornish crab while you’re at it.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay, with camping and glamping sites near the coastline offering a nature-immersed experience. You’ll also find wellness retreats offering yoga, meditation and spa treatments.

With stunning landscapes, fresh cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere, Cornwall is a great destination for slow travel and family holidays.

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve scored the highest for its cuisine, making it a dream destination for slow travellers who are foodies at heart. You’ll never tire of the fresh and traditional meals on offer here. From rich seafood and farmed organic offerings to countryside and vineyard dining, there’s something for everyone to tuck into.

Rustic restaurants and cosy eateries serve up divine flavours found only in this region, while local markets offer fresh produce to cook your own meals. So, you can dine on fresh oysters or chargrilled meats on a sun-drenched beach terrace overlooking glistening waters.

But that’s not all. The southern region has no shortage of golden beaches, soaring cliffs and pristine nature ready to explore. Relax in tranquil lagoons among diverse marine life, hike along the Monchique Mountains, or cycle through the countryside.

After a peaceful day, take your pick from the many eco-lodges and traditional farmhouses (quintas) for an equally relaxing stay.

Provence, France

Provence in southeastern France ranked high for relaxation, cuisine and accommodation, so it’s quite the all-rounder for slow travel. The region boasts enchanting landscapes with rolling vineyards, lavender fields and dramatic coastline. It’s as vast as it is breathtaking, so you’ll never run out of things to explore.

Provence is famous for its Mediterranean flavours, fresh ingredients and leisurely meals. Enjoy garden-to-table dishes at Michelin-starred restaurants or visit canal-side farmers’ markets for truffles and antiques. If the mood takes you, there are countless vineyards offering wine tasting in scenic settings.

The region differs greatly from the hustle-bustle of Paris. Experience unhurried days at spas and thermal springs, cycle along Luberon’s gentle hills, or take a boat trip to explore the natural wonders of the Calanques. It also has its very own Grand Canyon (Gorges du Verdon) for kayaking and hiking.

Accommodation in Provence ranges from countryside retreats to B&Bs. Stay in restored farmhouses and historic mansions or opt for a boutique hotel for stunning Mediterranean views.

Lanzarote, Spain

Lanzarote, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, scored favourably for its nature and relaxation. Dubbed ‘the island of a thousand volcanoes’, Lanzarote is a stunning mix of otherworldly landscapes, golden beaches, and unique ecosystems. The island is a leader in sustainable tourism, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.

You’ll find lava-sculpted landscapes with geysers in Timanfaya National Park, vineyards planted in volcanic soil, unspoilt beaches with crystal-clear waters, and cactus gardens home to thousands of plant species.

Lanzarote’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in fresh, local ingredients bursting with flavour. One such dish is the Canarian specialty, papas arrugadas (“wrinkled potatoes”) served with colourful mojo sauce. Indulge in farm-to-table meals and tasty wines at a local bodega or a seafront restaurant.

Secluded beaches promise peaceful escapes, while resorts and spa centres offer volcanic hot springs and seawater-based relaxation treatments to enhance your slow travel experience.

Oslo, Norway

Norway’s capital rounded up our top five slow travel holiday hotspots, scoring highly for its cuisine and flight prices. It’s a slow traveller’s paradise, offering a harmonious blend of nature, relaxation, and cosy accommodation options. Its stunning fjords and strong emphasis on sustainability encourages holidaymakers to savour experiences.

Nature blends seamlessly with city life here. The Oslofjord‘s beautiful network of islands and coastal landscapes are perfect for kayaking, ferry trips or slow walks along the waterfront. Not far away, you’ll find tranquil lakes ideal for picnics, swimming or nature hikes.

Oslo is a haven for food lovers, with cuisine focused on high-quality ingredients from Norway’s forests, fjords and farms. Enjoy Fårikål, Norway’s national dish of lamb and cabbage stew, or kanelboller (cinnamon bun) with a steaming cup of Nordic-style coffee.

Immerse yourself in unique experiences such as floating saunas, natural fjord pools and hilltop homes. Stay at countryside retreats surrounded by forests, or rent a campervan to explore Norway’s landscape. Make sure you keep your Norwegian krona handy – you never know where adventure will take you!

What the Wellness Expert Says

We spoke to wellness expert, author and teacher Eloise Skinner on the slow travel trend. Eloise has written for publications like the Guardian and has been interviewed by Vogue. She defines slow travel as “taking the time to immerse oneself in the culture of each location”, adding that it’s all about “slowing down to appreciate the details of the place you're in”.

Eloise suggests slow travel can offer both physical and emotional benefits, explaining that “from a physical perspective, you may feel more rested and alert. On an emotional level, you may feel more present and open to learning about the cultural aspects of a location”.

But how do you get your slow travel experience off to a suitably relaxing and stress-free start? Eloise suggests it’s all in the planning and recommends setting intentions as a first step. “Figure out what you want to experience and allow yourself enough time at the destination,” she says.

When you reach your destination, it’s all about relaxing and appreciating it. “Once you're there, remind yourself to slow down and relax – take time to do ‘nothing’ except appreciate the location,” Eloise says.

Find Your Slow Travel Escape

The perfect slow travel escape is unique to you. Do you enjoy outdoor activities and connecting with nature? Or do you long for complete tranquillity and a chance to recharge?

Slow travel can allow you to connect with the people and places you meet along the way – even if you’re only there for a few days. When deciding on your slow travel destination, it can help to just focus on one or two experiences that you want to prioritise to avoid the temptation of trying to fit in too many things.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, our quiz may give you the answers you need.

Please note: our quiz isn’t a recommendation; it’s just a suggestion in response to your answers. The answers you provide are analysed against our overall slow travel criteria and matched to the most suitable destination in our index.
 

Travel Slow with Peace of Mind

Travelling at your own pace opens up a realm of possibilities, but it’s important to be prepared. Take steps to help protect yourself against the cost of holiday mishaps with Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance. We offer single, multi and extended trip policies – so you can travel with peace of mind.

Whether you’re jetting off to Provence or to the Algarve, make sure you have your holiday cash ready. Buy foreign currency in advance to get your slow travel trip off to a relaxing start. If you’re carrying a mix of cash and cards, our Travel Money Card can be just as handy.

From short-haul stays to long leisure trips, plan your ultimate holiday with Sainsbury’s Bank and immerse yourself in a slow travel experience.

To create the Slow Travel Index, we carried out research into 30 popular slow travel destinations around the world. The team collected data from TripAdvisor, AllTrails and Skyscanner to score each one based on five different criteria:

• Nature
• Cuisine
• Relaxation
• Accommodation
• Flight Price

We gave each location a score out of 10 for each criteria. We then combined the scores from each criteria to reach an overall slow travel ranking per location out of 50. We’ve used data from across a range of highly respected and trusted sources.

For criteria where the data was ranked out of five (for example a five-star restaurant rating), the team doubled the result to get a score out of 10. This allowed us to create a uniform ranking across all criteria, enabling us to order the index and identify the best slow travel destinations.

Index data collated between February 2025 to March 2025.

Ahrefs research revealed searches in the UK for slow travel have increased 5.4% year-on-year, going from 4,370 between April 2023 and March 2024 to 4,608 between April 2024 and March 2025.