Lonely Planet has released its 2024 top 10 list for sustainable travel destinations and the top spot is just a two and a half hour flight from the UK.
From secluded beaches, stunning architecture and delicious cuisine this European country really has it all — and it’s not going to cost you much to get there.
So, without further ado, the most sustainable holiday destination is… Spain.
According to the travel gurus at Lonely Planet (LP) Spain has taken enormous strides to boost off-season travel and expand renewable energy.
It is aiming to spread visitors across the year, and bring tourism to previously overlooked destinations.
Cycle paths, trains and electric buses are making it easy to explore new parts of the country without having to fly and new boutique hotels are popping up in rural areas.
Spain's sustainable highlight:
Experts at LP recommend the Jardín del Turia, València’s ingenious transformation of the old Turia riverbed into a 9km-long (5.5-mile) road-free park.
It has created one of Spain’s best-loved green lungs and also reduced local traffic. So why not hire a bike or join a two-wheel tour?
Taking second place is a destination that’s slightly further afield from the rainy UK.
Patagonia covers the southern portion of Argentina and part of Chile and is home to an ambitious rewilding project.
Parklands are growing here and Patagonia National Park is set to open a planetarium and interpretation centre in late 2023.
But beware of the stunning, yet slightly dangerous wildlife, as the Chilean portion of the same park has successfully rewilded pumas, along with rheas and endangered huemul deer.
With Booking.com finding that 75% of tourists want to go on holidays with a lower carbon footprint, it’s no surprise sustainable travel is beginning to boom.
Greenland is thriving off this trend at number three on the most sustainable list, while the UK gets a shout out at number four.
Wales' sustainable highlight:
LP experts have highlighted an interesting farm near St Davids.
The ancient farm is now home to Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, a research centre, nature reserve and Grub Kitchen, the UK’s first edible-insect cafe.
You can learn all about sustainable food before tucking into some cricket cookies.
Wales is one of the world’s first countries to legislate for sustainability and is revamping its railways, so you can travel easily without a car.
For example, Pembrokeshire National Park is pretty accessible and set to become more so.
Placing fifth on the most sustainable list is The Portuguese Way, Caminho Portgues de Santiago in Portugal.
Lonely Planet claims this is so much more than a pilgrimage route. It claims it’s a ‘scenic journey across Portugal and Spain by foot or by bicycle’.
It’s complete with Romanesque churches, rivers and ancient villages along the 620km stretch.
Australia’s Palau is aiming to combat climate change by incentivising travellers to make conservation-conscious choices — as a result it’s placing sixth.
The app, Ol’au Palau, advises travellers to wear reef-safe sunscreen and eat at restaurants serving sustainably sourced ingredients.
Top 10 most sustainable destinations for 2024 travel:
- Spain
- Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
- Greenland
- Wales Trails
- The Portuguese Way, Caminho Portgues de Santiago
- Palau, Australia
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Ecuador
- Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
- South Africa’s Eco Lodges
Seventh is Hokkaido in Japan, while Ecuador places eighth. Penultimate on the list is the Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which promote meditation and the discovery of one’s inner self (apparently).
The idea here, according to Lonely Planet experts, is that ‘you’ll feel like you have the entire world to yourself’.
Lastly, but certainly not least, at number 10 is South Africa. Its ecolodges are dedicated to protecting biodiversity, encouraging tourists to take in it’s wild beauty.
But top tip: Book responsible experiences like Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park, say the experts. Avoid places where wild animals are held captive or made to alter their natural behaviour.
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