Sustainable Travel in Spain & Portugal

More Uniquely Iberian Experiences:

• Nature & Wildlife: Witness the majestic black storks in Extremadura, Spain, or go dolphin watching off the coast of Algarve, Portugal, with local guides who prioritize conservation.
• Canoeing or kayaking on the Tagus River: As mentioned previously, this is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region and spot local wildlife.
• Exploring the Garrovillas de Alconétar Natural Park or the Monfragüe National Park: These parks offer excellent hiking and biking opportunities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems of the region.
• Visiting the historical sites of Cáceres: The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history, offering cultural immersion and architectural wonders.
• Cultural Immersion: Stay in a restored historic village in Portugal’s Douro Valley, helping to preserve local heritage, or learn traditional cheesemaking from shepherds in Spain’s Picos de Europa mountains.
• Culinary Delights: Savor fresh, seasonal produce on a gourmet walking tour through Lisbon’s markets, or enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef in Seville, using sustainable ingredients.

Sustainable Luxury:

• Boutique Eco-Hotels: Immerse yourself in nature’s embrace at a solar-powered luxury lodge in the Portuguese countryside, or unwind in a charming eco-pousada overlooking the Algarve coastline.
• Unique Transportation: Explore the Douro Valley by bike, taking in the breathtaking scenery at your own pace, or embark on a multi-day hiking adventure through Spain’s Picos de Europa, with luggage transfers handled by electric vehicles.
• Locally Sourced Experiences: Participate in a beach cleanup initiative in Mallorca, or help plant trees in a reforestation project in the Spanish Pyrenees, directly contributing to the destination’s well-being.

Beyond the Stereotypes:

• Discover Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known regions like Galicia in Spain, known for its Celtic heritage and stunning natural beauty, or venture into the Alentejo plains of Portugal, dotted with charming villages and vineyards.
• Authentic Cultural Connections: Engage with local communities through homestays, cooking classes, or artisan workshops, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and traditions.
• Support Local Businesses: Choose eco-friendly agencies that partner with local businesses, ensuring that your travel dollars directly benefit the communities you visit.

By combining luxurious experiences with sustainable practices and a focus on the unique cultural and natural offerings of Spain and Portugal, eco-friendly travel agencies can provide upscale travelers with an unforgettable journey that aligns with their values and leaves a positive impact on the destinations they explore.

Lean into the Local Culture

Embracing the local culture is a crucial aspect of sustainable travel in Spain. By immersing yourself in the customs, traditions, and way of life of the people who live in the areas you visit, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture. This not only enriches your travel experience but also helps to support local communities and preserve cultural traditions.

Conserve the Wildlife

Conserving wildlife is an essential aspect of responsible travel. With a diverse range of ecosystems and over 60 protected natural areas, Spain is home to incredible plant and animal species. These ecosystems and species are vital to the health and beauty of the country, and it’s important to do our part to protect them.

When you’re on the road, it’s easy to forget that you’re a part of this planet and its ecosystem. Unfortunately, when we travel, we often become disconnected from our surroundings and the people who inhabit them. To reconnect with nature and the locals, try making an effort to conserve wildlife when you’re in Spain.

Invest in Local Commerce

Sustainable travel isn’t just about being environmentally conscious: it also includes supporting local communities by supporting their businesses and culture. This can be done through shopping in farmers markets, buying locally produced goods from artisans and craftspeople, dining at local restaurants or wineries, and visiting local breweries.

By supporting locally owned businesses, you can help to boost the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of tourism. This not only helps to create a more sustainable destination, but it also provides an opportunity to connect with the local community and gain a deeper understanding of the culture.

Embrace “Slow Travel”

Embracing the local culture is a crucial aspect of sustainable travel in Spain. By immersing yourself in the customs, traditions, and way of life of the people who live in the areas you visit, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture. This not only enriches your travel experience but also helps to support local communities and preserve cultural traditions.

Seek Inclusive, Ethical, and Sustainable Accommodations

Seeking inclusive, ethical, and sustainable accommodations is an important aspect of luxury eco travel. By choosing accommodations that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility, you can help to reduce your environmental impact and support local communities.

You want to find hotels or local housing that utilize sustainable practices as part of their accommodations and support a diverse clientele. In addition, they should celebrate an inclusive nature by not turning away patrons based on their gender, sexual orientation, or race.

Skip the Plastic

Plastic is everywhere, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. If you want to minimize your environmental impact, consider avoiding single-use plastics whenever possible—at least while you are traveling!

For example, if you are visiting a place that serves coffee or tea with disposable cups, bring your own reusable cup instead of asking for one every time. Many hotels will offer complimentary water bottles, but you can get your own reusable bottle instead. When shopping at local markets and boutiques, ask if they have reusable bags or plastic bags made from recycled materials. It’s all about being proactive with your responsible travel options.

Try Volunteer Work While Traveling

Volunteer work is a great way to create a more meaningful and impactful travel experience in Spain. By volunteering, you can give back to the local community and contribute to important causes while also immersing yourself in the culture and way of life of the people you visit.

Volunteer work is a great way to make a difference in the world, meet people, and learn about new cultures. It can also be an incredible way to get out of your comfort zone. So if you’re looking for something different from the usual tourist experience, then volunteering may be just what you need!

Leave No Waste Behind

It’s an old adage that is as true today as it was when the phrase was coined—reduce, reuse, and recycle. As sustainable travelers, we are committed to reducing the waste our travels produce. But how can this be done? The key to reducing waste comes from your attitude toward what you consume and how you consume it.

If you are unsure about how to best practice this luxury eco travel law, then simply think about visiting your grandmother’s house. You would never toss trash on her floor or fill her sink with plastic bottles. You would do your best to leave her home as good, if not better, than when you first arrived for a visit.

Be Mindful of Your Impact

It’s not just about being environmentally conscious, though. You should also be mindful of your impact in terms of culture. The Spanish have a rich history and culture, so it’s important to respect that while you’re traveling.

No one is expecting you to become a native Spaniard overnight, but putting in a little effort to acknowledge their cultural traditions goes a long way.

Avoid Overly Touristed Areas

While it’s natural to want to visit popular destinations, it’s important to consider the environmental and social impact of tourism on these areas. Overly touristed areas can often suffer from overcrowding, environmental degradation, and a lack of support for the local community.

The goal should be to balance your Spain luxury eco tours. Maybe you have one popular destination during your trip, and the rest of the time, you journey to “off the beaten path” destinations around the country where you will get a much richer experience and see natural spaces untouched by the massive, Instagram-known crowds.

Respect Nature

Traveling in Spain is a great way to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural landscapes, but it’s important to respect nature while you do so. It’s vital that you do not disturb wildlife or pick plants, and even more important, that you don’t litter. This can be difficult when there are so many beautiful things to see along your journey, but remember: if we don’t treat nature with respect now, it will become harder and harder for others in future generations to do so too!

Eat Real, Fresh Food & Drink Locally Made Wine

We’re sure you’ll be eating well on your travels, and it’s no secret that Spanish cuisine is one of the world’s great cuisines. Make sure you’re eating locally sourced fare when possible—it helps shift your carbon footprint from jet setter to local citizen.

This is especially true if wine is your thing. Try to get in on some winemaking. Many small producers offer tastings and tours of their vineyards in exchange for a donation or some other small fee, so don’t forget that glass or two of vino with dinner!