The palatial glamour of Madrid, the cultural marvels of Cordoba, the gastronomic excellence of San Sebastien; it’s easy to see why Spain has long enchanted the hearts and minds of travellers. However, in an era where travel that’s sensitive to the climate and the wellbeing of the places we visit gain the long-term benefits of tourism, the country has become one of the leading destinations in the world to champion the transition towards fully sustainable tourism. With an investment of more than EUR 2 million (US $2.2 million) into initiatives in the tourism sector that align with the UNWTO’s 2030 Sustainable Tourism Strategy, it is a place brimming with incredible green travel experiences. It’s time to discover sustainable Spain.
PROTECTED NATURE
From the towering peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees to the golden beaches of Cadiz, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, Spain is a bastion of ecotourism. With the largest total area of land in the Natura 2000 network — nature protection areas in the European Union — ecotourists can discover some of the most diverse flora on the continent as well as enjoying opportunities to watch wild fauna in their natural habitas in 16 national parks and some 55 officially designated Biosphere Reserves, the highest number in the world.
Follow your compass north to The Picos de Europa National Park. Straddling Asturias, Cantabria and the province of León, the area features a diverse landscape of extensive wooded areas and mountain pastures, where the chamois goat and brown bear reside alongside challenging trails and awe-inspiring vistas. Make sure to pay a visit to the shimmering Lakes of Covadonga and the spectacular Cares Gorge for that much sought-after Instagram pic. If you prefer to tame snowy slopes, head over to Sierra Nevada National Park, where the large-horned ibex roams and 2,000 plant species including the royal chamomile and Sierra Nevada poppy pepper its 85,883 square kilometres. Or go to Teide National Park for a unique experience: home to Tenerife’s famous volcano, it is here the red lunar landscape mimics the Moon’s surface, providing an ideal location for the training of astronauts and of course, hiking and nature watching.
The majestic countryside enjoys great ornithological diversity, making Spain a haven for passionate bird watchers. Travel to where the rivers Tinto and Odiel converge in the Andalusian province of Huelva and you shall find Marismas del Odiel (Odiel Marshes Biosphere Reserve), a Special Bird Protection Area that pulsates to the sound of 200 different bird species. Here, you can tick off the likes of the spoonbill and the osprey from your bird watching list, as well a plethora of migratory birds on their journey to warmer climes.
THE BLUEST BEACHES
Bestowed with some of the finest beaches and marinas in the world, Spain is a pleasure ground for all those who love a day out by the sea. Travel to most coastal areas in the country and you will be able to cast your eyes upon a fluttering Blue Flag; an award bequeathed to its recipient for environmental education and cleanliness. In Galicia, drop an anchor in the small fishing village of Sanxeno, where the stunning beach of A Lanzada wraps around the coastline for four kilometres. Or plot a course for the warm waters of the Mediterranean and harness the strong gusts of wind that kiss the town of Sitges for a session of sailing, windsurfing or wakeboarding.
For those seeking a change of scenery, swap the golden sands for the volcanic black grains of the Canary Islands. While you’re there, why not ride the waves at El Quemao Beach where you can practise eco-friendly surfing? Donning your ecological surf wetsuits that are composed of natural rubber or recycled polyester, master the crashing waters on your biodegradable surfboard, replete with seaweed grip and non-toxic paraffin wax.
Don’t forget to indulge your inner Jacques Cousteau and take a ride on one of Spain’s seven sustainable tourist vessels. You can sail a catamaran in search of cetaceans in Benalmádena, explore the Mediterranean’s coves and capes from Dénia or Valencia, or go in search of the famous Meandro del Melero in the Gabriel y Galán reservoir on the River Alagón, safe in the knowledge your journey is emitting zero carbon.
CLEAR SKIES
As day gives way to darkness, the spectacle of the night sky captivates many across Spain. With 18 Starlight Reserves and 60 Starlight Tourist Destinations, there are plenty of places in which to set up your telescope for gazing at the constellations and distant cosmos. Blessed with pleasant weather for most of the year, Spain’s clear skies showcase eclipses and meteor showers alongside a blanket of twinkling stars.
In the Balearic Island of Menorca, you can learn how history and astronomy go hand in hand at the Talayotic site of Talatí de Dalt, a site of megalithic structures that offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of the island. Over in the Canary Islands, La Palma is considered to be one of the best places on the planet to observe the stars, thanks to all of its municipalities having astronomical viewing points and the world-famous Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory. Or in La Rioja, the Leza, Jubera, Cidacos and Alhama Valleys Biosphere Reserve complements the stargazing session with walks through nature and baths in hot springs by moonlight.
LOCAL AND ORGANIC CUISINE
A magical destination for anyone who classifies themselves as a gastronome, Spain has a well-earned reputation as one of the world’s gastronomic powerhouses. At the core of this excellence lies the emphasis on high-quality ingredients and zero-kilometre products. The culinary scene is a delectable fusion of tradition and innovation. Michelin-starred restaurants sit side-by-side with age-old yet ever-popular eateries, all sourcing their produce from the green, fertile lands and bountiful seas that surround them.
For seafood lovers, the Atlantic Ocean serves up a bountiful array of delicious fish like hake, cod, seabream and turbot. Pescaíto frito (little fried fishes) are favoured in the south of Spain, while Galician octopus is renowned as the best in the world. Inland, you’ll find prized beef and tender lamb grilled on the barbeque with glass chilled cider from Asturias or a glass of Rioja. You can sample some ternasco (roast meats) in Aragon or savour paella in its hometown of Valencia. The Spanish culinary tradition, which enjoys UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, also tempts vegetarians with the city of Aranjuez said to produce some of the tastiest verduras in all of the land. Call into the family-run Casa José, where chef Fernando Del Cerro serves up locally sourced vegetable and green dishes.
