Spain was the 2nd most visited country in the world after France in 2018.

– UNWTO

This guide will show you its hidden gems and lead you to 6 destinations that have been awarded for their excellent initiatives towards sustainable tourism development by Green Destinations. In addition to being inspiring with their Good Practice Stories, these destinations have scored at least 60% compliance with the Green Destinations Core Criteria.

Spain’s landscape diversity is as immense as its cultural heritage. From the remote Pyrenean mountains to the wild Atlantic cliffs ending in the delightful Mediterranean coasts. As for its culture, both ancestral and living, the outcome of a historical crossroad which crystallizes in outstanding gastronomy, great wines and unique architecture and artistic expressions.

This time you will have the chance to…

…practice many outdoor activities, including water and winter sports,

…visit historical buildings with romanesque, gothic and modern architecture

…and experience unforgettable feelings at the local music and art festival.

The journey begins in Barcelona, the 2nd biggest city in the country which is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Even though not part of our sustainable destinations, you might consider enjoying Gaudi’s pieces of art.

The itinerary is going to lead you to 6 very diverse green destinations, among beaches and estuaries, mountains, and tiny coastal towns.

Please note that this itinerary is a suggestion and is very flexible. Spain offers good railway systems that connect each major city and many bus rides to smaller towns and villages. You might also consider car-sharing as an option since it is very common in Spain. Moreover, if you choose AVE trains to travel, you can get discounts for cultural visits and get to know some of the most important Spanish cities (check it out).

Please check the latest news about COVID-19 restrictions here.

When is it best to visit Spain? Anytime!

Fortunately, it has a warm climate during the whole year, but going to mountain tops is also possible to enjoy soft snow in winter.

How to get there? 

• Direct bus (ALSA) from Barcelona Nord bus station to Berga
• Duration: 1h 40′ (2h to return)
• Approximate cost: 29€ (29€ to return)

With a surface of 1.184,89 km², Berguedà is full of natural and cultural heritage. It is one of the 41 comarcas of Catalonia and is located in the pre-Pyrenees.

Starting with the Cadí Moixeró Natural Park, two mountain ranges, where you can see an iconic peak, the Pedraforca. Its forked shape is covered with legends and a long tradition of climbing and hiking (find out more outdoor activities here). At its Astronomy Centre, you can observe a very dark sky.

How to get there? 

• Direct bus (SARFA) from T1 or T2 Barcelona Airport to Torroella de Montgri station
• Duration: 3h 20′ (3h 30′ to return)
• Approximate cost: 24.15€ (24.15€ to return)

Torroella is a former royal town located at the foot of the Montgrí massif, where you can admire charming medieval and renaissance buildings, such as the Church of Sant Genís, the Torre de les Bruixes “Witches Tower” and the Montgrí Castle. And the Montgrír Natural Park is around the city (find out plenty of walking and cycling routes to visit it here). Music is another important feature of this destination: sardana‘s dancing was born here and many composers made Torroella a renowned music center, like Pere Rigau who founded one of the oldest local orchestras.

L’Estartit is one of the few resorts of Costa Brava which got a Quality Coast Gold Award in 2019. Here you can learn ancient fishing techniques or try some water sports, like sailing, kayaking, paddle surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. In the background there are the Medes Islands, which are one of the most important marine flora and fauna reserves in the Western Mediterranean.

All of that heritage is encapsulated at the Museum of the Mediterranean, where you can immerse yourself in Catalan history. It is also free to enter.

How to get there? 

• Direct bus (HIFE) from T1 Barcelona Airport to Amposta or to Tortosa
• Duration: 2h 10′ or 2h 5′ (2h 10′ or 2h 5′ to return)
• Approximate cost: 22.35€ (35.55€ or 31.25€ for roundtrip)

Terres de l’Ebre is the third stop on the list. It is a region made of four Catalan counties, which are Montsià, Baix Ebre, Ribera d’Ebre and Terra Alta. The latter is famous for its ancient tradition of wine production, but all link to the Ebro River offering several landscapes.

Ebro’s river basin is a magic place and its delicate habitats are protected by the Terres de l’Ebre Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO Heritage since 2013). Its delta is close to Amposta and here you can have some birdwatching, admiring wild flamingos, or walk along to discover the old salt ponds of Saint Antoni near la Tancada lagoon or visit the Ecomuseo.

Tortosa is 20-minutes bus ride away from Amposta. Besides being rich in gothic and art nouveau architecture, this city hosts many fortifications, including an air-raid shelter in the Garrofer neighborhood. Go back in time and participate in the Festa del Renaixement, a living history event of the XVI century, during the 3rd weekend of July.

