Your Guide to Embarking on a Slow Travel Journey
In an age where the pace of life seems ever-accelerating, a counter movement is gaining momentum among discerning travellers seeking authenticity and connection in the destinations they visit. This movement, known as slow travel, is not just a way to see the world; it's a way to immerse oneself in it fully.
This article delves into the essence of slow travel, its myriad benefits, and how you can embrace this enriching approach to discover the wonders of the Mediterranean destinations of Italy, Greece and Corsica at a more deliberate pace.
What is the slow travel trend?
Slow travel is a philosophy that encourages travellers to slow down their pace, eschewing the frantic rush from one tourist hotspot to another in favour of a more relaxed, immersive experience. It's about taking the time to connect with the local culture and community, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of a destination.
Think dining in the neighbourhood restaurant with authentic local cuisine, or discovering the work of emerging artists instead of queuing to see the most popular sites.
The concept of slow travel finds its roots in the slow food movement, which began in Italy as a protest against the opening of a fast-food outlet near the Spanish Steps in Rome. Just as the slow food movement advocates for local cuisine, local ingredients, and traditional cooking methods, slow travel champions the idea of staying longer in one place and exploring it in depth rather than skimming its surface, as well as taking your time to enjoy the journey to your final destination.
The benefits of slow travel
Embracing slow travel comes with benefits that extend beyond mere relaxation:
Deeper cultural immersion: offering insights into the local way of life, traditions, and customs. Slow travellers often find themselves engaging in meaningful conversations with locals, participating in events, and discovering hidden gems that aren't listed in typical travel guides.
Environmental sustainability: by reducing the frequency of flights, using local transport, and supporting small businesses, slow travellers can minimise their carbon footprint and contribute to the local economy in a more impactful way.
A personally fulfilling experience: it allows the space and time to reflect, absorb, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the destination and the journey to it, leading to more memorable and meaningful experiences.
Your guide to slow travel
Embrace slow travel methods
In keeping with the ethos of slow travel, getting to your destination becomes not just a means to an end, but an integral part of the journey itself. Embracing more sustainable and less polluting travel methods can not only be kinder to the environment but also offer richer experiences along the way.
Sustainable travel company Byway, is a champion of flight-free and low-impact journeys. Here are some of their slow travel methods to inspire your next Mediterranean getaway:
Journeying to Sicily and Puglia
Starting from the UK or mainland Europe, you can take high-speed trains through France, enjoying the changing landscapes en route to Italy. From Rome or Naples, scenic train routes lead to Sicily and Puglia, offering glimpses of Italy's diverse makeup. Byway recommends exploring the option of overnight ferries from mainland Italy to Sicily, providing a slow and serene approach to the island while minimising your carbon footprint compared to flying.
Slow travel to Greece
Greece's alluring islands can be approached without the need for a flight, offering a journey as captivating as the destination itself. One of Byway’s suggestions is experiencing train journeys through the heart of Europe, passing through cities rich in history and culture like Vienna and Istanbul. For Greece’s island destinations, opt for local, eco-friendly ferries that connect the mainland to islands like Tinos, Mykonos, and Zakynthos, providing a slower, more engaging way to traverse the Aegean Sea.
Getting to Corsica
Reaching the rugged coasts of Corsica without flying adds an adventurous twist to your journey. A Byway route is taking a train from London through the picturesque regions of France to Nice or Marseille. From these coastal cities, take a sustainable ferry crossing to Corsica - an experience that allows you to unwind and anticipate the island's charm.
Our tips for a slow travel villa holiday
Villa life embodies the quintessence of slow travel, offering a sanctuary where time seems to stand still, and the usual markers of daily life blur into a serene rhythm of leisure and pleasure. At The Thinking Traveller, we believe that the true luxury of travel lies not just in the destination, but in the art of unwinding and reveling in the moment, free from the constraints of schedules. Here are our 5 tips for transforming your villa stay into the epitome of slow travel.
Savour the timelessness: don’t you love it when you forget what day it is while on holiday? When your calendar has been replaced with a vineyard tour, a private boat trip to a secret cove, or absolutely nothing at all? There’s a unique joy in losing track of time, where lunches blend into sunsets, and days are not measured by hours but by the unfolding of new memories. Our villas are designed to be your private haven where you can disconnect and live fully in each moment.
Tailor your pace: whether it’s waking up to a leisurely breakfast prepared by your own chef or spending time in the afternoon wandering through your villa’s lush gardens, slow villas travel is about setting your own pace. With daily services available upon request, you can choose to do as much or as little as you wish, ensuring your stay is tailored to your rhythm.
