Best slow travel destinations for 2025 – and a UK staycation favourite claims the top spot

The growing popularity of ‘slow travel’ marks a new era of escapes. This gentler and sustainable approach to travel is all about making conscious choices – prioritising authentic local experiences over tourist hotspots and enjoying the journey as well as the destination.

To help travellers wanting to embrace this new way of enjoying time off, Sainsbury’s Bank has created a Slow Travel Index for 2025 – highlighting the best destinations for this type of trip.

But the results show that you don’t have to go far to embrace it. According to the index, which uses data from searches over the last 12 months, a popular UK staycation spot takes first place in the rankings.

With its glorious sandy beaches, outstanding natural beauty, charming artisanal goods
and thriving seafood scene, Cornwall has been named as the top destination.

“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,” the team said.

“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.”

Whether it’s embarking on a coastal path, meeting artisan makers in the local villages or simply enjoying the area’s geographical diversity, there are plenty of ways to soak up time in Cornwall in a slow and enriching way.

Known for its whitewashed fishing villages and Atlantic beaches, the Algarve comes in as the second destination on the index. Slow travel opportunities at this Portuguese destination take the form of golden beaches, soaring cliffs, tranquil lagoons with diverse marine life, and hikes along the Monchique Mountains.

“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,” the team adds. “So, you can dine on fresh oysters or chargrilled meats on a sun-drenched beach terrace overlooking glistening waters.”

Third on the list is Provence in France, perhaps best known for its lavender fields and delicious rosé wines.

One of the best ways to travel slowly in this region is to choose a charming village and rent bikes (electric if you need a bit of help in the heat) to explore your nearby villages. By doing so on wheels, you can stop to take in the sights and find more off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Be sure to also visit local farmers’ markets, play pétanque and stop by vineyards for local food and wine experiences.

The Full Slow Travel Index – Top 10 Destinations

1. Cornwall, United Kingdom

2. Algarve, Portugal

3. Provence, France

4. Lanzarote, Spain

5. Oslo, Norway

6. County Mayo, Ireland

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

8. Montenegro

9. Iceland (whole country)

10. Tallinn, Estonia

Recycled Leather Bugs Travel Set

£30.00 at Country Living Marketplace

Striped Linen Makeup Bag

£22.00 at Country Living Marketplace

Personalised Cosmetic Bag

£25.00 at Country Living Marketplace

Peppermint Hand & Body Wash

£50.00 at Country Living Marketplace

Pulse Point Oil in Night Owl

£9.00 at countrylivingshop.co.uk

Essential Oil Pillow Mist

£6.50 at Country Living Marketplace

Bee and Spring Flowers Bone China Travel Mug

£20.00 at countrylivingshop.co.uk

Solid Shampoo Bar

£13.90 at Country Living Marketplace

Blue Sprig Travel Organiser Bag

£25.00 at countrylivingshop.co.uk

Personalised Cosmetic Bag

£25.00 at Country Living Marketplace

Bouclé Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads in Amber Glass Jar

£10.50 at countrylivingshop.co.uk

You Might Also Like