12 ECO-SPAIN HOLA ESPANA!
Unlike Italy, France or Ireland, Spain does not require proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid-19 test to enter restaurants or bars, meaning tourists are more likely to choose a Spanish holiday for their next break... here’s some reasons why you should too
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PAIN says international travel levels are fast recovering and could see the country return to its pre-pandemic visitor levels by 2022 while the ever- popular Balearic Islands has outlined its tourism model, which is leading the recovery of international tourism to Spain.
Like many places across the world, the Islands are moving towards sustainable tourism. Minister of Tourism, Iago Negueruela, said: “This crisis has forced us to adapt and revaluate our tourism proposition towards a quality tourism model that generates quality employment, and ultimately a healthy and competitive economy. We want to eradicate tourism excesses that have caused so much damage to our destination.” “We are determined to position our destination as the leading post-pandemic destination. To achieve this, we need to introduce variables that make us a fully sustainable destination. The Balearic Islands are much more than sun and beach; it’s a destination that can be enjoyed all year round.”
Enjoy nature with 100% responsible tourism On holiday in Spain, you can enjoy nature with environmentally friendly activities and tourism. There are many protected natural spaces known for their sustainable tourism options.
RESPONSIBLE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Starlight reserves
Clear skies, no light pollution, and the facilities you need to enjoy an unusual evening discovering the
constellations. This Cattle migration paths
These are the routes used for centuries by Spanish shepherds and cattle herders moving their herds between their summer and winter pastures - known as Trashumancia. Some of these routes are now marked and adapted for hiking and cycling, and run through beautiful scenery. For example, you can follow them through the Sierra de Gredos (Ávila) or the Trashumancia route of the Catalan Pyrenees (Lleida). Former railway tracks for walking in nature Known as Greenways or Vías Verdes, these are abandoned railway lines that have been adapted for hiking and cycling in natural surroundings. Spain has a total of more than 2600 kilometres of Greenways. These paths are a good example of restoring the environment, and on some you can see rare animals, such as bears. This is the case of the Senda del Oso (Bear Path) in Asturias, where the bear Paca lives in the hills. He was rescued as a cub and now lives on a nearby mountain, and every day he comes down to be fed (around 12 noon) in a part of the path near Proaza. Visit unique, ancient olive trees
Virgin olive oil is an ancient agricultural tradition in Spain. As well as tasting the oil, you can visit numerous almazaras (olive oil mills) and vast olive groves. You can even discover some well-known unique olive trees and marvel at their size (you need more than four people to encircle their trunk). For example, in Jaén (Andalusia) there are guided tours to see hundred-year-old olive trees in places like Martos; in Catalonia they are organised in Ulldecona (Tarragona), and the Valencia region boasts thousand-year-old olive trees in Canet Lo Roig (Castellón).
Save Posidonia Project Formentera has a festival with a plethora of fund-
raising activities to benefit conservation projects in the sea floor around the Balearic Islands. It takes place in October, and includes exhibitions, sports, awareness- raising workshops, and more. The money raised goes to protect the meadows of Posidonia oceanica on the sea floor, which are home to many marine species. You can even sponsor a meadow.
NATURE RESERVES YOU CAN VISIT The protected natural spaces of Spain include four types with outstanding sustainable tourism options. There are 16 National Parks, all with scheduled tours, footpaths and visitor centres. Four of them are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. These are Doñana National Park (in Andalusia), Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (in Aragon) and the National Parks of Garajonay and the Teide (in the Canary Islands). When
is the 100% sustainable
holiday experience on offer in some of the world’s best astrotourism locations. You can find more information in this article.
Spain says international travel levels are fast recovering and expects 2022 to be a bumper year for tourism
planning a visit, remember that you need to book some of them in advance, or you need to get permits for certain activities. You can consult the conditions on the Spanish National Parks website.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, AragonOrdesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Aragon Alternatively, there are almost 30 natural spaces accredited by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, a project backed by the European Commission.
You can also visit 15 geoparks. They stand out for their unique landscapes and geological heritage, which you can read more about on their website. They also organise workshops and educational tours. Spain also has more biosphere reserves than any
other country in the world. In total, it has 53 spaces with outstanding biodiversity. You can find excellent examples of the integration of sustainable tourism on the islands of Lanzarote, El Hierro, La Gomera and
Fuerteventura, top-class tourist destinations that are also Biosphere Reserves. In fact, El Hierro is the first island to be self-sufficient in renewable energy. Four sustainable activities You can do near Málaga Respect for your destination and travelling responsibly are characteristics of sustainable tourism. On your trip to Spain there are lots of sustainable activities on offer near the city of Málaga. Are you in? Take a stroll around the historic botanical gardens of La Concepción
You can visit a truly magical place, very close to Málaga: La Concepción Botanical Gardens. A wonderful green space where you’ll find a unique collection of subtropical species. Full of captivating spots for reading, having a picnic, or simply taking in the peace and quiet. The perfect break for switching off and leaving the stresses of the city behind you. Sculpture in the historic botanical gardens of La ConcepciónSculpture in the historic botanical gardens
SMALL coves lapped by the intense blue Mediterranean, pine forests that practically embrace the sea, days spent on-board a yacht, sleepy
villages full of rural
charm, luxury beach clubs, accommodation in paradise- like settings…
Ibiza is a heavenly Mediterranean destination, a place where you can let your hair down and enjoy the laid- back hippy atmosphere of its fashion and street markets, chill out on a Bali bed next to the sea or watch the sunset surrounded by beautiful scenery. Ibiza is so authentic that it can combine the world’s most exciting nightlife with a UNESCO World Heritage town and Biodiversity Reserves.
