In ASAP Tickets’ Ecotourism guide for European travel, we wanted to look into the most in-demand European destinations for US citizens and offer an alternative example of what it means to be a tourist.

After the pandemic, travelers are seeking out a different kind of adventure. Among the changing requirements, travelers want to notice cleaner air while witnessing the reappearance of wildlife and feel stronger bonds with the communities they are visiting. Subsequently, people are becoming increasingly aware that the health of people and the planet are inseparable.

So if you are planning to travel to any of the destinations listed below,
An Ecotourism guide for European Travel might inspire you to try something you may have yet to consider.


So what is Ecotourism?


In short, Ecotourism encourages responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local people. While also adding elements of education to generate financial benefits for both local and private industries.

So without further ado, let’s have a look at the current Top 5 destinations for US citizens in Europe. 


Spain


Spain takes being eco-friendly very seriously! In fact, Spain is currently ranked 4th in wind power production. Regarding Ecotourism, Spain offers travelers some great activities and accommodation options! In addition, the best time to visit is between June and September- as temperatures average around 30 degrees.


Activities


  • Cycling tour of Andalusia
  • Exploring Sierra Nevada National Park
  • View the PalaeolIthic cave paintings 
  • Canyoning at Barranco de Mela (Abdet, Alicante)
  • Make artisan goat’s cheese with tasting in Aracena and Picos de Aroche 

Eco-friendly accommodation


The Refugio Marnes 


  • Converted stables 
  • Moroccan glamping tent
  • Detached holiday home with its own facilities 
  • Mountain views
  • Private pool

The Nomad Xperience – Sierra Nevada


  • Glamping and dream hotel
  • Private bathroom
  • Lounging area 
  • Hiking
  • Paddle Surf, Windsurfing, Kayaking on the beach and lake

B&B Wine & Cooking Penedes


  • 17th-century farmhouse
  •  Private bathroom
  • Terrace and gardens
  • Cooking classes
  • Organic winemaking

There are also opportunities to volunteer on organic farms or help endangered wildlife- all great ways to help the sustainable travel industry. That said, check out FarmStayPlanet for a host of Agriturismo guides and accommodation ideas. Furthermore, check out our blog if you want hits and tips on How to find The cheapest Flights to Europe.


Italy


Italy has at least 54 Unesco heritage sites. So there is no wonder the European Union has backed their National Tourism Agency to become more eco-friendly. Furthermore, the redevelopment of the Porto Tolle thermal power station, which will see the Port flourish into a sustainable tourist hub and Delta Farm, is evidence that change is really happening.


Activities


  • Rome by Night E-Bike Tour
  • Florence Eco Tour by Electric Golf Cart
  • Kayak tour on Lake Albano
  • The Path of the Gods walk
  • Chianti Wine Tour with Lunch, Visit S.Gimignano, Organic Wineries

Eco-friendly accommodation


Farmhouse Florence Tuscany 


  • Eco-sustainable premises
  • Swimming Pool
  • Cooking lessons
  • Wine tours
  • Tennis, Golf, Riding, Fishing

Agriturismo Marongiu


  • En-suite bathroom, private entrance, and veranda
  • All food and produce come from on-site agricultural and farming
  • Guests all eat together
  • During summer dinner is served on the air-conditioned veranda
  • Excursions on foot, and by bike

Eco Lodge Langhe


  • Lodges built with natural eco-compatible materials are positioned about 3 meters high above the trees.
  • Yoga course 
  • Shiatsu massages 
  • Bread-making course 
  • Search for truffles

Click here to check out the Italian Association for Responsible Tourism map for all tourist locations.


Greece


Where to start with Greece? Not only did the EDEN Awards for European Destinations of Excellence award Patra the title of best sustainable Cultural Tourism destination. In addition, The lonely planet awarded Greece the 2021 winner for Best Gourmet Destination, stating that Greek cuisine uses 100% local products.


Activities


  • Private Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise
  • Sunset at the Cape Sounion Half Day Tour
  • 3-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi
  • Dinner in the Sky Athens

Eco-friendly accommodation


Greecefully


  • Eco-farm activities
  • Traditional Greek green farming, gardening, breeding, soap making, organic wine production, and seasonal cooking
  • Five nights’ accommodation in a private farmhouse
  • All meals (breakfasts, lunches & dinners included)
  • Admission fees to all archaeological & cultural sites

Live Bio Eco-resorts 


  • 6 accommodation options to choose from
  • Introductory sailing course
  • Professional hikes and orienteering course
  • Watersports with Drepani ski center
  • Soap making workshop with Olive Lab

Vigla Hotel


  • Private balconies to natural toiletries
  • Diving opportunities
  • Cooking lessons
  • Hiking routes in Amorgos
  • Swimming pool

Greece has an abundance of natural resources, and you will find there are great ways to enjoy them in green hotels, eco farms, and working vineyards that offer truly unique experiences. 