Welcome to Pallars Jussà Region, our last destination in Catalonia. It locates in the Pyrenees and is characterized by its contrasts: from agricultural plains to extensive forests, high mountains, lakes, reservoirs and rushing rivers.

Considering the distance, we suggest you spend at least one night at Pallars Jussà. There, you can admire landscapes that vary from the Mediterranean to the high mountains, which are included in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Among the many outdoor activities, you can enjoy a wide network of paths or board their cable car to reach a 2,200 meters high peak. Note that it only runs from July to September (more info).

Strategically positioned, there are several border castles and Orcau Castle is one of them. It was built in the XI century to have visual control over the area of the Tremp basin and Conca Dellà at the border between the County world and Al-Andalus. Another remarkable feature is the local romanesque art. Many medieval churches were built and decorated with this style, like Santa Maria de Mur.

How to get there? 

• Direct ferry from Barcelona port to Mahón port or to Ciutadella
• Duration: 8h 45′
• Approximate cost: 46€ or 53€ for the second port

Menorca comes next. It is part of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands and its name refers to its smaller size compared to the island of Mallorca. Menorca became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993 for preserving its natural heritage and historical treasures while harmonizing socio-economic development.

There are over 1500 talayotic monuments which are made of very large stones assembled without mortar. These ceremonial sites and other funeral prehistoric monuments are scattered on the island, like Torre d’en Galmés which is very close to Alaior and Mahón on the road to Son Bou.

The Maó Harbor is unique of its kind. It hosts two islands, the Island of the King and Quarantine (or Lazareto) Island, both featuring constructions from the 18th century, and many fortresses, like the mid-16th century castle of San Felipe and Fortress of Mola that was built in the late XIX century. Experience a night tour made of uniformed actors, torches, and cannon fire.

During your second day in Menorca, you can adventure on one of the most incredible tracks, the Camí de Cavalls. It was preserved since ancient times to patrol the Island and is usually marked by whitewashed stones. Explore it on foot, by bike, or on horseback. This itinerary can bring you to some incredible beaches full of vegetation, like Sa Mesquida. There you can see a defensive tower built by the British in the 18th century. If you want to enjoy warm sea baths you can do it from May to late September.

In the Minorcan tradition, it is common to have “rondalles”, i.e. fantasy tales, and “glossadors” which are battles of poets. Don’t miss one of these venues if you want to get a stronger connection with the local culture.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much time left. Enjoy the rest of your stay with some traditional seafood (like caldereta de langosta, i.e. lobster stew) and other zero-kilometer seasonal products, like cheese. In 2022 Menorca will celebrate its cuisine as a European Region of Gastronomy.

How to get there? 

• Train from Barcelona Sants Station to Bilbao Abando Station, then take a bus from Bilbao Intermodal to Noja
• Duration: 8h 30’/9h
• Approximate cost: 50 € (or 13.5 € with Interrail, more info)

Japan is very dense in cultural and natural heritage. Thousands of shrines and temples can be visited at any corner. What makes it a very special place are its crafts and ancient tradition, such as the old and accurate techniques of paper production. Anthropic landscapes concentrate in small areas, while natural ones cover the majority of the Archipelago. There are 34 National Parks and some of them will be featured in our guides to Japan (discover all of them on their official website). Another distinctive feature of Japan are its four seasons, which offer changing landscapes during the whole year. Enjoy foliage tours, walks in the snow, cherry blossoming and hot summer baths.

There are 15 certified destinations by Green Destinations (from both 2020 and 2021 Top 100 Competition) and many more to come. For this reason we have created different itineraries that cross all of Japan, which offer the best solutions in terms of distance between destinations.

Honshu Island is the biggest island of the Japanese archipelago. Therefore, it has many diverse landscapes, from mountains to rolling countrysides, lakes, rivers, and the sea. Cultural and intangible heritage is also very dense there.

This guide will lead you to 5 destinations that have been awarded for their excellent initiatives towards sustainable tourism development by Green Destinations. Beside being inspiring with their Good Practice Stories, these destinations have scored at least 60% compliance with the Green Destinations Core Criteria. They are located in Central and South Honshu, taking you from coast to coast and backcountry. Mostly based on a temperate climate zone, it is the perfect location for experiencing the annual four seasons.

