Mass tourism profoundly alters the landscape and the local way of life. However, Spain offers numerous alternatives and sustainable options for combining leisure with respect for nature and local communities: from volunteering at animal sanctuaries to eco-friendly campsites and summer courses.

Here are ten ideas for enjoying sustainable tourism at any time of year.

1. Holidays in ecovillages

Eco-villages are communities that practise a sustainable way of life and offer experiences, accommodation, workshops and exchanges. For example:

Matavenero Ecovillage (León): this self-sufficient ecovillage in the El Bierzo region offers the chance to take part in construction projects that preserve the area’s traditional architecture, as well as in organic farming and environmental conservation.
Lakabe Ecovillage (Navarre): founded in the 1980s, Lakabe is a self-managed community that lives sustainably. Here, you can take part in workshops, volunteer and go on guided tours to learn about their way of life.
La Rosina Ecovillage (Cáceres): this focuses primarily on organic cuisine and sustainable production methods.


2 . Volunteering at animal sanctuaries

Spain has several animal sanctuaries where you can volunteer and enjoy a unique experience:

El Hogar Animal Sanctuary (Tarragona): at this sanctuary, you can volunteer by looking after rescued animals, such as pigs, horses, dogs and cats. In return, accommodation and, where available, meals are provided.
Fundación Santuario Gaia (Girona): this sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and care of farm animals. You can take part in volunteering programmes to help look after the animals and maintain the sanctuary.


3 . Staying at sustainable campsites

Camping is an affordable and sustainable way to enjoy nature in Spain. Some eco-friendly campsites:

Camping Órgiva (Granada): this eco-friendly campsite in Granada’s Alpujarra region uses solar power, has recycling and composting facilities, and promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Surrounded by nature, it is ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
Camping Forest Days (Lleida): situated in the Catalan Pyrenees, it offers accommodation in glamping tents with a low environmental impact and promotes the use of dry toilets and responsible water management.
‘Cat-sitting’ or ‘dog-sitting’ involves connecting travellers with homeowners who need someone to look after their pets whilst they’re away

4. Looking after pets in people’s homes

Being a cat sitter or dog sitter is much more than just a way to earn some extra money. It involves connecting travellers with homeowners who need someone to look after their pets whilst they are away xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal 4. House-sitting and pet-sitting Being a cat sitter or dog sitter is much more than just a way to earn some extra money. It involves connecting travellers with homeowners who need someone to look after their pets whilst they are away. It is an ideal option for those who love animals and want to explore different places without spending money on accommodation.

There are platforms that allow you to look after homes and pets in exchange for accommodation, such as Trusted Housesitters or House Carers, which are an excellent way to travel economically and sustainably.

5. Cycle tourism

Cycle tourism is a sustainable and healthy way to explore the countryside. Some routes across Spain include:

The Route of El Cid: this route takes in places linked to the legendary El Cid Campeador, stretching from Burgos to Valencia. It’s a great way to discover varied landscapes and charming villages.
The Sierra Greenway: this route, which connects Puerto Serrano with Olvera in Andalusia, follows an old railway line that winds through tunnels and over viaducts, offering spectacular scenery.


6 . Getaways with a low environmental impact

Taking part in activities with a low environmental impact is an excellent way to enjoy nature without harming it, such as watching shooting stars (astrotourism) or birdwatching.

Spain is a paradise for birdwatchers, with many protected areas where a wide variety of species can be observed. The best known are Doñana National Park in Andalusia and the Ebro Delta in Catalonia, but there are numerous other birdwatching destinations of great interest.

‘Woofing’ is an increasingly common way to spend some time living on an organic farm

7. Agritourism

Staying on an organic farm allows you to gain first-hand experience of sustainable agriculture and take part in activities such as fruit picking or making artisanal products. ‘Woofing’ (short for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is an increasingly common way to spend some time on an organic farm.

Choosing accommodation that practises sustainability is always enriching; Spain offers a wide variety of eco-friendly hotels that implement sustainable practices such as the use of renewable energy, the consumption of seasonal produce, recycling and reducing water consumption.

8. Immersive workshops and artist residencies

Taking part in immersive workshops is an opportunity to meet people with shared interests, learn about and practise sustainability. There are many options, for example:

Permaculture workshops: in various regions of Spain, such as Catalonia and Andalusia, permaculture workshops are organised to teach participants how to design sustainable agricultural systems that mimic the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems.
Sustainable craft workshops: in cities such as Granada and Valencia, you can find craft workshops where recycled or eco-friendly materials are used to create unique products.
Literary retreats: writing a book in the countryside, in a rural cottage or a restored mansion is a brilliant idea for literature lovers.


9 . Summer schools

Many universities in Spain offer summer courses covering environmental, cultural and humanities topics. These courses allow you to delve deeper into specific subjects and connect with like-minded people.

University of Barcelona: offers summer courses on topics such as climate change, renewable energy and sustainable resource management.
The International University of Andalusia (UNIA), with campuses in several Andalusian cities, organises summer courses on sustainability, rural development and sustainable tourism.


10. Environmental Volunteering

Environmental volunteering is another way to put sustainability into practice during our holidays, ranging from volunteering in National Parks to marine conservation programmes. There are numerous organisations where you can get involved in biodiversity conservation, reforestation and the clean-up of natural areas. In places such as the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, there are volunteering programmes dedicated to the protection of marine ecosystems, including species monitoring and beach clean-ups.

Article from Ethic magazine. Read the article