Some mistakes had disastrous consequences
Located in the Irish Sea off the Llŷn peninsula in north-west Wales, this island has been a place of tranquil worship and pilgrimage since the 6th century. With a ferry crossing from the mainland, you can make a pilgrimage of your own.
This paradise island in the Atlantic Ocean is one to watch for its transition to renewables. Prime Minister Mia Mottley is on a mission to lead by example from the front line of the climate crisis. With tourism being the main revenue, the island has set dramatic targets for a more eco-friendly approach due to climate emergencies and hurricanes.
Known for its beautiful nature, Slovenia is a dream for hikers and skiers. And now thanks to updated mapping of the Julian Alps, one can wander to less crowded areas, which will help support more local producers and showcase lesser-visited landscapes.
The magnificent Epirus coastline is one of the least visited in Greece, despite having the most accessible stretch of beaches. You can arrive with a ferry from Italy to Igoumenitsa and visit Parga, a historical town with incredibly transparent water and picturesque views. For the history lovers, don’t miss out on the theater in the ancient city of Nikopolis, founded by Octavian after his victory against Antony and Cleopatra.
Community homestays in the UNESCO-recognized village of Panauti tackles social, economic, and environmental issues. With overtourism in the capital of Kathmandu, these homes are hosted by rural women who received training in providing accommodation as well as offering a look into the local life and culture.
Declared the European Green Capital in 2018, this Dutch city is committed to promoting a happier and healthier lifestyle. From their urban river park to the Green Michelin-winning Restaurant De Nieuwe Winkel, sustainability is at the head and heart of this city.
With fewer than 700 mountain gorillas left in northwestern Rwanda, safari lodges provide crucial funding for the reserve in the Virunga foothills. These types of community-based lodges have been essential in the conservation and protection of the national park, so staying at these places offers a lot of help to the community.
This elegant Mediterranean city is home to astonishing ancient monuments and, due in great part to its largely intact Roman amphitheater, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Luckily, Tarragona hasn't been lost to tourism, and with excellent restaurants available you can get some of the freshest seafood around.
This French region is full of charming seaside towns waiting to be discovered. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the region boasts an enchanting coastline and a big passion for their local crop, seaweed. From seaweed-based beauty treatments to seaweed on the menu, they understand the ecological benefits of algae.
With 13 protected national parks, the Raukumara Forest on the East Coast of the North Island deserves special attention for its bond with the indigenous Maori people. The local community has received funding to invest in the regeneration of its precious trees and the protection of the rare species that live here, making it worthwhile to visit and give your support.
With no direct roads to this incredible village, one must navigate through dramatic dune lands to reach it. Home to mainly fishermen, this village relies on self-sufficiency and solar electricity. While visiting, you’ll be met by half the country’s fur seal and sea lion populations, and get a look at a pre-industrial lifestyle.
The endangered black-necked cranes, who annually migrate to the valley from China, are seen as good luck to the local culture. And thanks to a network of community-based eco-tourism homes, Bhutan’s Royal Society for the Protection of Nature is getting funding for the preservation of the valley and protection of the mighty birds.
The Danish capital is a bike-friendly city that has been keeping it green for decades. From recycling to investing in renewables, Copenhagen is on track to be carbon-neutral by 2025.
With some of the best slopes in Europe and an extensive free ride terrain, Lech-Zurs is working hard on developing a more eco-friendly ski resort. By keeping guest beds capped at 10,000 and using local biomass heaters to provide heat and communal hot water, the resort is keeping it sustainable.
Leave the car behind and go for a hike around Ullswater. Part of the Lake District’s national park, this scenic route can be enjoyed all year around, from camping during blossoming spring to crisp winter hikes.
Hop on a bike and explore some of Germany’s lesser-visited regions. The Baltic Sea Cycle Route is a sustainable experience, offering stunning coastal landscapes and beach-filled islands like Usedom and Rügen. Simply the perfect holiday for sporty people.
With buzzing biodiversity, eco-tourism has been a big part of the funds for this region. One of the richest natural areas on Earth, it’s home to around 17% of the world’s species and is responsible for hydroelectric projects that power a third of the country’s electricity.
Slovenia's coastal gem is a gorgeous medieval town with scenic views of the Adriatic Sea. Sandwiched between Italy and Croatia, Piran offers excellent local seafood and the best of Slovenian wines. The town is also an associate partner to the European Commission’s Smart Control of the Climate Resilience of European Coastal Cities (SCORE) project, which aims to seek solutions to climate-related challenges, such as rising sea levels.
With its parks and open spaces, Prague is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Discover this historical city by foot, or rent one of its city bikes to explore its natural surroundings.
Head on over to Galicia's west coast for some amazing surf beaches, clifftop hiking trails, and fresh seafood. This part of Spain still remains one of the less visited regions and deserves to be explored. With several sustainability-driven accommodations available, you will get a complete environmentally-friendly experience.
The Flemish city is a cultural hub that dates back to the 16th century. Today it has an abundance of museums, vintage shops, and forward-thinking restaurants. The city is also home to the Port of Antwerp, which has set out to develop itself to be Europe’s most sustainable port, combining economic, social, and ecological factors.
This small southern Irish county has an abundance of attractions with sustainable travel points. From the historical city of Waterford to the country’s longest dedicated cycling and walking trail, the Waterford Greenway, visitors will get some of the best from the Irish landscapes.
Sources: (CN Traveller) (The Times) (The Guardian)
See also: The best cities to visit with kids
Located north of Lisbon, this surfing town is known for its incredible waves and sustainable lifestyle. With an abundance of hostels and guest houses, you can find the perfect accommodation for your wallet, be it budget or luxury.
Eigg is a remarkable and unique island in Scotland. It’s the first island in the UK to be self-sufficient in renewable energy. By balancing its own solar, water, and wind power, the community-owned Eigg Electric provides enough yearly power for its 100 permanent residents and 10,000 summer visitors.
Known for setting the sustainability benchmark for decades, the Finnish capital is an architectural gem packed with history and culture. Make sure to also visit its forests, where you will have access to the clearest air and water in the world, making it an extremely eco-friendly trip.
This tiny rocky Newfoundland island is home to the Fogo Island Inn, a hotel set up to resuscitate the local former fishing community and which is investing back into the local economy.
For many, sustainability has become a critical aspect when it comes to planning their holidays. But what does it really mean for a destination to be sustainable? From hiking in Costa Rica to bicycle rides around Germany, have a look at the following gallery for locations, both urban and rural, committed to protecting nature and showcasing a simpler way of being. Click on!
Sustainable travel destinations around the world
Ideas for an enriching and positive-impact escape
TRAVEL Tourism
For many, sustainability has become a critical aspect when it comes to planning their holidays. But what does it really mean for a destination to be sustainable? From hiking in Costa Rica to bicycle rides around Germany, have a look at the following gallery for locations, both urban and rural, committed to protecting nature and showcasing a simpler way of being. Click on!