An island where you can feel free
Comfortable clothes in cool white fabrics are part of the identity of Ibiza’s fashion and island lifestyle. Ibiza means freedom, finding yourself, and comfort in every sense.
Because Ibiza is pure heaven on the Med... everything is
close by, and it’s easy to find spaces where you can relax, be refreshed and feel younger than ever. The turquoise waters of its coves suggest
January 2022 Travel News of La Concepción
Take the train to the Costa del Sol
The train is a sustainable way to travel. From Málaga station you can reach a large part of the fabulous Costa del Sol. Plan a day trip - a visit to Nerja and its spectacular caves, for example. Or spend the day on the beach and enjoy a delicious paella by the sea. Burriana, Calahonda and Almuñécar are some of the best-known. Go hiking along the River Chillar Go walking along a river? In Nerja you also have a hiking trail that follows the course of the River Chillar. It’s of medium difficulty, so you should be well prepared, and remember to take the depth into account. The best time of year to go is from March to October. You’ll walk through some wonderful scenery: water, trees and a background of birdsong.
Visit the villages of Mijas and Ronda
Two villages to see on a day trip, very close to Málaga. Mijas is perfect for wandering in its pretty little streets of whitewashed houses. Ronda is known for its stunning location, perched over the deep gorge of the river Tagus.
Respecting the environment and the country’s heritage, you’ll enjoy Spain even more.
Eco-friendly souvenirs so you can remember your family holiday forever One trend that is becoming more and more popular is buying sustainable souvenirs. In Spain there has been a surge of local businesses that care for the environment recently, so it is now very easy to find gifts that are both delightful and eco-friendly. It is an environmentally friendly option that is becoming more and more fashionable.
One of the best things to do when travelling is looking for souvenirs that will remind you of the various moments you experienced during your trip. This list contains various ideas that may give you some inspiration.
One gift that is always welcome is sweets and desserts. Rosquillas, torrijas, mantecados, sobaos pasiegos, turrón... wherever you go in Spain you will find delicious sweets and desserts that are typical to that region, and they are now available in eco-friendly versions. Spain has a great tradition of artisanal crafts. Some examples of this are the porcelain products in Sargadelos (Lugo), with shapes and patterns inspired by Celtic culture, or the ceramic products in the Catalonian town of La Bisbal, where you can buy terracotta dishes to add a special touch to your dining table. Ibiza and Formentera are known for their salt flats,
where fleur de sel is harvested by hand. This is a fully sustainable, environmentally friendly gift that will add flavour and a touch of the Balearic Islands to all of your dishes.
If you travel through Andalusia, the land of
olives, don’t forget to buy some organic olive oil. We recommend visiting the region of Jaén, where they produce some particularly aromatic and intense oils. There are endless opportunities for finding sustainable souvenirs in Spain. The only challenge will be choosing which ones to buy and enjoy with the whole family so you can remember your trip forever.
A MEDITERRANEAN DREAM
relaxation and privacy. You can discover some of the quietest with a delightful sailing expedition from the ports of Eivissa, Sant Antoni de Portmany and Santa Eulària des Riu. Lunch or dinner on or around their seafront promenades is a great way to enjoy the island’s seafood.
There are many ways to experience the coast of Ibiza - the beaches of Cala d’Hort, opposite the beautiful nature reserve of Es Vedrà, and Es Caló d’es Moro, with one of the most admired sunsets to be seen on the island; the rocky shore of Ses Variades, full of lively bars and nightclubs; Cala Benirrás, epicentre of the hippie lifestyle every Sunday with its drum parties; coves like Tarida, Jondal, Conta, and the beaches of Ses Salines and d’en Bossa, with a variety of beach clubs; or Cala Llentía, with standing stones on the cliffs, regarded by many as Ibiza’s Stonehenge.
Spectacular nature and views
Ibiza’s unique natural environment is also home to other landscapes of great
interest. Places like Benimussa Valley and
the plain of El Pla de Corona stand out for their rural charm. Apart from their traditional
country
houses and lush olive groves and vineyards, they are particularly
attractive in
winter when you can see thousands of almond trees in full bloom, adorning the countryside with delicate white flowers.
Another great place to visit
is Ses Salines Natural Park. The salt pans and maritime marshes extend across the south of Ibiza and the north of Formentera, and the sea here is home to a large part of the posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. These meadows have earned the island its place on the World Heritage biodiversity list. Ibiza’s
Heritage sites are mainly concentrated
cultural World around
the
upper part of Eivissa, Dalt Vila, considered the best preserved coastal fortress in the Mediterranean. The area is perfect for strolling around the small streets and hidden squares. Sa Caleta, the nearby Phoenician settlement, and the necropolis at Puig des Molins also
form part of
Ibiza’s UNESCO World Heritage assets.
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