Whatever green holiday you need, you need Spain

Having spent many a sunny summer holiday in Spain during my lifetime, the country has always had a special place in my heart. Enjoying endless hours of fun on the beach as a child and, then as a twenty-something, the equivalent amount of fun-filled times sampling it’s culture and nightlife, Spain is a holiday destination that never fails to satisfy, and I have only scratched the surface.

A country of contrasting landscapes, from it’s breathtaking, rugged mountains, to it’s olives groves, lush forests and not forgetting it’s ever-popular coastline, Spain quite literally has something for everyone and especially those who are looking for a green holiday destination.

For the eco adventurer: Blessed with majestic mountains and stunning scenery the North of Spain is the ideal place for those looking to challenge themselves in resplendent surroundings. Trekking in Pico de Europa or on the world famous Camino de Santiago trail (or St James’s Way) the ancient pilgrim route which journeys to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain, are just two locations of many adventurous destinations you can choose from.

For the green glamper: If you enjoy your holiday to be a little less exerting, how about hunkering down in a yurt? With the comfort of a hotel and the close to nature feel of a tent, staying in a low impact yurt, which draws it’s water from a borehole, electricity from the sun and wind power and home-grown organic produce, a yurt holiday is the ideal way to enjoy and contribute to the environment in which you are staying.

For the eco foodie: Olives, cheese, tapas, wine – if sampling the local cuisine is your idea of holiday heaven, Spain is for you. Across the length and breadth of Spain, affordable, locally-produced, artisan cuisine can be found everywhere. From the ‘catch of the day’ served in the many open-air restaurants that line Spain’s sun-drenched beaches, hams and spicy chorizo sausages from La Rioja and of course, not forgetting Valencia, the world’s largest exporter of oranges and Spain’s best-know dish, paella – Spain is a green traveller’s gastronomic delight.

So, to find out if Spain has ‘what you need’ and more information about Spain’s eco-tourism, head over to www.spain.info/whateverineedspain/en