Sustainable tourism in Spain represents one of the most important development engines of the Country. A way of travelling, that respects nature, places and local communities are always more requested, not only in the Iberian peninsula but all over the world. In Spain, there are a lot of authentic and wonderful rural areas where ecotourism offers a real opportunity for social and economic development. Some of the particularly interesting areas include Asturian and Pyrenees, Catalonia (among Costa Brava and the hinterland), Andalusia, and the Canary and Balearic islands. Are you ready to discover 10 sustainable destinations in Spain perfect for a vacation in harmony with nature? From the North to the South of the Nation, here you have the most beautiful places for an eco-friendly holiday in Spain.

San Sebastiàn

The list of best sustainable destinations to not lose in Spain begins with one of the most known cities in the North of the Nation, in the Basque Country: San Sebastiàn. A wonderful location, rich in nature, art and history.

For breathing the culture you can explore the delightful alleys of the centre, observing the buildings, the mayor hall, the Deputación and Miramar Palaces, and the Costitución and Gipuzkoa squares. And then, the museums, the Victoria theatre, and the churches. The most characteristic one is the Buen Pastor Cathedral, in neo-Gothic style, built in 1897.

For hiking, some paths bring you to mount Urgull, where stands out Mota Castle. These paths are four and they all begin at different points, each of them hiding different surprises and unmissable views.

Just two kilometres away from the centre rise Donostia. From here you can organize hikes on the Igueldo mount, which you can reach on foot or by cableway, which still has the original coaches from 1912. You can cheer your eyes with the most suggestive glimpses of the city, enjoy an amusement park and reach the old lighthouse.

Between the two mounts, there is Concha Beach, the symbol of the city, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world. A wide and sandy bay, that still maintains a wild part and in its centre there is the rocky island of Santa Clara.

Noja

If you want to spend a vacation in the middle of the wild and uncontaminated nature, the perfect sustainable destination is Noja, on the Cantabria coast of Spain.

Here there are a lot of guided paths which cross the beaches, dunes, swamps, countryside and forest, where you can immerse yourself in the green and admire incredible landscapes. The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel lagoon Natural Park is a heritage that encloses 120 different species of aquatic birds and a lot more animals.

Among the most famous beaches there are Playa de Tregandín and Playa de Ris, with their solemn cliffs and luxurious flora. They are ideal to practice every aquatic sport.

And then, you can visit architectural excellences with elegant palaces and historical residences, sanctuaries and churches. The symbol of the city is a roman bridge that crosses the wide lagoon of Las Huelgueras. Furthermore, Noja is part of the Santiago Way.

Gijón

Along the coasts of the “Green Spain”, on the shores of the Cantabrian sea, in Asturia, there is the vibrant Gijón. This sustainable destination in Spain has been a finalist in the program EDEN (European Destination of ExcelleNce) of the European Commission for sustainable tourism.

A naturalistic and cultural destination, to explore from the coast to the hinterland; rich in museums, squares, palaces and Roman ruins and you can’t miss the Clock Tower. There is also a promontory where it develops the fishermen’s neighbourhood of Cimadevilla, with a large park that extends into the ocean and shows incredible viewpoints.

Then there are a lot of paths, green areas, attractions for families, parks, lakes, mountains and walks along the sea. The most famous beach is Playa de San Lorenzo, long and sandy, with some isolated points with rocks and inlets.

Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia holds a primate. It has been the first city in the world to obtain certification as a sustainable tourism destination in Spain.

One of the most famous tourist destinations on the planet, symbol of overtourism, can be lived in a totally green way. You can enjoy the sun of the Mediterranean, the amusement and the local vivacities in the numerous green spaces with greenery and different styles.

You can move by bicycle, thanks to the numerous cycling tracks, or on foot, you can visit the centre and its palaces, the historical monuments, the squares, the artistic alleys, the architecture of Gaudí and the Rambla until the harbour. You can also visit the various parks, the hills of Tibidabo and Montjuïc and the numerous belvedere. Don’t forget to have a walk along the urban coast until the cleanest and crystal clear ones of Costa Brava.

Girona

Staying in Catalonia, among history and nature, we can talk about Girona, a little green and architectonic jewel.

Time ago the city was surrounded by medieval walls, now it develops along a maze of ancient alleys. here you can find the cathedral of Santa María, the museums and the colourful houses that appear on the shore of the river Onyar. Don’t miss the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, the churches and the ancient roman thermal baths. You can also walk on the archaeological path that brings you to the most important sites of the ancient city.

