As the effects of climate change become more apparent, more people are recognizing their responsibility to protect the planet. At the same time, many still have ambitions to travel the world.
Is it possible to satiate the travel bug while considering sustainability? Can your vacation vistas take your breath away and help you breathe easier, all while keeping your carbon footprint light? At these eco-friendly destinations, we say, “Go for it.”
1. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
As a country that takes immense pride in its sustainability—including protecting over 25% of its land as national parks and preserves—it’s no surprise that Costa Rica is at the top of our list. More specifically, the famed surf town of Santa Teresa makes an ideal destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, locally sourced foods and goods, and wealth of options for eco-conscious day trips (Isla Tortuga, Montezuma, and Paquera Bay are all relatively close by).
Even better, Santa Teresa has some of the country’s top eco-friendly hotels. What makes an eco-friendly hotel, you might ask? In the case of Costa Rica, the acclaimed Hotel Nantipa, the laid-back Florblanca Hotel, and the backpacker-friendly Selina Santa Teresa lodges all boast eco-friendly amenities including waste, energy, plastic, and food conservation.
As we continue down this comprehensive list, these are the qualities that our eco-friendly hotels will—and should—all have in common.
2. Rivas Department, Nicaragua
While Costa Rica has been a famous eco-tourism hotspot for some time, its neighbor to the north, Nicaragua, has recently emerged as a more affordable Central American hub for adventurous, sustainable travel.
In particular, the Rivas Department in the southwestern region of Nicaragua offers a treasure trove of hidden gems, from the incredible volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua to the historic city of Granada and the stunning coastline of Playa El Coco.
For accommodations, Morgan’s Rock on Riva’s Pacific coast is one of Central America’s premier eco-lodges. Located on a 4,000-acre jungle reserve, it’s a family-run business that goes the distance to protect the local sea turtle population along with other native wildlife. Or, for an authentic local coffee farm experience, check out the charming Finca Magdalena hostel on Ometepe.
3. Lahti, Finland
In addition to Lahti’s environmentalist kudos, the natural environment is quite beautiful, including its Lake Vesijärvi, which has been cleaned and restored over the past 50 years. Meanwhile, on the beach of the nearby Lake Päijänne, Lehmonkärki Resort offers luxurious accommodations and amenities alongside solar energy and geothermal heating.
In 2021, Lahti was crowned as a European Green Capital due to its successful transition from an old-school industrial town into a cutting-edge city abundant in renewable energy, sustainable groundwater supply, recycling programs, and car-free transportation options.
4. Petra, Jordan
Despite facing constant threats from extreme weather and the growing danger of popularity among tourists, the local community and the Jordanian government have thus far succeeded in preserving Petra’s unique sandstone rock formations and ancient ruins.
In the nearby Dana Biosphere Reserve, travelers can discover a remarkably well-preserved desert ecosystem showcasing Jordan’s biodiversity with over 300 native plants and animals (such as the Nubian ibex and Syrian wolf).
5. County Galway, Ireland
Its seemingly endless green landscapes make it easy to go green in Ireland. In County Galway, it’s easier than ever to go green with their many eco-friendly accommodation options, such as the Slieve Aughty Centre’s campground and lodges and the lovely Dolphin Hotel on the island of Inishbofin.
While in County Galway, you can discover many of Ireland’s finest natural treasures, including the Cliffs of Moher, Killary Harbour, and the Aran Islands.
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
In 2021, Slovenia became the first country to be declared a green destination by the Global Green Destination Standard. In the nation’s capital of Ljubljana, you can experience many of Slovenia’s most significant advances in sustainability, such as a citywide bike share program, plastic-free water stations, locally sourced farm-to-table dining, and an abundance of parks and public spaces.
Not only does Ljubljana allow nature to flourish within city limits, but it also brings travelers near some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Julian Alps. The exceptional Ljubljana Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also nearby.
7. Cape Verde
Comprising ten volcanic islands off the mainland West African coast, the tiny nation of Cape Verde offers ample opportunities for travelers to explore the island’s unique blend of cultures and stunning natural beauty.
The country is already on track to achieve its 100% renewable energy goal by 2025. It has already made significant strides in protecting its natural resources through its National Park system, which includes the impressive Cabo Verde Biosphere Reserve and Serra Malagueta National Park.
