If you are also looking for a sustainable holiday, in a green destination, here are some locations whose conservation and environmental strategies have earned them a place in the Spanish government's Tourism Sustainability Plans.These plans seek to innovate Spanish tourist destinations, by creating a more sustainable offer in environmental, socioeconomic and territorial terms, and investing in sustainability, digitalisation and improvements to their dynamisation. Keep on reading to discover four of these green destinations.
'Ecotourism in Picos de Europa, destination Onís'
The sustainable plan “Ecotourism in Picos de Europa: destination Onís” aims to promote sustainable mobility in support of culture and locally sourced products, while protecting natural resources and minimising the ecological footprint.This municipality in Asturias, within the Picos de Europa National Park has a large number of plans for you to enjoy. The hiking trails take you to its villages, forests and rivers; or if you are more experienced, to climb peaks such as Ibeu and Pandescura.
If you are looking for a plan for the whole family, the ornithological route on the banks of the Güeña river will let you explore the plant and animal life in this rich ecosystem. Or, if you are looking for a more active plan, you can take a guided tour of Peruyal Cave, where you can see the complete skeleton of a baby prairie rhino.Here you can find all the activities and ecotourism tours on offer. Don't miss a thing!
More than five towns
Known as the region of the Cinco Villas, these towns in the north of Aragon aspire to offer active and sports tourism. Since they are little known, you will find a quiet and unknown location where you can relax and enjoy nature and the Aragonese heritage.
Cycling, hiking, cultural routes, archaeological sites... you have many eco-sustainable activities to enjoy! If you are looking to lose yourself in nature, here you will find a bit of everything, from plains like the Negras plain, to mountains like Santo Domingo, declared Natural Protected Area by the government of Aragon. Or if you prefer, you can learn more about its more than 10,000 years of history through its museums and visitor centres. Don't forget to visit the website to discover the unique hidden corners of the Cinco Villas, such as Sos del Rey Católico, Biel, Tauste or Ejea de los Caballeros.
Sierra Espuña, cultural ecotourism destination
In Murcia, in southeast Spain, there is a hidden natural setting where you can enjoy a unique destination, Sierra Espuna, which aims to become an international reference for sustainable tourism as well as a ecotourism destination through cultural experiences and rural tourism.
Do you want some adrenaline? Enjoy adventure sports like trekking or the MTB route Espubike, a challenge for lovers of this sport, encompassing more than 146 kilometres and 4,300 metres of height difference. If you complete all the sections, you get a special jersey. Do you want to give it a go?Or if you are already a pro at capturing natural beauty, the project Espuaves will take you to the best areas to photograph, through the largest network of photographic hides in southern Europe, the birds of this regional park.Go on plenty of adventures here, where nature is the uncontested protagonist.
La Vera and the Jerte Valley: intensity adventure
These two regions of Extremadura want to revitalise their natural surroundings through four differentiating elements: water, landscapes, culture and gastronomy. Here you will find water areas to go on walks and enjoy waterfalls, rapids and other spectacular formations. The Garganta de Gargüera gorge, also known as the Garganta del Obispo, features three swamps along the route, ideal for bathing in the summer months, as are the pools in the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve.
These rock formations attract many rock climbers and active tourism lovers to the area. You will be able to enjoy water-rich landscapes and amazing panoramic views. Did you know that Emperor Charles V was buried in this area? More specifically in Cuacos de Yuste, where you can visit the Yuste Monastery and learn more about the life and work of the emperor. And of course, you can't leave without trying the Pimentón de La Vera Protected Designation of Origin, which will give a unique flavour to any dish. Remember that the number of Spanish destinations that aim for more sustainable tourism goes up every year. Watch out for news!
