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Sustainable & Responsible Tourism in Spain

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Sustainable Tourism - What is it & Where to Find it in Spain

Compare flight distances and CO2 emissions
Flights from London Gatwick to:
Bilbao - 890Km, 0.16t CO2
Barcelona - 1110Km - 0.20t CO2
Alicante - 1430Km - 0.26t CO2
Athens (Greece) 2390Km, 0.47t CO2
Bodrum (Turkey) 2680, 0.48t CO2
Distance information from www-europe-airports.com, CO2 calculations based on information published by National Energy Foundation.

We ask Rental and B&B advertisers on this site the following questions. If they answer yes to all of them, their listing is marked as meeting our Sustainable/Responsible Tourism guidelines.

  • Your property has not impacted on the local environment or culture.
  • You either supply local produce or local produce is readily available.
  • Local restaurants provide locally produced food.
  • Guests are able to take part in activities that do not affect the environment - eg walking, birdwatching, swimming in the sea.
  • You encourage/facilitate guests to recycle relevant rubbish.
  • Energy saving facilities are used wherever possible.

What is Sustainable Tourism?
It is tourism that has as little impact on the local environment and culture as possible, while being of benefit to the local people.
Responsible tourism is aimed more at the tourist and the tourism organisers taking responsibility for the effect that their holiday and travel may have on the environment. Being responsible can lead towards sustainability.

Why is this important?
Tourism is possibly the worlds largest industry and is expanding. It is an important industry, often generating income in geographical areas where other forms of employment have been lost. Holidays are important to people, they have earned it, want to enjoy it, but are also concerned at the effect their holiday may have on the environment and the people who live and work near their destination.
But, in places tourism has taken over and transformed a coastline or a community, and travel to the destination may be responsible for large amounts of CO2 emissions.

Does a holiday in Spain comply with the notion of Sustainable Tourism?
In some cases, that would certainly not be the case, but away from the high rise coastal developments and the golf courses there is plenty of scope for compliance.
For a start, if you are wanting to head to the sun, Spain probably provides the shortest possible flights from the UK compared to other destinations. Travelling by one of the ferry services to Spain would result in lower CO2 emissions still, certainly feasible if exploring the north coast.

Fancy being rural?
Rural tourism is actively encouraged in Spain, and in many areas accommodation is available at a density level that is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the environment or the culture, yet introduces extra income into the local economy, facilitating the preservation of the local cultures.

Enjoy the local cuisine?
An important step in responsible tourism, leading towards sustainability, is using local produce and eating local food. Though not particularly known for it's cuisine (except perhaps for the Basque Region) Spain has some excellent food to offer, and the small Spanish restaurant in a rural area is likely to be using seasonal produce from the local markets.
If you are self catering, you will be able to buy local produce from markets, and most supermarkets stock a high proportion of Spanish produce.

Displaying 1 to 10 of 16 Sustainable Tourism properties found in ascending order of maximum number of occupants
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APARTAMENTOS LA COLLADA

Rural, Oviedo province
Nearest Town: Cadavedo

Property Type: Apartment
Max Occupants: 2
Price: 294 euros - 434 euros

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Two apartments for two persons each. views to the sea. big garden.

30 minutes from airport (direct flights from london).
four minutes from the beach,

see our web: www.lacollada.com


APARTAMENTOS LA COLLADA -

El Olivo

Coastal, Cadiz province
Nearest Town: Conil

Property Type: Villa or House
Max Occupants: 3
Price: euros 280 - euros 580

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A purpose built cottage on a small cortijo, in a quiet location with your own private patio, mini-pool and stunning views to the Atlantic Ocean. (6KM away). Midway between Conil and Vejer.


El Olivo -

Cabo de Gata - Carboneras

Coastal, Almeria province
Nearest Town: Carboneras

Property Type: Apartment
Max Occupants: 4
Price: 250 Eur-week - 500 Eur-week

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In the begining of Cabo de Gata Reserve. 2 bedrooms. 50 meters from the beach.


El Almendro

Coastal, Cadiz province
Nearest Town: Vejer de la Frontera

Property Type: Finca
Max Occupants: 4
Price: 280 euros - 580 euros

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A spacious Converted Barn on a small cortijo, in a quiet location with your own private patio, mini-pool and stunning views to the Atlantic Ocean. (6KM away). Midway between Conil and Vejer.


El Almendro -

Apartment at La Barrosa

Coastal, Cadiz province
Nearest Town: La Barrosa

Property Type: Apartment
Max Occupants: 4
Price: 140 - 370

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A modern 2 bedroomed apartment in a delightful location close to one of the best beaches on the Costa De La Luz.
As our guest, in high season, you are eligible to use the swimming pool at the Club de Tennis, which is 100 metres from the apartment.


Apartment at La Barrosa -

Al Andalus Resort

Coastal, Almeria province
Nearest Town: Vera/Puerto Rey/Garrucha

Property Type: Apartment
Max Occupants: 4
Price: From 50 Euro - 70-90 Euros

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Stylish air-conditioned 2 bed (one en suite) terraced apartment with 2 bathrooms in small well designed gated complex. Ideal for families (2 adults/2 children), couples or singles.


Perintin Cottage

Mountain, Murcia province
Nearest Town: Ojos

Property Type: Finca
Max Occupants: 4
Price: 300? - 449?

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Perintin cottage is an old lovingly restored orchard house located in one of the most beautiful and tranquil corners of the Ricote Valley, being part of the organic state of La Era de Oxox. Surrounded by mountains, only 10 mins from Spas.


Cave House Chymeyn

Mountain, Granada province
Nearest Town: Galera

Property Type: Cave House
Max Occupants: 4
Price: From280 eur -

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Cave House Chemeyn offers historical accommodation along with all the trappings of modern living, such as running water, electricity, shower and toilet, also provided are free to view UK TV, CD/DVD player plus much more.


Cave House Chymeyn -

Vera Coast Apartment

Coastal, Almeria province
Nearest Town: Garrucha

Property Type: Apartment
Max Occupants: 4
Price: 210 euros - 375 euros

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AVAILABLE!! LATE BOOKING DISCOUNTS - ASK FOR PRICES.
Privately owned self catering holiday apartment on beautiful complex close to wide sandy beach.


Vera Coast Apartment -

Asturias (Llanes)

Coastal, Oviedo province
Nearest Town: Llanes

Property Type: Apartment
Max Occupants: 5
Price: 250 Eur-week - 500 Eur-week

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Asturias (Llanes). In Posada de Llanes. Apartment for rent.
Appartement a louer. Ferienwohnung.
2 bedrooms.Garage.Lift.


Displaying 1 to 10 of 16 Sustainable Tourism properties found in ascending order of maximum number of occupants
1 2 Next Page