Among the natural parks you cannot miss the ones near the river Ter: La Devesa and Les Ribes del Ter, perfect for walking or doing sport. If you want to move by bike, follow the Greenways, and walk along the ancient railway tracks on two wheels.

Valencia

Another ideal destination for sustainable tourism in Spain is the bustling and ecologic Valencia.

A dynamic city, rich in culture and traditions, ancient and modern at the same time with an attention to sustainability. With its dense network of cycling tracks that connect the city and excellent service of bike sharing, you can move well everywhere.

You can cross the entire city along the old river bed of the Turia river, which now is a florid garden 9 kilometres long that unites the Parc de Cabecera with the City of Arts and Science. A nice walk by bike can bring you to exciting museums, monuments and rivers hidden inside.

You also can’t miss the nice beaches with clean sea, among the most famous ones there are Playa La Malvarrosa and Playa de Las Arenas.

To tone up your legs and enjoy a wonderful view you can access the Miguelete tower, attached to the cathedral in gothic style. Climb the 207 steps of the spiral staircase, reach the terrace of the bell tower and make you be surprised by the impressive view of the city and the countryside.

Moreover, a few kilometres away from the city centre there is the magical Natural Park of Albufera. On its inside, you can find the biggest lagoon of the entire nation, an ancient sweet and salty, born from the merge of the rivers Turia and Jucar with the sea. It’s also a shelter for unique species of aquatic birds.

Doñana National Park

Now we move to the south, among the provinces of Huelva, Cadiz and Seville, in Andalusia, in the spectacular Doñana National Park. This is one of the most beautiful and important areas of Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A marvellous place where you can find different ecosystems: swamp, lagoon, kilometres of beaches, mobile dunes, cliffs, pine forests and Mediterranean scrub. Here coexist different animals like birds, deers and wild boars. Some species are even in danger of extinction like the imperial Spanish eagle or the Iberian lynx. Here there is a total of 500 vegetal and animal species of great ecologic value.

A spectacular scenario that changes every season and that amazes you continuously, in a territory that is extended for 543 square kilometres and that can give you a green trip full of emotions.

Almería

With its Western landscape, Almería, in the heart of Andalusia, offers the possibility of an adventure out of this world.

A city of Arab origins, with a rich historic past and an undisputed wild nature, that gifts amazing views. Among ochre rocks and desert streets, you can observe the typical country houses (cortijos) and enjoy a regenerating peace. You can visit the centre with its cobbled alleys, the coast, the churches, the museum and the cathedral. And the Alcazaba of Almería, the magnificent fortress located on a hill, where you can admire at 360° degrees the city and its amazing gardens.

The beaches are pieces of paradise, like the special Cabo de Gata. A natural reserve with uncontaminated beaches, cliffs overlooking the transparent sea and deep inlets. It almost looks like a lunar atmosphere.

Then there is the Sierra Nevada National Park, with its unique landscapes and with its endless possibilities. In winter and summer, you can dedicate yourself to the sport: skiing, cycling, hiking and even horse riding.

Finally, just half an hour away from the city, you can visit the desert of Tabernas, the only one in Europe, choosen by the movie director Sergio Leone, where he set his most famous movies. You can also enjoy the numerous trekking paths, in the middle of an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Furthermore, during the night you can admire an unforgettable starry sky.

Formentera

Not only the mecca of amusement but also a safe and ecologic island, ideal for doing an experience of sustainable tourism in Spain. Formentera, in fact, with its wide natural spaces, has uncontaminated places that are perfect for living numerous adventures.
The Consell Insular de Formentera is active for a lot of years to promote the island as as one of the best sustainable destinations in Spain, through numerous actions to protect the natural heritage.

The pearl of Baleares will bring you on a trip that will open all your senses. Among landscapes of rare beauty, colourful villages, and white and infinite beaches with crystal clear and blue water, you can practice a lot of activities. You can walk and hike on foot, by bike or with a horse, through the 32 green itineraries, and do every type of aquatic sport.

Moreover, you cannot miss making the route of the lighthouses and hills of the island, from the highland of La Mola to Cap de Barbaria.

El Hierro

El Hierro is a small island that is located more west than the Canary islands. With heavenly beaches, rich greenery, volcanos and a favourable climate and many naturalistic attractions, is a land of huge impact.