For more information or to check out what’s new visit Ecotourism Greece, where you will find a tour and hotel pick of the week. 


Croatia


When we think of Croatia, images of deep blue seas framed by sprawling landscapes come to mind, and rightly so. But did you know many of the beaches and marinas in Croatia have been awarded the blue flag? An exclusive eco-award granted when both water quality and environmental management have been met.


Activities


  • Visit Histria Aromatica, Istria: agricultural, working, educational, and tourist estate
  • Cadmos Village, Dubrovnik Riviera: zip-lines, archery, paintball
  • Istria Outdoor: cycling, accommodation, fine wine, and dining
  • Skywalk Biokovo and White Water Rafting 
  • Sunset horseback riding and yoga tour in Istria

Eco-friendly accommodation


Eco Villa on the island of Bisevo


  • Heritage eco villa max 6 persons
  • Fully furnished kitchen
  • Color Changing LED Light Pool
  • Tibetan Yoga session
  • Organic vegetable and herbal »You-pick« garden

Crna Punta Lighthouse


  • 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
  • 10 m from the sea 
  • Private beach
  • Terrace directly above the sea
  • Guests who don’t want to use their car will have the possibility to use a jeep.

Rural oasis – Ranch Visoka


  • 2 self-contained holiday villas 
  • Sun deck around a private 20m² pool
  • Electricity and hot water are supplied by its own solar panels
  • Outdoor kitchen with a traditional stone grill 
  • Panoramic view over the mountainous

These are just a few examples of eco-accommodation in Croatia- in fact,
An Ecotourism guide for European Travel could be written on Croatia alone. Because there are villas in national parks, hotels in the mountains, and even ranches in the hillsides of Sumartin. The truth is whatever sustainable experience you are looking for, there is no doubt Croatia offers it.


Sweden


In 2020 Euromonitor International ranked 99 countries worldwide on their Sustainable travel index and awarded Sweden first place. Of course, having over 250 hotels that meet the Nordic Eco-label requirements, and with Lonely Planet rating Gothenburg as the Best City for Leisure, using just a few examples, it’s easy to understand why. 


Activities


  • Aurora Sky Station at the Abisko National Park
  • Gothenburg Culture Festival
  • Edens Garden: kayak, canoe, wood-fired hot tubs, and guided beaver safaris
  • Husky Tours Lapland
  • The Wooden Bicycle Tour in Stockholm

Eco-friendly accommodation


Treehotel 


  • 8 uniquely designed rooms to choose from including, The Mirrorcube, The Bird’s nest, The Ufo, and Dragonfly
  • Incinerating toilet, electricity, underfloor heating, air conditioning
  • Kayaking in Lule River
  • Forest spa – Sauna/Relax package incl. Jacuzzi
  • Bear spotting in the midnight light

Kolarbyn eco-lodge


  • Camouflaged liWle cabins
  • Primitive hotel-no electricity or shower
  • Canoes and boats are available to rent
  • Bushcraft survival course 
  • Floating sauna

The Hermitage


  • Room for 2 people, situated at the edge of the forest with a view of the water
  • Free from electricity
  • fireplace
  • Solar-powered charging equipment available
  • Outdoor toilet/bathroom


Sweden is really setting the standard when it comes to Ecotourism and continues to push boundaries. In addition, If you would like to find out more about any of the countries we have mentioned, why not read our blog on 5 of the Best Travel Guidebooks for Europe.


Conclusion 


We hope our blog, An Ecotourism Guide for European Travel, has given you an insight into alternative activities and accommodation. Because the reason why sustainable tourism is so important is that it has the opposite effect on Overtourism. For example, instead of applying pressure on a destination’s resources and inhabitants, Ecotourism works to protect landmarks and natural wonders. However, if the idea of working in Rakvere on a hemp farm for food and loggings is not up your alley, you can support Ecotourism simply by being mindful of where you stay.

Call us for free trip planning 844-300-7983 (24/7, toll-free) or request a quote for your flight to Europe online.

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