Walk in the oldest historical sites of Japan, taste exquisite traditional food, and learn from locals their valuable crafts that have been passed on from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

Please note that this itinerary is a suggestion, but it is very flexible. Japan offers good railway systems that connect each major city to smaller towns and villages. You can therefore also easily extend or shorten this trip according to your wishes. Travelling by train in Japan is already an experience (discover the history of the Japanese railway at the Kyoto Railway Museum).

How to get there? 

• Express train (Shinkansen) from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station
• Duration: 1h 20’
• Approximative cost: 2,850 ¥ / ± 21.5 €

Note: The Shinkansen train, a.k.a. the bullet train, is the high-speed Japanese railway which is very popular for connecting distant regions. From its wide windows it is possible to admire diverse landscapes, while having a comfortable journey. Not to mention each seat can reduce 92% of carbon emissions.

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is located in a basin surrounded by mountains on three sides. Through its long history of more than 1,200 years, Kyoto has blended diverse cultures and has been the spiritual home of Japanese people. It is known as a home to more than 2,000 shrines and temples, featuring 14 UNESCO world Heritage Sites.

Kyoto has a rich natural, cultural and intangible heritage, where new and old combine. The Kyoto station is both a gateway and a tourist site due to its futuristic architecture. The grid layout of the city center’s streets will bring you to many attractions, like the modern Kyoto Tower or one of the most important Shingon Temple, the Toji Temple with the tallest pagoda in Japan. 

On your second day to Kyoto, you can enjoy some hidden gems close to the city with fewer tourists around. Fushimi, renowned for its 1000 torii gates from the XVII century or its 20 sake breweries that offer tastings for visitors over-20. Ohara, which means “big field”, has a rolling slow-paced countryside and Sanzen-in Temple’s unique mossy emerald ground in summer, which turns red due to maple leaves falling in autumn. Yamashina, is home to national treasures like Diagogi Temple with its oldest wooden five-storied Pagoda and old traditional Kiyomizu pottery displayed at the Rakuchu-Rakagai Gallery.

How to get there? 

• Express train from Kyoto Station to Kanagawa, then change and get a local train to Wakuraonsen.
• Duration: 3h 15’
• Approximative cost: 8,590 ¥ / ± 65 €

Nanao City is located in the Noto peninsula which is charming for its abundant nature and its seasonal changing sceneries.

Nanao City is famous for its wellness activities, like Wakura Onsen Soyu, a public bath that operates since 1641. Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition and relax in natural hot spring water. On Nanao Bay, you can also taste some of the most delicious sushi in Japan. Notably, some local businesses have adopted innovative solutions to fight food waste in gastronomy, like food residue composting and fewer courses. Due to this, fresh and seasonal fish and vegetables from the sea and mountains are always available.

How to get there? 

• Direct train from Wakuraonsen (Nanao City) to Kanazawa station, then take an express bus to Shirakawa-go*. 
• Duration: 2h 25’
• Approximative cost: 4,800 ¥ / ± 36 €

Note: This time we are encouraging you to take a bus, since there is no train connection to this destination. Besides being less polluting than private car travelling, bus rides are cheaper and more comfortable too.

In Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Houses Village, a World Heritage Site, live 1,600 people that dedicate themselves to farming and landscape protection. Since ancient times residents have helped each other to make life easier in the mountainous area at the foot of Mount Hakusan.

As a symbol of mutual work (called “Yui”), there are 114 Gassho-zukuri wooden houses with a thatched roof and 59 of them are still inhabited. Some are open for visitors. You can also taste some locally produced rice.

On the other side, from the village, it is easy to access the Hakusan National Park Forest Ohjirakawa, home of centuries-old hardwood trees, like Mongolian oak. Here you can visit natural lakes and waterfalls, such as Shiramizu Falls.

*There are only 2 routes available: at 8.10 or 11.10 in the morning. Reservation is required (reserve your ticket from here).

The Nagara River has a 166 km long mainstream originating in Mt. Dainichigatake in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. It is considered one of Japan’s three clearest rivers and supports local economic development connecting forests, villages and the sea.

Discover the “Hon-mino-shi” paper which is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (at the Mino Washi Museum) and “Wagasa” traditional parasol crafting that has continued in Gifu since around the Edo period (1603-1867). The latter has incredibly complex structures with more than 100 steps in its production process.

Also visit the Udatsu Wall Historical District famous for its wealthy eaves decoration and “Udatsu” fire walls.

Miura Peninsula is known for its ancient Japanese capital, Kamakura, as well as for its atmospheric architecture and ancient culture. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the Miura Peninsula is valuable for its fishing industry and mild-climate agriculture. Moreover, warmer temperatures will welcome you there.

How to get there? 

