Sustainable travel: Amazing destinations in Europe
There are many messages that can be taken away from the global climate strikes, and one of them is this: sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement — one that we are all responsible for making mainstream.
A heavy burden to bear — which, if we’re all being honest, can seem at odds with enjoying a relaxing or luxury holiday. But sustainable travel doesn’t have to mean an overhaul of the places you like to go or the things you like to do. It’s not an outcome of compromised comfort or quality, just a little bit of extra consideration.
In the years to come, we are set to see more sustainable practices and services from all travel companies and destinations, but, in the meantime, there are many already leading the way.
At Vado, we’ve selected four top sustainable travel destinations in Europe alone that won’t fail to inspire…
Ljubljana, Slovenia
For the city lovers among us, Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, awarded the 2019 ITB Best of Cities Award of the ‘World’s Top 10 Sustainable Destinations’. In recent years sustainable development has been a huge focus; its city centre is free from cars and its Bicike(LJ) bicycle sharing system free-of-charge, as are the 30-plus drinking fountains that produce clean, fresh water rivalling the best in Europe — so don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle!
Ljubljana is also part of the Green Scheme of Slovenia, a sustainable certification system, while its Green Supply Chains project actively connect local food producers with hotel and restaurant managers for the use of delicious, 100% locally grown ingredients. Head to the river at the heart of the city and make your way along the line of lively café terraces, or climb the hill to explore a little piece of 16th Century history that is Ljubljana Castle.
Nin, Croatia
If it’s a beach holiday you are looking for, then who could resist the sunny shores of Croatia? Surrounded by clear lagoons, natural gardens and salty wetlands, the town of Nin is often considered one of the loveliest in the whole Zadar region — and one of the most sustainable to boot.
Dating back more than 3,000 years, Nin’s Old Town is one of the oldest in the Mediterranean, located on a tiny islet at its core. Not surprisingly it’s a town steeped in history, and when you’re done exploring its expanse of cultural heritage, there is the eight kilometre stretch of sandy white Queen’s Beach to turn your attention to, the longest in the whole of Croatia.
Nin is also home to a number of unique, natural, and sustainable activities, all of which support responsible tourism and the local community. It is famed for its medicinal mud, produces 100% natural sea salt and houses a huge ecosystem of rare and endemic flora and fauna — a small town that offers a big itinerary!
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Parco del Mincio, Italy
The protected Parco del Mincio is home to Italy’s largest freshwater wetland, the perfect eco destination for nature lovers or those just looking to switch off on their time away. Cycle or ramble your way around its many routes, or take to the waters on a solar-powered boat.
The wetlands encircle the UNESCO-listed city of Mantua, a medieval marvel known locally as La Bella Addormentata — a sleeping beauty, all but untouched by urban development. Rich in history and prestige, the city was ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family for more than four decades, who welcomed many of the best artists, musicians, and writers that bear influence there.
The Gonzaga’s primary residence was the huge Palazzo Ducale, which spans the equivalent of seven football pitches in the city’s historic centre, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sabbioneta, a Gonzaga fortress and residence, is located about an hour outside.
Peene Valley, Germany
Referred to as the Amazon of the North, the Peene is a hidden gem of unspoilt natural beauty for those seeking a truly ‘eco’ experience. A wide, meandering river that stretches 100 kilometres through a dense wilderness of forests and meadows, the Peene is a refuge for endangered and rare plants and animals.
Enjoy the solitude of a natural paradise, scarcely ventured to by fellow tourists — or break up the day at a nearby water sport destination in Stolpe or Loit. Whether you’re watching the white-tailed eagles, paddle boating along the River Elbe or reclining on the deck of a houseboat, there’s no doubt you’ll leave inspired by the wonders of sustainable travel.
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