Moreover, the island distinguishes itself for its commitment to the safeguarding of the local ecosystem. Declared Biosphere Reserve, is a place where there are many hike paths, surrounded by various green and luxuriant forests. The waters are crystal clear and the spectacular ocean floors are full of life. The Marine Reserve La Restinga is an underwater temple, known at an international level and populated with numerous animals.

The island has approved time ago a sustainable development model, based on the recycling of waste, sustainable transportation, organic agriculture and on projects that regard the use of solar energy and hydrogen cars. It has been the first island completely self-sufficient thanks to the usage of renewable energy.

Breathe pure air, enjoy the belvedere on the sea and immerse yourself in the meditative peace that the uncontaminated nature can inspire you.

In conclusion, sustainability is one of the new pillars of Spanish tourism. We have suggested to you some of the most beautiful and sustainable destinations in Spain to travel respecting the environment, discover exceptional places, and live a unique and rewarding experience. Which will be your next green destination?

The article Top 10 Sustainable Destinations in Spain for your next green holiday was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Trees are the key to slowing down climate change and ensuring life on Planet Earth. Tree of Life is the tribute work by the artist Flavio Kampah for Ecobnb.

We were immediately enchanted by this photographic work by Kampah which seems to tell the power of nature, the ability of plants to communicate, make us feel better, and make us happy. And then, we know, trees are the main tool we have at our disposal to stop global warming.

Tree of Life inspires us to imagine a possible future where men and nature can live in harmony.

We decided to interview the author, Flavio Kampa, in order to find out his history and how his work came up.

Flavio Kampah

Flavio Kampah, photo by Kampah.com

Street artist, painter, illustrator, photographer, but also designer, and director, Flavio Kampah is one of the most cosmopolitan and interesting artists on the Italian and international scene.

Travel is one of the fundamental themes of his life. Born in Parma, he has in fact lived all over the world, from London to Los Angeles, from San Francisco to Sydney, from Nice to Bali.

He is currently in Ibiza, Spain, where he has just finished his latest work: the mural for the “Marytierra” restaurant in the port of Santa Eulalia which depicts Frida Kahlo and “Samo” Basquiat, both symbols of creativity and diversity.

From there, Kampah replies to our interview:

Where and when was the photo at the base of the work taken?

On Easter Monday this year, on the stroke of the first month since my arrival on the island of Ibiza, for the second time in my life, accompanied by new friends from Parma who have lived here for several years, (Teo and Paola) and who they wanted to show me one of their favorite beaches, with pride.

This is Cala Salada or better Cala Saladeta saw from above. A beautiful and unforgettable day, in good company that accompanied me to different corners of the island to help me get to know it. During this terrible pandemic period, we were also able to take a quick bath, the water was frozen, it was all so beautiful and perfect.

Calva Saledeta, Ibiza Spain, Photo by Flavio Kampah

What inspired the work “Tree of Life”?

The Tree of Life artwork is inspired by the contrast between the shapes of the leaves and those of bathers/tourists, which made it special for me and gave me the opportunity to unite the two worlds, that of nature and that of humans, the main inspiration for my work.

Their coexistence and belonging to the same magical universe that surrounds us and in which we live, and where we should do it in the greatest possible harmony.

Ibiza, photo by Flavio Kampah

What does travel mean to you?

For me, traveling as I always say is the best thing in life, because it includes everything. Traveling is adventures and experiences that lead us to fully appreciate the miracle of life and to be part of this world. When you travel there is everything that is part of life: nature, encounters, friendships, cultural exchanges, etc.

It is the best school of all, much more than the one where they force us to sit at the desks of a building within a classroom to forced to mechanically memorize … On a journey, things are learned through experience and touching them by hand. There are things that are impossible to explain verbally or with concepts. The word is an extension of man’s mind but also a limit to him because he tries to enclose concepts that are infinitesimal in a rather limited number of words. During the while you travel, you learn to listen to your senses and your experience and many concepts cannot be transferred through thought but take shape and become concrete in our consciousness even more than written words.

Stencil of Venice, Los Angeles, Photo by Kampah.com

These experiences are a stimulus to improve one’s life and make it even more special. This happens above all through meeting people who live in cultures other than those in which we grew up and who therefore stimulate us to see the world from another point of view and from another perspective.

Among the many places where you have lived, which one has remained the most in your heart? And why?