• Direct train from Gifu to Nagoya, then change to Shin-Yokohama, change to Yokohama and as last change to Zushi-Hamaya
• Duration: 2h 50’
• Approximative cost: 6,700 ¥ / ± 51 €

In Zushi you can visit historical sites and go hiking around Jimmuji Temple, which is a sacred place of Takatoriyama mountain worship built in the Nara period (AD 710-794). Similarly, you can enjoy daily walks around Ikego Forest, where wild birds and flora live in harmony.

If you prefer to slow down and enjoy the breeze you can go to one of Zushi’s beaches. On sunsets, you can glimpse at a Shinto shrine that stands above the sea on a tiny rocky island of Morito Coast. Or, you can always change your mind and try some water sports, like surfing and sailing.

How to get there? 

• Direct train from Zushi Hayama to Kanazawa-Hakkeistation, then change to Yokosuka-Chuo.
• Duration: 25’
• Approximative cost: 250 ¥ / ± 2 €

Portugal has much to offer. Its rich culture, nature, and gastronomy have a taste that does not make you want to leave the country once you are in it. It is also home to incredibly generous and hospitable people. Well, it is for a reason that Portugal won the Best of Europe Award for sustainable tourism in 2019 at the ITB Berlin! We propose here a guide including 6 sustainable destinations in Portugal and, of course, sandy beaches and historical sites are on the agenda!

For all tastes, at all times, Portugal knows how to seduce. Let’s turn on the music, put some Fado background and embark on a journey you will never forget. 

But who said a personal car was essential to travel in Portugal? Challenge accepted! Let’s travel at a slower pace, merge into the local communities and enjoy the views all the way long by using only more sustainable or shared ways of transportation, including bus, train, or bike.

Note: Recommended moments of the year to visit Portugal include late spring (May-June) and the end of Summer (September – October) to have the great weather of south Europe without having the crowds of the very high season.

The journey begins in Lisbon, the capital of the country which is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Even though not part of our sustainable destinations, you might consider wandering in the streets of Alfama district, getting on the famous tram n°28 or taking a look at the view from one of the numerous “miradouros” of the city at your arrival there. 

From this starting point, the itinerary is going to lead you to 6 very diverse green destinations, between beaches and hills, cities and villages. 

Please note that this itinerary is a suggestion, but it is very flexible, so any destination can be skipped to make the trip shorter or if you want to spend more time somewhere else.

How to get there? 

• Bus Rede Expressos Lisbon – Nazaré 

• Duration: 1h50

• Approximate cost: 12€

Note: The bus is an excellent way to discover a country. It allows you to enjoy the landscapes and views on the way and to be completely immersed with the locals of the country. It’s about living like a local and getting to know them! 

The first destination of our trip is Nazaré, in the Oeste Region. This coastal city is known in the whole world for its famous gigantic waves after a Hawaiian surfer surfed there the biggest beach-breaking wave in the world. It is now a major surf spot for people coming from all over the world. 

You can walk to the Miradouro da Nazaré or to the Pederneira Belvedere to have a better view from higher on the long sandy beach and the city. And why not enjoy the sunset over the beautiful Atlantic Ocean while dreaming of new horizons? 

Cultural traditions are strong as well in the town and are to be discovered. Wander in the city for a while, enjoy its atmosphere and experience its culinary gems coming from the sea. Nazaré is indeed a major fishing area and the history of fishermen is anchored in its streets. 

Note: On Saturdays in summer, you can attend the “Arte Xávega” show in the evening, which showcases fishing in Nazaré.

How to get there? 

• Bus Rede Expressos Nazaré – Caldas da Rainha – Torres Vedras 

• Duration: 1h50

• Approximate cost: 12€

The second destination of our itinerary is Torres Vedras, still in the Oeste Region of Portugal. It is a coastal municipality with 20kms of sandy beaches. As you will arrive at the station which is more in the land, let’s visit the interior of the land. No worries, many other beaches are waiting for you later on! However, if you want to go to these beautiful beaches which are some of the best in Portugal, keep in mind that they are easily accessible by local bus. Torres Vedras is indeed certified as a Quality Coast destination so it would be a shame to miss that! 

By the way, did you know that the municipality of Torres Vedras was the most extensive one in the region of Lisbon? 

Visit the beautiful and authentic town center of the municipality. Discover the culture of the place with its numerous interpretation centers, cultural sites, and of course the castle of Torres Vedras. Enjoy the nice cafés and restaurants and don’t forget to try the local wine, the city has indeed been awarded as “European Wine City 2018” so it is something you do not want to miss.

