Portugal is renowned for its history, stunning landscapes, and culture. Besides this, however, the country has also come to the fore in the last few years as a leader in environmentally sustainable travel.
This trend towards sustainability is not just a passing phase; it's a movement that has the support of local entrepreneurs committed to keeping Portugal's natural beauty and heritage intact while offering visitors an authentic, sustainable experience. From green hotels to green transport modes and sustainable food, Portugal is proving that travel does not have to be either boring or bad.
If you're thinking of create a video of your eco-friendly tourism experience in Portugal, you'll be spoiled for options with Portugal's green companies and environment. In this post, we are going to share how Portuguese small enterprises are paving the way towards green tourism and how you can join this new wave.
Sustainable Accommodations: Green Hotels and Hostels
One of the key pillars of sustainable travel is where you sleep. In Portugal, much local accommodation is leading the way on sustainability. These operations don't simply reduce their carbon footprint, they also ensure that what they do is as green as possible.
Green Hotels
There are also some hotels in Portugal that have attained eco-certifications such as the Green Key and EarthCheck certification. Such eco-certifications ensure that the hotels maintain strict environmental practices, including energy and water efficiency, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials in building and in everyday operations. For example, the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais in Sintra has an energy efficient building design and eco-friendly facilities, offering a luxurious yet responsible experience.
Eco Friendly Hostels
If you are tight on budget or want a more social accommodation stay, there are plenty of environmentally friendly hostels in Portugal that provide comfort and sustainability. Hostels like The Independente Hostel & Suites in Lisbon focus on reducing waste by using organic and locally purchased items, as well as encouraging visitors to integrate eco-friendly practices like recycling and energy saving practices.
Green Transportation: Eco Friendly Travel Means Throughout Portugal
Transportation is also a major contributor to carbon, and Portugal is showing its environmental commitment by making eco-friendly means of travel easy to find anywhere in the country.
Electric Car Rentals
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in Portugal, and several local car rental companies now have electric cars available for tourists who want to reduce their carbon emissions while driving to the country's breathtaking landscapes. Companies like ECO Rent a Car have several electric cars that are great for urban hopping or exploring the country's picturesque beach areas, reducing emissions along the way.
Bicycle Tours
Portugal is a great destination for cycling, and cycling is an excellent means of sustainable transport. There are many local companies that offer guided bicycle tours of Portugal's historic cities, vineyards, and coast. Lisbon Bike Tour is one such company offering sustainable bike rentals and green tours that allow visitors to experience Lisbon's world famous sites while going green.
Sustainable Public Transportation
Portugal's city centers, for example, Lisbon and Porto, have excellent public transport that is both efficient and eco friendly. Trains, buses, and trams make a great mode of transportation in the country without leaving a great carbon footprint behind. Portugal has also been extending high-speed rails to promote clean travel even more for domestic as well as overseas tourists.
Green Gastronomy: Supporting local, eco food businesses
The food that you eat when traveling is also part of your carbon footprint. There are more green restaurants and food producers in Portugal that are centered on sustainability.
Farm to Table Dining
Farm to table restaurants are becoming more widespread across Portugal, with restaurants sourcing products from organic, local farms. Cantinho do Avillez in Lisbon, for instance, prides itself on utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients from local producers, lowering the carbon footprint of transporting food.
Eco Friendly Wine Tours
Portugal is renowned for wine, and many of the vineyards are already adopting sustainable methods in their process of winemaking. Quinta da Pacheca, which is one of the famous vineyards in the Douro Valley region, has eco-friendly methods of winemaking and waste management. Tourists also have the opportunity to undertake organic wine tours that give them insights on sustainable viticulture as they enjoy some of Portugal's finest wines to offer.
Sustainable Seafood
Portugal's coastal location guarantees seafood as a staple of the nation's diet. Most local businesses, such as Lisbon's Marisqueira Azul, deal in sourcing seafood from sustainable fisheries that employ responsible fishing practices. This ensures that the marine ecosystem is preserved for future generations.
Eco Friendly Experiences: Nature and Adventure Tourism
Portugal is blessed with diverse natural landscapes, and eco conscious travelers can appreciate the attractions of the country while ensuring responsible tourism activities.
Eco Tourism in Azores and Madeira
Portugal's Azores and Madeira, two island archipelagos, are two of the most natural and bio-diverse places on the continent. Locally based tour operators offer eco tours that feature conservation of natural resources as a key feature of discovering the volcanic landscapes, temperate rain forests, and unique wildlife. Operators like Azores Adventure offer green tours based on sustainable tourism practices, including nature walks, whale watching, and ecologically friendly lodging.
Responsible Surfing in Portugal
Portugal is renowned for its world class surf spots, and the majority of surf schools are now focusing on green practices. Lisbon Surf Rentals, for example, has environmentally friendly surfboards made from sustainable materials and educates surfers on how to maintain the coastal environment. Surf schools in the nation also educate visitors on how to prevent wastefulness and preserve Portugal's beautiful beaches.
How You Can Make a Difference
As a traveler, you can play an important role in the environment by opting for services that take sustainability into account. Below are some green travel tips when in Portugal:
Choose Green Hotels: Choose hotels and hostels that are eco certified or hotels that have a sustainability focus in their operations.
Use Public Transport or Rent Electric Cars: Opt for public transport or rent electric cars to reduce your carbon footprint.
Support Local, Sustainable Food Producers: Dine at farm to table restaurants and shop at local markets to support small scale farmers and sustainable food systems.
Choose Eco-Friendly Tours and Activities: Select eco tourism activities that focus on the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
Minimize Waste: Carry a refillable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and recycle whenever possible.
Conclusion
Portugal is making giant strides in the world of eco-friendly travel, with local entrepreneurs leading the way towards sustainability. Whether you stay in an environmental hotel, use an electric rental car, taste organic Portuguese meals, or get involved in environmentally friendly tourism practices, there are simply too many ways to tour the country with less harm done to the planet. As consumers, it's our duty to patronize such efforts and choose wisely so we can help retain the beauty and resources of Portugal for generations to come. Then the following time you are heading to this stunning country, remember the environmental options available to you and give back to the mission of eco travel.
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