I think I can say without mistake Cuba. It is a magical place where time seems to have stopped in the 1950s and where it seems to perceive the moment in a different and total way, every second I lived there belonged to that moment as never before and nothing before, I felt I was living the moment fully and better than anywhere else in the world before.

Cuba, opera stencil on old salvaged doors dedicated to the fisherman and Ernest Hemingway

I went back 3 times in a year in 2002 and again for 3 months in 2017, again for work and for artistic experiences. The warmth of the people is unique and helps you a lot to make you feel welcomed and involved in their life without any effort. A unique and unforgettable sensation.

CHEnge, Opera of F CK Flavio Campagna KAMPAH in Havana, Cuba

What will your next destination be?

I have not the faintest idea and I don’t even want to know or plan it. For many years now I have been following the flows of my life mainly dictated by my work and where I am required for my performance.

Photo by Kampah.com

I have been doing street art full time for 10 years now and with my stencil technique and spray cans, I have given myself the mission to color the walls of the world … one wall at a time!

Ibiza, photos by Flavio Kampah

I have recently arrived on this wonderful island (Ibiza) and as always, I do not want to visit it as a tourist but to live it as one who works there, and therefore I hope to stay for a long time to have the opportunity to enter its DNA and experience it. and treasure everything I will learn by staying here as long as possible, then we will see where my next work will take me, but at the moment I have no idea where it will be, and this is even better for me.

What does ” Tree of Life” represent?

It represents the harmony between human beings and nature, or at least the eternal search for this. A symbiosis between the small human ants, and the planet they are guests of and the attempt to preserve it and not destroy it. A utopia that I hope can be achieved, a peaceful coexistence between men and nature in total respect for both parties.

Photo by George Vidal, Getty Center, By Canva Pro

Did nature inspire your other works? If so, which ones?

So many and countless times. One of the best experiences of these kinds of my life was when in 1999, tired of directing TV advertising campaigns in America for important brands like Toyota but selling cars that helped destroy the environment, I happened to be in Bali and be invited from the famous interior designer Linda Garland who had a wonderful resort in the center of the island, in Ubud, in the back of the monkey forest, and who had created the EBF Environmental Bamboo Foundation and asked to host me as a resident artist to help her promote bamboo as an alternative to wood and prevent the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

This image is taken from “The Pope of Venice Beach” Flavio Kampah in Bali with Linda Garland

It was a great experience that made me learn a lot about this extraordinary plant that grows spontaneously and mostly in the hottest but also the poorest area of the planet and that could be like gold for these poor populations if they only knew how to make the most of it.

I produced a video that was looped on large screens at Expo 2000 in Hanover in the Indonesian pavilion and silkscreen printed materials to promote the qualities of this miraculous plant, bamboo. But there are also countless other cases where I felt inspired by nature, but this one seems be (to me)  the most… complete.

Explain your art in one sentence, or even better in one word

INSPIRE

I would like my art and my works to be inspirations for change, necessary and important for our peaceful evolution and growth, but also for the lifestyle and positive energies that I try to bring into my works and transmit to others, as much as possible.

A.I.P Arrest in Peace DAVID BOWIE, photo by Kampah.com

Who inspired you in your career?

First mainly my father, who was a humble house painter, but with artistic ambitions abandoned to work and provide for his children and his wife, but seeing him work and also paint the signs of the shops in the neighborhood, was a great artistic influence for me.

But then also my second-grade teacher Andrea Nieddu, who taught me to see the world with eyes different from those that were common to everyone and launched me with a mission in the world, that of improving it and making it more liveable for all, and through my art is what I always try to these day.

Then there are the greats of the past for me like Picasso, Moebius, and Leonardo… to name a few.

The mentors I found on my way growing up as Augusto Vignali Art Director of Fiorucci with whom I took my first steps in the world of graphics in Parma at the age of 18.

Mario Convertino, the inventor of the term Video Graphics with whom I worked in Rome in the 1980s, making animated opening titles for Italian television.

Harry Marks, in Los Angeles, introduced me to the world of Mac and Apple for which I produced some of my works …

Pierluca De Carlo, also in Los Angeles, an TV commercials director friend from Verona who worked for Herb Ritts, the most famous photographer of the century and with whom I made my best video works.

Last but not least, Ridley Scott, for whom I worked 6 months on the titles of his film “Black Hawk Down“.