On the third day of the trip, you can take a bike trip from Torres Vedras to Serras do Socorro e Archeira. The road is good to go there by bike but note that the hill can be a bit steep if you are not used to biking. If you do not feel like doing it by bike, it is also possible to walk there. Take the time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of this protected area on the way. 

Once there, well done, you have made the hardest part! The Centro Interpretativo da Paisagem Protegida Local das Serras do Socorro e Archeira is a must-do to learn more about the local cultural heritage. 

If you enjoy open and free views, there are also two forts (Feiteira fort and Archeira fort) from which you can observe the breathtaking landscapes of the valleys and the Local Protected Landscape of Serras do Socorro and Archeira (PPLSSA).

After your day, climb down or ride down the hill to go back to Torres Vedras. It is from there that you will take the bus the following day.

Note: for more suggestions on what to do, where to eat and to stay in Torres Vedras and Serras do Socorro and Archeira, have a look at this map.

How to get there? 

1. Bus Rede Expressos Torres Vedras-Lisbon  

• Duration: 45 mins 
• Approximate cost: 6€

2. Train Comboio de Portugal Lisbon – Sintra 

• Duration: 35 mins 
• Approximate cost: 2€

Total of approx. time: 1h30. 

Let’s go to our next destination, Sintra, the capital of romanticism and a magical and mythical place that knows how to charm anyone entering. The city was classified in 1995 by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape and a World Heritage Site. 

All sites are accessible easily by bus or walk. Start by discovering the centre of the city and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the oldest Palace in Portugal which can also be easily recognized thanks to its two conical chimneys. Dive into the history of Portugal and follow the steps of the majority of kings and queens of Portugal who spent some time in residence in the Palace.

On day 5, enjoy the western part of the town. These points of interest usually are less popular and thus with fewer people than the ones of the previous day. 

Enjoy the Quinta da Regaleira, a palace and chapel of Romantic style and architecture embedded in a luxurious nature. Also, take a look at the impressive wells that were previously used for initiation rites.

Finally, the Palácio de Seteais and Palácio de Monserrate and its magnificent garden are places you will want to visit. The Palácio de Monserrate is a quite colorful palatial villa where you can have an unforgettable experience. 

On the next morning, hop on a local bus to Cascais. It will only take you 40mins to reach Cascais. Please note that this bus can also be taken on the previous day if you want to have more time in Cascais. 

How to get there? 

• Local Bus ScottURB Sintra – Cascais
• Duration: 40 min
• Approximate cost: 2€

You can also walk on the 3km Cascais-Estoril promenade to go to the small village of São João do Estoril. 

Finally, the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum is worth a visit to learn more about the lighthouse’s history in a coastal area. 

Of course, here also, do not forget to taste the Portuguese gastronomy and wines and visit the local market to smell the scents of the local products. 

How to get there? 

1. Train Comboios de Portugal: Cascais – Lisbon

• Duration: 40mins
• Approximate cost: 2€

2. Bus Rede Expressos:  Lisbon – Lagos

• Duration: 3h45
• Approximate cost: 20€

Total approx. time: 4h25

The last destination of our trip is Lagos, in the Algarve region. Being located in the South of Portugal, Lagos also has a different climate and of course warmer water temperature. Enjoy the beautiful views of the rocky cliffs, of the coastline, and let yourself be carried by the peaceful sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean. Privileged points to enjoy it include the Miradouro da Ponta da Piedade. 

From Lagos, take a boat trip to have a view from the ocean to the coast, to its magnificent caves and you will maybe be lucky enough to have curious dolphins playing around with the boat or even just to spot them at a distance. 

In the evening, wander around in the city, and try the Algarve cuisine. Seafood is of course unavoidable in Portugal and especially in this region so order a Cataplana dish, the local specialty of south Portugal and enjoy the mix of prawns, littleneck clams, and chorizo sausage.

According to where you want to go then, you can spend a bit more time in the Algarve, continue your trip, or otherwise, the closest international airport is located in Faro, easily accessible by train or bus from Lagos.

This concludes our guide in Portugal, and we really hope you will enjoy this trip full of discoveries in terms of nature, culture, and traditions in 6 very varied destinations that are thriving to be more sustainable and that are working for a better future. 

At the end of this trip without a car, the cost of transportation is estimated at around 60€ for 7 days. If you had to rent a car and pay for fuel, it would be much more, without taking into account the environmental cost! So a personal car is not always essential and there are ways to travel at a slower pace using the public transportation of the place and blending in with the local population.

Visit this page to learn more about other green destinations in Portugal.