Wellness at your doorstep: channel your well-being to decompress with in-villa services such as massages or personal training sessions. This personal touch adds an extra layer of relaxation and rejuvenation to your slow travel experience, allowing you to unwind and recharge in the comfort of your villa.
Celebrate the moment: whether it's a landmark celebration or simply the joy of being together with your loved ones, elevate your experience with a touch of festivity. A private band or DJ can transform your villa into a vibrant scene of music and dancing, making every moment a cause for celebration.
Seamless planning from our Specialists: from the moment you get in touch, our Villa Specialists will guide you to find the perfect villa and create a bespoke itinerary, just for you, with all the things you love and enjoy doing on holiday. From life-enhancing experiences to the essentials like car rental, we handle the details, so your focus on enjoying your slow travel experience.
The art of slow travel in Italy
Italy, the pillar of the slow movement, offers endless opportunities for travellers eager to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders. We feature an exquisite selection of Italian villas in regions that epitomise the essence of slow travel:
Sicily
The sun-kissed island of Sicily is a mosaic of ancient civilisations, offering a slow travel experience steeped in history and natural beauty. Here are some things you can include in your slow travel plans:
Venture beyond the usual tourist paths to the tranquil olive groves and vineyards of the Sicilian countryside.
Explore the ancient Greek ruins in Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where you can spend unhurried days soaking in fascinating history.
The vibrant local markets, such as those in
Palermo, are perfect for savouring Sicilian gastronomy and engaging with local artisans.
Puglia
Known for its whitewashed trulli, centuries-old farmland, and lengthy Mediterranean coastline, Puglia invites slow travellers to a world where time seems to stand still. See some of our recommended activities to make the most of your stay:
Stay in a traditional trullo house, and let the rhythm of rural life dictate your days.
Cycle through the verdant Valle d'Itria region and indulge in the flavours of Puglian cuisine in a local masseria.
Wander through the historic streets of Ostuni and Lecce, where the slow pace of life is a palpable part of the atmosphere.
A tranquil retreat in Greece
The Greek Islands offer a varied backdrop for slow travellers, and we can help you discover the perfect island for your group that promises authentic experiences away from the crowds. See our recommendations below:
Tinos
Tinos is a lesser-known sanctuary of unspoiled beauty and tranquillity, making it a perfect destination for slow travel. Known for its religious pilgrimages, Tinos also boasts a rugged landscape dotted with over 40 traditional villages, hundreds of dovecotes, and terraced hillsides. Slow travellers can explore the marble quarries, visit the ornate Orthodox churches, and hike the ancient footpaths that crisscross the island.
Porto Heli
Nestled in the eastern side of the Peloponnese, Porto Heli offers an idyllic setting for slow travellers seeking a luxurious island stay. With its natural harbour, this cosmopolitan hideaway is known for its clear waters, scenic bays, and upscale villas. Slow travel here means leisurely days spent sailing the Saronic Gulf, exploring ancient ruins such as the theatre of Epidaurus, and indulging in the local gastronomy at seaside tavernas.
Zakynthos
Beyond the famed Navagio Beach, Zakynthos invites slow travellers to discover its lush landscapes, traditional mountain villages, and secluded coves. The island's National Marine Park, home to the endangered loggerhead turtles, offer unique opportunities for eco-conscious exploration. Slow travellers can enjoy the island's natural delights by trekking in the Skopos mountain, exploring the blue caves by kayak, and experiencing the local way of life in the less-visited villages.
Mykonos
While known for its vibrant nightlife, Mykonos also offers pockets of serenity ideal for slow travel. Away from the hustle and bustle, the island's traditional side reveals itself in quiet corners, secluded beaches, and the quaint Ano Mera village. Slow travellers can enjoy leisurely afternoons wandering through the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town, discovering hidden chapels, and enjoying sunset views from the iconic windmills, embracing the island's charm at a slower pace.
Slow travel in Corsica
Corsica is an island of diverse terrain, from its shimmering coastlines to dense forests and towering peaks and offers a playground for nature enthusiasts. Each area of Corsica has its own character, from the vibrant streets of Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, to the maquis-covered Cap Corse peninsula. See some of our favourite things to take your time with when visiting Corsica:
Get off the beaten path and hike the scenic trails of the Calanche de Piana, or explore the hilltop villages that dot the landscape.
Take to the sea by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the spectacular Gulf of Porto or snorkelling off the coast of Bonifacio.
Discover the unique blend of French and Italian cuisine at the local markets, filled with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and honey. Perfect for foodies who enjoy engaging with the locals.
Plan your slow travel journey
If you’d prefer to be an insider rather than a tourist, our Destination Specialists can arrange activities so that you can immerse yourself in local culture and share the addresses of restaurants where only those in the know go. Why follow the crowds? Contact our helpful team to start planning your ideal getaway.