Left to Right: Ridley Scott, Oscar Winner Editor Pietro Scalia, Executive Producer Branko Lustig and Kampah during a Black Hawk Down film title reunion at Jerry Bruckheimer’s offices in Santa Monica, California, 2001

If you could spend a day with a dead or alive artist who would you choose?

Definitely Picasso, I’m a big fan of him not only for his powerful painting but also for his lifestyle, which was a great source of inspiration for me on how to live mine.

I have read many of his biographies and I would like to spend a day with him in Paris or in one of the places on the Côte d’Azur where he always spent his summers painting, be next to him in his studio when he created his paintings and then have dinner. together in some in local restaurants and bars, toasting and singing to the beauty and joy of life.

A phrase or a quote that you will never forget?

The Journey is the Destination. The title of the book by Dan Eldon, a young war correspondent photographer who died during his first mission in Somalia, which his mother Kathy Eldon had published after his death and which inspired many artists.

Intense collages that he made on the pages of his diaries and that led his mother to call me to do a pilot a TV show for CNN because my style of motion graphics was so similar to that of his diaries, and that led me to visit Lebanon in 3 weeks with his sister as a presenter in another magical travel experience where my work took me.

If you hadn’t been an artist what do you think you would have done in life?

Flavio Kampah cartoon character “Venice Stories”

Many things, as a child perhaps I would have said the teacher because I wanted to be like Andrea Nieddu and inspire my students as he had done so well with me …

But then also the comic artist, my first passion diverted to graphic design, directing, and now street art.

Or the actor, a discipline that I don’t mind and that I admire a lot and in which I feel at ease, in those few brief cases in which I have practiced it and which has given me great personal satisfaction.

What are you working on? Can you tell us something about your next projects?

I have recently finished writing my book biography The Pope of Venice Beach written together with my friend Emiliano Aimi in Nice. The material for a docu-fiction film with the narrating voice and music by Marco Castoldi, in art Morgan, will be drawn from the publication. For this project, I am working on finding editorial and television distribution channels.

While waiting to read Kampah’s biography, we thank him for inspiring and guiding us on this wonderful journey, from the nature of Ibiza to the bamboo forests of Bali, to California.

Were you also intrigued and fascinated? Follow this link to discover all his works

Cover image: by Flavio Kampah

The article The Tree of Life: Kampah’s Work for Ecobnb was originally posted on Ecobnb.

We all daydream of the picture-perfect tropical beach, with boundless blue sea and fluffy white sand. But if you wish to try something new this year, how about sunbathing on a… green beach? You would think that relaxing with a cocktail on a lilac beach or lying down on sand as sparkling as a gemstone would only be possible in the most imaginative of dreams, but in these enchanting places dreams come true. They are the 10 most colourful beaches in the world, exquisitely beautiful but often unknown. A feast for the eyes as well as an experience of true pleasure, surrounded by nature.

Pink: Budelli beach, Italy

We’re starting with an Italian beach: the heavenly Spiaggia Rosa on the island of Budelli, in the Maddalena archipelago, in Sardinia. The adorable baby-pink colour is owed to microscopic fragments of corals and calcareous shells of foraminifera, mainly the species Miniacina miniacea. This romantic beach is a protected area, belonging to the Maddalena National Park. Unfortunately, visitor access is prohibited, due to the damage caused by tourists through the years.

Yellow: Porto Ferro beach, Italy

Photo by absolutmachal via Wikimedia

We’re still in Sardinia, on the radiant yellow beach of Porto Ferro. The homonymous cheerful bay, located on the northern end of the gorgeous Riviera del Corallo, near the city of Sassari, houses this sun-coloured beach, one of the most eco-friendly according to the FEE. Indeed, Porto Ferro was awarded the Blue Flag and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Nurra coastline and in whole Sardinia. It’s also the perfect destination for surf and windsurf enthusiasts and, in the northern strip, for naturism lovers (it earned a place among the 10 best nude beaches in Europe!).

Orange: Xi beach, Greece

If you’re looking for bolder colours, the stunning Xi beach, in the peninsula of Kefalonia, Greece, is the perfect choice. This is one of the most colourful beaches in the world because of the deep contrast between the crystal blue sea and the long, narrow, bright orange-coloured beach, delimited by a white chalk cliff. The water here is shallow even a long way from the shore, making it the perfect destination for holidays with children.

