Sustainable traveling in Spain

The government of Spain is developing a sustainability strategy for 2030. Tourism is a very important sector in the Spanish economy with an employment rate of 12.2%, so it is necessary to find a way to combine the two aspects of sustainability and tourism.

Besides the actions Spanish cities take to improve their ecological footprint, also tourists should travel with awareness and respect for the country’s struggles.

Spain struggles from increasing heat waves and drought as a consequence.

But to travel sustainably, we don’t have to wait till 2030. Here are some things we can start with on our next trip.

Sustainable Hotels:

You can find sustainable accommodations on several websites. To avoid greenwashing, always check the references.

On https://ecobnb.com/ you find ecofriendly accommodations throughout Europe. The project was co-founded with the European Union and is supported by several fundings and partners.

The website https://etichotels.com/spain provides eco-friendly hotels throughout the world. The hotels are ranked by several specifications and have different certification levels.

How to travel throughout Spain:

If you want to explore different places with a larger distance, you can rather go by train than fly. With the largest high-speed rail network you can explore the whole country while enjoying the landscape and relaxing.

The easiest way to buy tickets and explore possible routes is here: https://www.renfe.com/es/es.

You can even visit the Balearic Islands by ferry and take a trip to Mallorca or Ibiza.

Ferries go from different cities like Dénia or Valencia. You can search for a route for example here: https://andalucia.costasur.com/es/billetes-ferry-andalucia.html.

To explore the close environment without using a car you can also go by bike. Be aware that Spain is mountainous, so maybe an E-bike is the more comfortable option. If you don’t want to or can’t bring your own bike, you can also rent one as there are several bike rentals throughout Spain.

Products:

The most sustainable way to use products is to buy and use only necessary products. The less the better. Don’t buy an article of daily use with the intention to throw it away after your vacation.

Buy local products. When buying local products you not only avoid the emissions produced during the transport, but you also take a piece of the place you’re visiting with you. You support the habitants and support the local economy.

You also have a souvenir that is not mass produced and interchangeable.

Water Use:

One of the most important topics of Spanish tourism is the high water use. As you may know Spain suffers every year of heavy drought periods due to climate change.

Be aware of that when showering or using water in general. Of course we all need to drink and shower, but here are some actions you can easily implement.

Take a shower instead of a bath
Turn the tap off, when brushing your teeth
Try to make your shower last as short as possible
Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
Don’t waste the cold water, while waiting for hot one, fill a jug and use it for watering plants or as cooking water

Do you have any more ideas, how to travel sustainably? Let us know in the comments and travel with joy and a good conscience.