Though slow travel is a mindset that you can put into place whenever you travel, certain places make perfect slow travel destinations.
If you’re looking to experience Europe by immersing yourself in the local culture and spending time supporting the local economy, here are some amazing options for you.
Amazing Slow Travel Destinations In Europe
If you’ve ever been to popular tourist sites in Europe, you might have seen firsthand the overwhelming display of over-tourism.
I’m talking about swarms of tourists that often degrade ancient historical sites, inadvertently destroy the local economy, ruin precious natural environments, etc.
It might feel almost impossible to get off the beaten tourist path in Europe, but it isn’t, I promise! There are still destinations that are great for slow traveling!
Here are 8 amazing slow travel destinations.
1. Albania
One of my favorite places to slow travel in is Albania! Nicknamed the ‘Land of Eagles, this country is a unique blend of Europe, the Middle East, and Mediterranean vibes.
Its location means that there are a wide variety of places to explore, like beaches with crystal clear, turquoise water, or mountains so beautiful that they are called the ‘Albanian Alps’.
It’s almost like Albania is made for slow travel. It’s very affordable and you can find some of the cheapest accommodation in all of Europe. Check out accommodation in Albania.
Life moves a bit slower for Albanians.
Due to the general atmosphere of slow living, plus the fact that the country’s infrastructure isn’t the best, it’s a bit ridiculous to assume you’ll be able to speed through the country and find all the best Instagram spots.
It’s best to accept the slow pace of life instead of fighting it. Embrace the laid-back mentality, it will do wonders for relieving stress!
PS if you’re American, you can stay in Albania for up to 1 year without a visa! And if you fall in love with Albania (like I have) you can leave for 3 months to get another visa-free year.
2. Georgia
You might be wondering why there’s a US state on the list – well it’s not a state, but a country in the Caucasus region.
It’s located at the intersection where Europe meets Asia, so it’s going to be very different from what is typically thought of as Europe, like Spain, France, Italy, etc.
Previously, it was a Soviet republic, but there’s also plenty of other histories that go back thousands of years that you have to learn about!
Georgia has plenty of slow travel experiences, like exploring cave monasteries, learning ancient techniques to make wine, lounging on beautiful Black Sea beaches, discovering quaint mountain villages, etc.
Similar to Albania, Georgia isn’t very developed so it’s harder to get around quickly. You should expect a slow pace of life with very friendly locals and delicious cuisine.
Take your time exploring ancient wine practices (sampling as you go is highly suggested), hiking in the stunning mountains, and getting lost in the cobblestone lanes of Tiblisi (the capital of Georgia).
Check out accommodation in Georgia!
PS 93 countries can stay in Georgia for up to 1 year without a visa, which makes it a wonderful place to take your time when visiting.
If you don’t have a passport from one of those 93 countries, you can apply for Georgia’s digital nomad visa. There’s no fee, but you do have to prove you make at least $2,000 (USD) per month.
3. Italy
There’s no need for an introduction to this famous European country since its reputation is known worldwide.
Italy is on the top of people’s bucket list and for many good reasons like the food, wine, architecture, history, etc.!
Though many famous tourist sites are constantly flooded with tourists, there is still a quiet side to Italy that many have yet to discover.
These are the places that actually want foreigners to come so that their towns and regions to be revitalized.
These little Italian towns are trying to breathe life back into their local economies by luring remote workers to come to live there.
They are offering incentives like 50% rent reduction, thousands of Euros to start a local business in the tourism industry, and even €1,500 for every newborn child.
Italy is a great slow travel destination simply because there is so much to see that it can be overwhelming. You could probably spend years there and still not see everything.
It’s so much better to take your time to really enjoy the Italian lifestyle to the fullest.
The cost of living in Italy is higher than in some other places on this list, but it’s possible to find affordable accommodation in Italy.
You should also look into house sitting in Italy as it’s a great way to save money and live life like a local!
4. Malta
Located close to Italy, this archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea. If you’re looking for a slow travel destination that has the sun, sea, great food, and ancient history, then Malta is perfect!
Malta has friendly locals, great public transport, and plenty of places to explore. It’s not as widely known compared to other European beach destinations and has a lower cost of living compared to Italy.
Check out affordable accommodation in Malta and the available house sits in Malta.
5. Portugal
Another great option for those who can’t say no to a sunny destination, Portugal checks the boxes for being a great slow travel destination.
It’s affordable compared to other Western European countries and has plenty of things to see and do.
You could easily spend months fully enjoying local life, exploring small villages, and finding secret beaches.
Immerse yourself in Portugal’s signature orange rooftops, medieval castles, affordable seafood, and so much more. Check out available house sits and accommodation in Portugal.
PS if you fall in love with Portugal, there are some great long-term visa options for those who work remotely!
6. Northern Ireland
Usually, when people think of the United Kingdom, their minds go to the massive city of London, but if you’re looking for a destination perfect for slow travel, then you should consider Northern Ireland.
Compared with the rest of the UK, it is a bit more affordable with a lower cost of living, but still has plenty of amazing places to explore.
You can find affordable accommodation in Northern Ireland, but it’s worth checking the available house sits too.
Many people don’t even consider visiting because of Northern Ireland’s negative stereotypes.
Don’t let that fool you though, there’s plenty of great food to try, friendly locals, and beautiful natural sights. It is completely safe and totally worth slow traveling in!
Many don’t realize that Ireland and Northern Ireland are separate countries. Northern Ireland is in the United Kingdom, so you might be able to stay visa-free for up to 6 months!
Check if that applies to you here.
7. Poland
Though Poland is growing in popularity among travelers, it’s very much still an underrated place that is begging to be your next slow travel destination.
If you’re interested in exploring cobblestone streets, colorful town squares, beautiful forests, stunning mountains, then Poland is great for you to slow travel.
It has a wide variety of things to do in nature and in the cities. There are many different foods to try depending on the region too.
Unlike some of the countries on our list, the country is well connected with good public transport that also happens to be pretty cheap – the best of both worlds!
Poland’s cost of living makes staying for longer periods still doable too. Plus, the accommodation in Poland is great quality while still being very affordable. You definitely get a lot of ‘bang for your buck’!
Check the available house sits too!
8. Estonia
Lastly, this Baltic country has a lot to offer even though it’s pretty small geographically speaking. Estonia has only three large cities, so it’s mostly a natural landscape which is great for outdoor enthusiasts!
Estonia has 2,222 islands and islets – how cool is that? It is known for being one of the least crowded countries in Europe.
If you’re thinking of slow traveling in Estonia, consider cycling to enjoy the small villages and beautiful natural landscape.
Estonia makes for a great slow travel destination since it’s not crowded and the cost of living is low. Check out the accommodation in Estonia and the available house sits.
If you completely fall in love with Estonia, there’s a possibility to stay long-term. As Estonia’s population is in decline, they are trying to attract remote workers through their digital nomad visa.
And if you do stay long-term and become a resident in the capital, Tallinn, then you get free public transport (all Tallinn residents get free public transport)!
Final Thoughts
When traveling, getting off the beaten tourist path is something I always try to do to combat over-tourism.
Small changes to your travel plans can really help struggling local businesses, while also helping you be immersed in the local culture.
There is so much to see besides the popular places shown on Instagram, and usually, slow traveling can help you find those!
I hope these 8 slow travel destinations in Europe have inspired your travel planning. And please remember that no matter where you go, you can embody slow travel principles.
For more inspiration, make sure to get my free slow travel bucket list!
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