Published on
September 7, 2025
Many travelers are appreciating a chance to connect with their destination as opposed to speeding through it. In 2025 the slow travel movement is picking speed, and a new Sainsbury’s Bank index explains why parts of the UK and Portugal, France, Spain, Norway, Ireland, Croatia, and the rest of the world are at the top. These places combine stunning landscapes with exquisite cuisine and vivid culture, providing ample opportunity for tourists to slow down and soak it all in. From the craggy shores and mellow fishing hamlets of Cornwall, Algarve’s golden beaches with classic cuisine, Provence’s vineyard dotted with countryside and placid fjords of Norway, every destination is designed to make travelers slow down and enjoy every bit of it. This trend revolves around relaxation, real engagements, and thoughtful travel, showing that some of the best trips in the world are the ones that do not need to be rushed.
Travel is evolving. The rush to tick off landmarks and zip from city to city is giving way to a more mindful approach. Slow travel is reshaping how people explore the globe, encouraging immersion, connection, and genuine discovery. Rather than merely passing through destinations, travelers are now seeking experiences that allow them to linger, savor local culture, and embrace the rhythm of everyday life. According to a new report from Sainsbury’s Bank, this trend is gaining momentum, with their latest index highlighting the 30 best slow travel destinations for 2025. Destinations are ranked on criteria such as natural surroundings, cuisine, relaxation, accommodation comfort, and flight affordability, creating a roadmap for travelers who want to explore without hurry.
At the forefront is Cornwall, UK, a region famed for its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and quaint fishing villages. Cornwall embodies slow travel with its ability to blend adventure and serenity. Visitors can lose themselves in the sea caves at Holywell Bay, cycle along the coast from Portreath, or quietly watch the waves lap against Mousehole’s colorful harbor. The local gastronomy enhances the experience, with traditional dishes like potted Cornish crab and freshly baked pasties offering a taste of the region’s heritage. Accommodation options—from cozy seaside cottages to charming country inns—encourage extended stays, giving travelers the chance to truly absorb the local lifestyle.
In Portugal’s Algarve, slow travel meets culinary excellence. The region scored highest for cuisine in the Sainsbury’s Bank index, and for good reason. From rich seafood stews to spicy peri-peri chicken, every meal becomes an exploration in itself. Beyond food, the Algarve’s landscape invites exploration at a gentle pace. Sun-drenched beaches, jagged cliffs, and tranquil lagoons provide endless opportunities to connect with nature. Hiking in the Monchique Mountains, cycling along quiet country lanes, or simply watching the sunset over the Atlantic encourages travelers to slow down and savor each moment.
Provence, France, offers an idyllic combination of relaxation and cultural immersion. This region allows travelers to trade Parisian crowds for canal-side farmers’ markets, strolls through lavender fields, and leisurely vineyard tours. Provence excels at making lingering a form of art. Guests can enjoy locally sourced truffles, fresh garden produce, and dishes at Michelin-starred restaurants. Antique markets and small artisan workshops add layers to the travel experience, offering visitors both aesthetic and sensory pleasures at a pace that celebrates every detail.
Other destinations in the top 10 of Sainsbury’s Bank slow travel index reveal the global appeal of this trend. Lanzarote, Spain, provides volcanic landscapes and coastal hikes; Oslo, Norway, mixes modern design with serene fjords; County Mayo, Ireland, offers rolling green hills and quiet beaches; Dubrovnik, Croatia, delivers historical charm without haste; Montenegro, with its dramatic mountains and secluded bays, invites reflection; Iceland astonishes with geysers, glaciers, and vast open spaces; and Tallinn, Estonia, combines medieval architecture with cozy, slow-paced streets.
Slow travel is more than a trend—it is a philosophy that encourages curiosity, mindfulness, and authentic connections. It allows travelers to experience a destination as locals do, savoring meals, engaging with culture, and finding peace in surroundings that often go unnoticed in a whirlwind itinerary. In a world where time is precious, these destinations show that slowing down can be the ultimate luxury.
For 2025, travelers seeking meaningful experiences now have a clear guide to the best places where lingering, tasting, and exploring at their own pace is not only encouraged—it is celebrated.
Top Slow Travel Destinations for 2025
Cornwall, UKAlgarve, PortugalProvence, FranceLanzarote, SpainOslo, NorwayCounty Mayo, IrelandDubrovnik, CroatiaMontenegro, The BalkansIcelandTallinn, Estonia