8. Adelaide, Australia
The Australian state of South Australia already gets over 50% of its electricity from renewable sources (mainly solar and wind), and its largest city, Adelaide, has been taking significant steps to reduce its carbon and water footprints.
Adelaide also goes above and beyond to feature biodiversity in the city’s parks, celebrate locally sourced ingredients at its restaurants (especially at the critically acclaimed Restaurant Botanic), and preserve some of the region’s most picturesque beaches.
A short drive away from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island not only offers visitors memorable encounters with the eponymous marsupials, but it also features an expansive local wildlife sanctuary where koalas, wallabies, fur seals, dolphins, geese, and more roam free.
9. Seoul, South Korea
In recent years, South Korea’s capital city has gone above and beyond to preserve nearby open and wild spaces and convert abandoned infrastructure into innovative new parks.
Perhaps the finest example is the Skygarden, a once derelict highway that has since become a city park that features bridges to connect the city’s neighborhoods and commercial spaces, as well as a botanical “library” with some 24,000 plants arranged according to the Korean alphabet.
In addition to the Skygarden, Seoul boasts its own reclaimed urban forest that spans over 6.4 million square feet and offers an oasis throughout the city.
10. Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
In stark contrast to the more heavily developed islands of the region, Bonaire has carefully limited land development and established the Bonaire National Marine Park that encircles the entire island. Thanks to Bonaire’s comprehensive conservation efforts, over 470 fish species, some 57 types of coral, and a robust population of native sea turtles continue to call Bonaire’s offshore waters home.
11. Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland takes sustainability very seriously: The country boasts a recycling rate of over 50%, an ever-growing portfolio of renewable energy, and a comprehensive network of trains and electric buses across its borders.
Lucerne, however, takes these efforts a bit further. The lakeside city offers cruises on one of the city’s numerous low-emission boats, or you can enjoy various hiking trails into the nearby mountains. Meanwhile, the five-star Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern and Grand Hotel National Luzern practice industry-leading environmental responsibility while continuing to offer guests top-notch lodging and dining.
12. Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
Spanning 260,000 square miles and two countries near the southern tip of South America, Patagonia offers visitors a vast landscape full of unspoiled natural beauty.
This region sports multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the incredible whale watching at Peninsula Valdes in Argentina and the icy glaciers and snow-capped mountains of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Also, at Torres del Paine, you can enjoy sustainable yet luxurious accommodations at EcoCamp Patagonia.
13. San Diego, California, United States
Even as the U.S. struggles with climate action, San Diego is moving more aggressively to deploy renewable power, cut water waste, build more sustainably, expand its mass transit networks, and protect some of California’s most scenic landscapes and coastlines. As a “city of villages,” San Diego has numerous walkable neighborhoods and incredible urban parks like Balboa Park in the heart of the city and Torrey Pines in the coastal enclave of La Jolla.
A short drive or train ride away from the city, travelers can discover some of the region’s best-preserved beaches and coastal wetlands in North San Diego County, including San Elijo Lagoon and Swami’s Beach in Encinitas.
14. Denver, Colorado, United States
Staying in the U.S., Colorado’s capital city is taking many innovative steps to take on climate change, including the new law that mandates rooftop solar panels or gardens, citywide composting services, and a “bring your own bag” program to cut out plastic waste.
The Mile High City also has over 5,000 acres of traditional parkland, 2,500 acres of urban natural spaces, and 14,000 acres of mountain parks just a short drive or train ride away. It’s also easy to catch a train at Denver Union Station to explore more of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
15. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
As part of its mission to become the Greenest City, Vancouver already sources about 95% of its electricity from renewable sources (the city is also on track to make all its buildings carbon-neutral by 2030), and over 90% of residents live within a five-minute walk of green spaces.
At the same time, 18% of Vancouver consists of urban forest, including the expansive Stanley Park, which has extensive trails, sandy beaches, gardens, and one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest temperate rainforests.
16. Gozo, Malta
Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese island of Gozo may only span 26 miles. Still, it features thousands of years of ancient history alongside electric-blue waters and well-preserved landscapes.
Gozo has also become a leader in sustainable tourism with its efforts to promote local artisan businesses, local farm-to-table cuisine, and responsible use of regional parks and beaches. It’s a refreshing contrast to the high rate of tourism that plagues much of the region.
17. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
As perhaps the world’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, over 90% of the Galápagos Islands—spanning more than 600 miles of the mainland Ecuadorian coast—consists of national parkland.
Ever since Charles Darwin visited these islands in 1835 and launched his exploration into evolutionary science, the Galápagos have wowed travelers with the vast array of wildlife that call these islands home, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sharks, penguins, and mockingbirds.
While it can be difficult for visitors to reach the Galápagos, that’s for a good reason: The Ecuadorian government remains proactive in preventing over-tourism and preserving what’s become the world’s ultimate living museum.
18. Menorca, Spain
While the nearby Mediterranean island of Ibiza has become synonymous with mind-bending nightlife, Menorca hosts a very different kind of party. This island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that sports diverse ecosystems, a stunning collection of pristine beaches, an extensive network of bike routes, and some of the best birdwatching in the Mediterranean.
If that doesn’t sound enticing enough, consider this: Menorca also grows a bumper crop of hyper-local seasonal produce, and the island was named the European Region of Gastronomy in 2022 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) because of its commitment to sustainable cuisine.
19. Portland, Oregon, United States
With over 92,000 acres of green spaces in the city, it’s easy to see why good environmental stewardship comes naturally to Portland. The town features over 400 miles of bike paths and trails and has one of North America’s premier low-emission and zero-emission mass transit networks.
At the same time, Portland might be North America’s epicenter of farm-to-table sustainable gastronomy. If you want to see where much of this great food originates, Portland is an excellent gateway to the beautifully rustic Willamette Valley wine country. Portland also offers easy access to the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge and the many natural wonders of the Oregon Coast.
20. Mafia Islands, Tanzania
Located off the coast of mainland Tanzania, Mafia Island is part of the eponymous marine park that spans nearly 500 miles and preserves one of Africa’s richest marine ecosystems. Sometimes called Chole Shamba, Mafia Island is a haven for endangered sea turtles. It’s also a refuge for humpback whales, whale sharks, and birds like western reef egrets, Terek sandpipers, and crab plovers.
Not only does Mafia Island feature all this native wildlife, but it also boasts a collection of unspoiled beaches and eco-friendly lodging options for every budget.
21. Borneo, Malaysia/Indonesia/Brunei
Though Bali has become famous for its incredible coastal scenery, it’s also increasingly feeling the strain of overtourism. An excellent alternative in Southeast Asia is the island of Borneo, a spacious island with verdant rainforests and ample wildlife. With a fantastic native population of endangered Bornean orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and multiple bird species, animal lovers will enjoy the island’s diverse wildlife.
22. Mauritius
Seemingly hidden in the Indian Ocean (some 1,100 nautical miles away from mainland East Africa), the archipelago of Mauritius has a unique blend of Indian, African, Creole, and French cultures. It’s home to many of the world’s rarest plants and animals. Though the introduction of non-native species has threatened native wildlife, local authorities are taking action to protect their habitats and restore local forests.
Mauritius offers ample opportunities to explore the local environment on land and is popular with divers and snorkelers since it has the world’s third-largest coral reef.
23. Azores Island, Portugal
Positioned in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores Islands are proudly “sustainable by nature.” With over 30% of the islands’ territory protected as parklands, the Azores invites visitors to explore their fascinating collection of volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs, dramatic coastlines, and ample hiking trails to reach it all.
The Azores also provide one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries, and they’re one of the few places where you can watch blue whales nearly year-round.
24. Gothenburg, Sweden
This southern Swedish city has been dubbed “the world’s most sustainable destination” for seven consecutive years. It can defend its title too.
The Global Destination Sustainability Index’s top-ranking city has remarkably preserved its 17th-century urban core. It also leads the way in locally sourced sustainable cuisine, unique vintage retail finds, widespread urban walkability, and an impressive train and bus network that helps travelers lower their carbon footprint.
25. Lake Garda, Italy
Between the Italian Alps and the Po Valley, Lake Garda offers all the glamorous luxury you can find at the more famous Lake Como. The difference? Lake Garda has also made the effort to become one of Italy’s most eco-conscious destinations.
Easily reachable by train from Milan, Lake Garda is also a great place for cyclists to hit the road and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic workouts. It also boasts a robust collection of local hotels that offset 100% of their carbon emissions and some of the region’s finest ecological spas.