![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\"){kind=logo}
\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n
\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n
Cornwall, UK is the world\u2019s best slow travel destination, beating other top holiday spots like Algarve, Lanzarote and Dubrovnik, according to new research by Sainsbury\u2019s Bank.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The bank\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSlow travel<\/a> 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,\u201d wellness expert Eloise Skinner said in an email to Euronews Travel.<\/p>\n She added: \u201cSpending longer in one place helps us feel more grounded and present in the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Other top slow travel destinations in Europe include the Algarve, Provence, Lanzarote<\/a> and Oslo. County Mayo in Ireland, Dubrovnik<\/a>, the Balkans, Iceland<\/a> and Tallinn<\/a> also ranked highly on the index.<\/p>\n Cornwall\u2019s rugged coastlines and stunning beaches<\/p>\n Cornwall, located in the southwest of England, has a long history of being one of the UK\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Travellers looking for outdoor adventures can pedal<\/a> 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\u2019s sea caves.\u00a0<\/p>\n For wellness travellers looking for meditation, yoga<\/a> 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\u2014a handheld pie typically filled with beef, potatoes and vegetables.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cornwall also offers several accommodation choices for a range of budgets, including glamping<\/a> and camping options such as Willow Valley Glamping in Bude, The Beeches Glamping in Newquay and Mount Pleasant Eco Park in Porthtowan.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhen 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,\u201d Stuart Brian, head of travel money at Sainsbury\u2019s Bank said in an email.\u00a0<\/p>\n Algarve\u2019s traditional cuisine and turquoise lagoons<\/p>\n Portugal\u2019s Algarve<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Experience a range of vineyards<\/a> which also offer countryside dining options such as Quinta dos Sentidos, Morgado do Quint\u00e3o and Quinta dos Vales. Wine tastings start from as little as \u20ac30 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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 Portim\u00e3o or peaceful eco-lodges like Conversas de Alpendre in Santa Rita.\u00a0<\/p>\n Provence\u2019s vineyards and lavender fields<\/p>\n One of southern France\u2019s 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<\/a> fields, Provence allows travellers to connect more deeply with nature, while always having more to explore. <\/p>\n 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\u2019 markets or hop on a boat to the Calanques National Park, where you can hike, swim or kayak. Cycle along Luberon\u2019s hills, or spend the day at a spa soaking in thermal springs in Digne-les-Bains or Aix-en-Provence.<\/p>\n Choose from a range of B&Bs, boutique hotels and countryside retreats<\/a> 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-R\u00e9my-de-Provence,or La Bastide du Tinal in M\u00e9nerbes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ocean therapy and volcanoes in Lanzarote<\/p>\n Immerse yourself in dramatic nature on a sustainable and slow holiday in Lanzarote, one of Spain\u2019s Canary Islands. Known as \u201cthe island of a thousand volcanoes<\/a>\u201d, 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. \u00a0 <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Secret fjords and chic city culture in Oslo<\/p>\n Although a key Northern European capital, Oslo offers a variety of slow travel opportunities. Explore the Oslofjord\u2019s 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 (\u20ac20.2) for shared saunas.\u00a0<\/p>\n