Top 10 eco-friendly destinations in Europe
A multitude of destinations in Europe allow you to combine vacation and ecology. The Old Continent is rich in varied landscapes, from the fjords of the north to the regions of the Iberian Peninsula, including the pretty natural corners of the east of the territory. All you have to do is put on good shoes or get on the bike to enjoy the fauna, flora and villages devoid of major roads. Many cities in Europe also emphasize ecology, favoring soft mobility and activities that respect the elements around us. Eco-friendly at heart, here are 10 destinations to consider for your next vacation under the sign of respect for nature.
1- Grazalema National Park, Spain
Spain is not only a country of cities full of life, it is also a destination that delights nature lovers, with landscapes that vary from north to south and from east to west. In Andalusia, the Grazalema National Park is located between the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga. In the heart of one of the most magnificent karst landscapes in Spain, hikers discover gorges, deep gorges, cavities and a vast network of rivers. It is also home to the largest reserve of fir trees in Andalusia. The park offers a wide variety of trails and cyclists can ride the Via Verde de la Sierra. The lookouts reveal breathtaking panoramas, and it is common to observe birds of prey roaming the skies. To stay and taste good mountain gastronomy, you can settle down in Grazalema, one of the superb white villages in Andalusia.
2- Swedish Lapland
In a completely different atmosphere, Swedish Lapland is also a favorite area for an eco-friendly stay. Once there, how can you not want to respect at all costs these vast spaces of nature, green in the summer and immaculate with sparkling snow in winter? This Arctic territory, which covers a quarter of the country, is home to forests, mountains and rivers. You can also reach wild archipelagos. The Sami community is always delighted to meet visitors, they who have so much to teach us in terms of sustainable development. On site, depending on the season, you can enjoy boat trips, a fishing session, hiking, skiing or with sled dogs. The highlight of the show is the observation of the Northern Lights between August and April.
3- Alentejo, Portugal
Located between the Tagus and the Algarve, in the southern part of Portugal, Alentejo is a true paradise for ecotourism lovers. It has varied landscapes, with large beaches and fishing villages on the Atlantic coast, and alternating fields and cork oak forests inland. It is in this last part of the territory that there are superb medieval villages such as Marvao, Monsaraz and Elvas . We enjoy an ancestral heritage there, before stopping to order a glass of one of the locally produced wines. Two tips for an eco-friendly holiday in Alentejo: follow the Fisherman's Trail on the coast to marvel at the marine panoramas, or go to Castro Verde, special protection zone and destination favorable to the observation of numerous birds. Castro Verde is the starting point for several hikes in the heart of the steppe. Gorgeous!
4- The Black Forest, Germany
You have to take the road to the southwest of Germany to enter the heart of the mythical Black Forest, a mountain massif with a thousand experiences. There we discover superb castles, lakes ideal for water activities on sunny days and ice skating in winter, such as Lake Titisee. For eco-friendly vacationers, the area offers beautiful hikes, like the one that leads to the foot of the splendid Triberg waterfalls. In Gutach, we stop to visit the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum, located in the heart of beautiful nature and which aims to show how people lived in the Black Forest 600 years ago. For an urban stopover, you should know that Fribourg, a city with remarkable architecture, has become in recent decades a pioneering city in terms of sustainable development.
5- Walloon Brabant, Belgium
Brussels is one of the must-see places when visiting Belgium and the city is also very easy to explore by bike. But for those who still don't know it, the territory located south of the Belgian capital, Walloon Brabant, is a little treasure for lovers of stays in communion with nature. A bike ride in Brabant Hesbaye is an opportunity to admire castle-farms, square farms, old abbeys and Romanesque churches. During a visit to Mélin, classified among the "Most beautiful villages in Wallonia", we are immediately charmed by its tranquility and the views offered over the fields which stretch as far as the eye can see. In Walloon Brabant, many castles have parks open to walking.
6- Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital is renowned for its incredible relaxed lifestyle. The authorities' desire is truly to make it a smart city, with greater respect for the environment and the well-being of everyone. Copenhagen has taken on the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025! It is a city on a human scale, where cycling is king in the streets. For eco-friendly backpackers, two-wheelers are therefore preferred to go and see the must-sees such as the Little Mermaid and the Amalienborg Palace . But also to go for a stroll in Christiana, a hippie district renowned for its urban art, its music-filled streets and its residents who set up their own recycling programs and workshops.
7- The Prlekija region, Slovenia
The Prlekija region lies between the Mura and Drava rivers in northeastern Slovenia. Fans of ecological holidays will find it a privileged area for exploring hilly vineyards, and enjoying sublime views of the surrounding nature along the way. By bike, we enjoy riding along the Mura river, unless we prefer to get the adrenaline pumping during a rafting session. The region is also renowned for its accommodation and spa establishments, as well as its delicious gastronomy. In short, a dream place to reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple and pleasant pleasures of a rural region.
8- South Moravia, Czech Republic
We often tend to think of Prague and heritage when we talk about the Czech Republic. But the country is also blessed with superb spaces where nature reigns supreme and happily welcomes convinced ecologists. Mikulov is a destination where you can settle in before grabbing your bike and going to explore the surrounding vineyards, the white mountains and take a break by the crystal clear lakes. It is also in this part of the Czech Republic that we find the Podyji National Park . It is a true sanctuary of biodiversity, with a multitude of hiking and cycling trails that cross richly wooded areas. Along the way, you come across wild orchids, butterflies and, if you're lucky, black storks.
9- The Marken peninsula, Netherlands
Marken, a small isolated village , is located on a peninsula about 20 km northeast of the Dutch capital. Accessible by bus, the best is to find accommodation on site to spend a few days there and enjoy the peaceful local atmosphere. The setting is idyllic and is sure to appeal to fans of green holidays, with its colorful wooden houses, its paths dedicated to walking and its rather lively seaside. Bridges, canals, church, well-kept gardens: Marken is a small country haven. The lighthouse, which dates from the beginning of the 19th century , is a must during an eco-friendly stay on this peninsula with its dream setting.
10- Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish capital is another model of a green city in Europe. Eco-friendly people find it a pleasant refuge to spend a vacation in the city, while remaining close to nature. We quickly reach the Nuuksio national park , where we go deeper into the forest before taking a break by the lake. In the city, you can easily get around by public transport to reach key places in Helsinki such as the Temppeliaukio church, the National Museum of Finland or even Hietaniemi beach. Note that Helsinki plans to ban cars by 2025. New constructions are taking place on former industrial wastelands rather than in green areas. The city also has pleasant parks and gardens,.
Source: websites