Spain has many natural sites where you can stop and admire the spectacular surroundings. Ecotourism in National Parks, hiking or cycling along trails and old railway lines repurposed as Greenways, or the fascinating routes of the Camino de Santiago are some of the most well-known sustainable options. You will also have the opportunity to explore other environmentally friendly experiences: From sleeping in glamping tents at eco-campsites to helping reforest natural areas or discovering cultural projects that protect the heritage of rural towns and villages. Immerse yourself in the essence of Spain with the wide variety of ecological experiences we suggest here.
Immerse yourself in the most well-preserved wetland in the Mediterranean
Some of the most renowned National Parks in the world are located in Spain. The peninsula is home to protected areas with stunning hiking and birdwatching trails, such as Doñana National Park and Monfragüe National Park.Another example is Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park, where you’ll find a mix of river, sea, dunes, lagoons and river islands, among other natural wonders. In addition to visiting Buda Island, the best-preserved wetland in the peninsular Mediterranean, you can rent a barca de perchar, a traditional boat from the Ebro Delta, and sail across a large lagoon with fantastic views.The Spanish association Soy Ecoturista (I'm an Eco-tourist) offers many other protected areas with sustainable accommodation options and a wide range of activities in the heart of nature.
Experience the daily life of an ecovillage
Ecovillages are communities where people live together in a collaborative manner to ensure the long-term sustainability of their environment and lifestyle. Some of these communities offer you the chance to stay in their facilities and experience life there firsthand, giving you a truly unique experience. You’ll share in their peaceful, sustainable lifestyle while contributing to community efforts.This way, you can enjoy freshly harvested organic food straight from the gardens, learn about sustainable farming, eco-friendly construction, local art and even holistic therapies to keep your body, mind and spirit in harmony. Many ecovillages offer training such as summer courses, workshops or immersive themed weeks. At the Iberian Network of Ecovillages, you can find up-to-date information about their projects.
Glamping: Enjoy nature without giving up comfort
Another sustainable accommodation option is eco-friendly campsites. They have low-impact facilities and services so you can minimise the environmental footprint of your stay. Many are powered by solar energy, feature recycling and composting systems, promote the use of composting toilets, and focus on responsible water management. They also offer healthy activities such as hiking, cycling, horse riding and rafting. Costa Brava, Cabo de Gata, Aragonese Pyrenees and Asturias are just some of the many places in Spain where you can find environmentally responsible campsites. Can you also imagine enjoying direct contact with nature without giving up the comfort of a hotel room? 'Glamping' tents offer a new way to camp, combining all the comforts of home while you enjoy nature's starry skies or idyllic sunsets.
Agrotourism or reforestation: leave your green footprint even while on holiday
Have you heard of wwoofing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)? It is a movement that promotes temporary stays on organic farms. It gives you the opportunity to participate in activities such as harvesting fruit or making handmade products such as honey, oils, creams and more.Reforestation is another activity you can get involved in to help improve and conserve the environment you’re visiting. In Spain the Sierra Norte de Madrid invites you to calculate the carbon footprint of your trip and to actively participate in planting trees, such as in the Carpetania Forest, a land currently under recovery. If you love animals, you will find farms, sanctuaries and reserves all across Spain. Some offer day visits, allowing you to take part in the daily routine of these sanctuaries dedicated to animal recovery. Others provide you with accommodation, food and training in exchange for your help maintaining their facilities and caring for farm animals, horses or abandoned and rescued pets.
Cultural projects to protect heritage
Rural Spain offers a heritage full of history and architectural gems worthy of admiration, located in little-known places. One example is the project 'Castles for the Future' in Guadalajara, which seeks to contribute to the conservation of historic fortresses such as those in Torija, Brihuega and Cifuentes through tourist visits.The international initiative Museos Vivos (Living Museums) facilitates visits to monuments and visitor centres located in valleys or small rural towns. Thanks to a smart system for recording arrival times, the museum is scheduled to open almost on-demand, fostering resource efficiency and cost savings. This system is applied in places of interest, especially in Castile and Leon, such as the Torreón de Haza in the Ribera del Duero region of Burgos, or the Archaeological Centre of Medinaceli in Soria, among other areas.Finally, in Spain you will find sustainable luxury accommodation in true architectural gems. At the Palacio de Ardaliz, a residence located in Cangas del Narcea, in Asturias, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, you can also participate in making organic wine. If you visit Villanueva de Cañedo, in Salamanca, you can experience a fairytale stay at the Castillo del Buen Amor, which was a military fortress in the 11th century and a residential palace for the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century. Their eco-initiatives are a true statement of their commitment to the environment.
