SLOW TRAVEL: A SLOWER KIND OF HOLIDAY

SLOW TRAVEL: A SLOWER KIND OF HOLIDAY

There's a different rhythm

The alarm going off, kids running through the house, a quick breakfast eaten standing up. Traffic, horns, traffic lights. Another notification, another email, another deadline. Lunch reheated with a phone in hand. The rush for groceries, the kids' activities, an ultra processed dinner. The sound of the TV, the colours of social media. A heavy head, wide open eyes, strange dreams, nightmares. And then again, on loop, every day.

You need a break.

There's a different rhythm, the rhythm of a slow holiday. The truth is that it doesn't take much to find calm, but with our busy lives we never seem to find the time. Just look up and find a patch of sky: clouds drifting by, leaves stirred by the wind. Nature helps put everyday worries into perspective, bringing calm and serenity.
Today we want to talk to you about slow travel, the slower way of taking a holiday.

Why slow travel?

The idea of slow travel emerged in the 1980s, alongside Carlo Petrini's Slow Food movement, as a response to the growing rise of mass tourism, which harms local areas and doesn't allow for an authentic experience. Anyone planning a slow holiday is, in fact, looking for genuineness, sustainability and local produce.
This isn't about a short stay packed with dozens of destinations you've already heard of. Slow travel calls for a longer stay, so you can visit the places that interest you at a gentler pace, with more intention and a lower environmental impact. Only this way can you truly discover the local culture and traditions.

Fewer stimuli, more presence

"The moment we stop thinking is the moment our happiness begins" (Joseph Nguyen)

Slow travel isn't just about itineraries, though. It's above all a way of living. Living the place, living the moment, living with people. But it's harder than it sounds, because it requires something many of us have lost the ability to do: being present.
Whether for work or leisure, our devices have become a constant presence in our days, and we end up never giving our minds the time to breathe.
Practices like mindfulness, yoga or a meditative walk can help us slow down and return to the present, away from regrets about the past and worries about the future. On Lake Garda, luckily, there's no shortage of chances to live in the "here and now".

Slow travel on Lake Garda

On Lake Garda, slowing down comes naturally. All it takes is stopping to look around you: the water of the lake, a historic stone village, the green hills of the Valtenesi. And yet so many people rush on to the next popular spot without ever experiencing the lake's calm. You can choose to explore without hurry, discovering details others miss and truly immersing yourself in the local culture.

Europa Silvella can be your starting point. There are the whirlpool pools, the sun loungers, the pool bar: it doesn't take much to slow down time. This year you can also relax in the new heated pool, perfect for a longer moment of calm, in every season. For those who want to keep moving, during high season our entertainment team runs yoga and aquagym classes.

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, we suggest a stroll through the nearby villages: from the better known ones like Salò and Sirmione, to those less touched by mass tourism, like Polpenazze, Cisano and Portese. The weekly markets are the perfect place to discover local produce, from food to crafts. In this short article we tell you which villages hold them on which days of the week. If you prefer a more contemplative experience, the Heller Garden in Gardone Riviera offers a scented stroll through more than 3,000 plants from all over the world.
The Valtenesi is also known for its oil and wine production: it's worth stopping at a winery for a tasting. You'll also find our oil here at the campsite, at the restaurant and the minimarket. It's made by us: on this page of our website you can discover how it's made.

And while Europa Silvella is a great base, the adventures continue beyond our gates. Book an e-bike at reception and explore the trails winding through vineyards and hills. Enjoy the walk up to Rocca di Manerba and take in the 360 degree view over the lake and the Alps. Sail the lake on a boat tour with our partners. If you're after an even more direct connection with the water, renting a canoe or kayak lets you glide along the shore at your own pace, with no engine noise.
Contact with nature calms the mind. And on Lake Garda, calm comes naturally.

Conclusion

Slow travel was born as a response to the hectic life we lead, full of stress, stimuli and urgency. Setting off on a slow holiday could be the first step towards a calmer, lighter mind.
When you get home, the same commitments as before will be waiting for you, but perhaps, thanks to the experiences lived on your trip, you'll face them differently.
Europa Silvella is ready to join you on this first step.

See you soon on Lake Garda! Best wishes from your #campingwithlove