We thought that the best way for you to understand what ecotourism is all about is by discussing the fun activities you can partake in. That’s why we dedicated our first article to the exploration of ecotourist activities in Europe. Revel in the beauty of the Old Continent in a responsible way by becoming an ecotourist!
Hiking
This first activity is a no-brainer; of course, you should go hiking. Europe has some of the best hiking trails and the nature of the continent is so diverse that you have an abundance of different options to choose from. Still, we will only concentrate on the ones that are known for supporting ecotourism and abiding more strictly to its principles.
- The Glymur Waterfall Hike, Iceland – Iceland is inarguably the most eco-friendly country in Europe; conservation is entrenched in their culture and their laws. We recommend going on this specific hike because it’s perfect for newbies (6.1 km, easy to moderate difficulty) and it reveals some of the most breathtaking views.
- The Walk of Peace, Triglav National Park, Slovenia – Slovenia is a fairy-tale country with one of the most gorgeous national parks in Europe – Triglav. Take the Walk of Peace hike to truly appreciate the virgin nature surrounding you.
- The Cheese Trail, Spain – take a breath of fresh air, and perhaps a few bites of cheese, by going on this hike. The Cheese Trail is a 100 km-long hike that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the Spanish countryside.
Cycling
You don’t usually need a car to get around various European countries, and it’s better for the nature (and for your body) to hop on a bike instead. There are wonderful cycling trails splattered around the continent that can satisfy amateurs, as well as die-hard cyclists.
- Anywhere, the Netherlands – Should we even explain this one? Whether you cycle in busy (but very eco-friendly) Amsterdam or in the idyllic countryside, you’d have the time of your life by using perhaps the best cycling roads in the world.
- Walensee Lake, Switzerland – ride around the beautiful Walensee Lake to enjoy the charming Swiss countryside. There are a few cycling trails that also take you to the nearby waterfalls.
- Valsugana Trail, Italy – this heaven on Earth is only accessible through cycling and walking. You can see the mighty river Brenta, along with many small villages, and of course, the Italian Alps.
Cave Exploration
What better way to indulge in the wonder of nature than exploring caves that took millions of years to form? Europe has a lot to offer in respect to caves, so put on your least slippery shoes and go into one of these gorgeous caves:
- Chauvet Cave, France – ecotourism is not only about nature, but also about the way people interact with it, so your first stop should be this cave, which contains some of the oldest cave paintings in the world that are surprisingly complex for their time.
- Green Caves, Canary Islands – formed by lava thousands of years ago, these caves offer a surreal experience to tourists with their mesmerising green glow that reflects on the water.
- The Cave of Pellumbas, Albania – this cave is a thing of beauty as Lord Byron would say. Located about 500 metres above the Adriatic Sea, it’s one of the most unique caves you’d ever go to. It also contains evidence of inhabitance from the Paleolithic Era.
Tree Planting
Tree planting is a great way to “pay” for your stay in a foreign country, it is also the ecotourist way. Lots of Europeans country now offer tourists to partake in tree-planting programs, which is both rewarding and useful. The European Union has also pledged to plant 3 billion trees by 2030, so you can help them do just that!
- The Highlands, Scotland, the UK – The Trees for Life organisation offers you the unique chance to explore the nature and wildlife of the Scottish Highlands by spending a few days camping there, while planting trees to help restore the Caledonian Forest. Currently, Scotland has one of the lowest percentages of forestation in the world (4%), so it desperately needs your help.
- Albufera National Park, Spain – plant trees in this beautiful national park, while being surrounded by various types of wild animals. Some programs also include surveying the land and water.
- The Carpathian Mountains, Central and Eastern Europe – there is a great program, created by Trees without Frontiers, which is tasked with the re-forestation of the Carpathian Mountains that spread over seven European countries. Check their bi-annual events to see if you’d be there to partake in this noble venture.