Red: Kaihalulu beach, Hawaii

Photo by paul (dex) bica via Wikimedia

The fourth of the world’s most colourful beaches is Kaihalulu crescent shaped shore, on the eastern coast of the island of Maui, in Hawaii. It’s known as “infernal beach” because of its strong and otherworldly colours, resulting from the high concentration of iron and volcanic ash residues. In fact, on the sapphire blue sea and astonishing crimson sand, jet-black rocks and vibrant green vegetation stand out, creating a dramatic, almost lunar effect.

Green: Papakolea beach, Hawaii

But Hawaii offers more than just a blood red beach: on the Big Island, the archipelago’s main island, we can find the unique green beach of Papakolea. Its characteristic emerald colour is caused by a mineral called olivine, which comes from the rocks of the Pu’u Mahana volcano. So, a full-fledged green, eco-friendly beach: because of its location, far from the most widely known popular attractions, Papakolea is never crowded. This makes it very peaceful and perfect for meditation and marine wildlife viewing, with a constant respect for the environment.

White: Hyams beach, Australia

Photo by Dave Naithani via Wikimedia

White may be a pretty common sand colour, but Hyams Beach, in Australia, isn’t just any white: this is the whitest beach in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. Made up of microscopic particles of sparkling quartz, this pristine beach is located in New South Wales. It’s on the shores of Jervis Bay, close to the Jervis Bay Marine Park and the Booderee National Park. Here, nature is lush and unspoiled, with a rich and prosperous local wildlife. Indeed, it’s an extraordinary spot for whale watching, and it’s even possible to catch sight of the rare blue whale. But be careful: sunglasses are absolutely essential!

Multicolour: Glass beach, California

Photo by Gustavo Gerdel via Wikimedia

In Fort Bragg, a Californian town, glass takes over from sand, creating spectacular light tricks and breath-taking colourful glares. One of the most colourful beaches indeed! But how is this possible? In the early 1900s, the area was used by the residents as a huge trash dump. This polluting custom carried on until the 1960s, when various cleanup programs were undertaken. However, removing all the glass piled up through decades of environmental damages would have been impossible. But the sea worked a miracle, smoothening the glass shards and forging a rainbow beach, shinier than a jewel. An example of how nature can survive the devastating deeds of men.

Breiðamerkursandur diamond beach, Iceland

Photo by Giuseppe Milo via Wikimedia

This glittering Icelandic beach looks as if it was made of glass as well, but this time, nothing is artificial: it’s just covered in ice! Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is located south of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest one in Europe, within Iceland’s main national park. From the glacier, icebergs drift through the lagoon and wash up on Breiðamerkursandur black volcanic beach, covering it like a diamond blanket on a black velvet bed. This dazzling and alluring sight is unique in the whole world. If you visit this mystical place in winter, with a little luck you will be able to see it lit by the northern lights: an unforgettable, dream-like view.

Purple: Pfeiffer beach, California

Photo by Robert Brett via Wikimedia

Pfeiffer Beach, on the Big Sur coast, in California, is the only one in the world to boast purple-coloured sand. It owes this delightful hue, especially visible after storms, to the manganese garnet crystals from the surrounding hills being eroded and deposited on the shore. The best time to marvel at this magnificent place is at sunset, when the waves and the beach are refulgent, shining in hundreds of incredible shades, from silver to coral red and violet.

Vaadhoo sea of stars, Maldives

The last breath-taking beach is on the island of Vaadhoo, in the Maldives. What makes this beach so special is the fascinating phenomenon of phytoplankton’s nocturnal bioluminescence. These microorganisms glow in the dark because of certain chemical reactions, glimmering in the water like stars. This is where sky and sea blend together, in a magical blur of blasting light, worthy of a movie’s visual effects, but all natural.

Once again, nature surprises us, presenting us with remarkable and unforgettable gifts of unbelievable beauty that leave us speechless. So, are you ready to dive into the rainbow of these natural wonders? Let us know which of the most colourful beaches in the world you love the most!

Cover image: Photo by Fezbot2000 via Unsplash

The article The World’s Most Colourful Beaches: a Thousand Shades of Charm was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Huge waterfalls, endless landscapes and breath-taking beauties: this is what you are going to see in Iceland. Get out from your “comfort-zone”, you only need a car and a backpack to explore one of the most magic places in the world. Here you go a 7 days road trip to see the major attractions and to dive in the most naked and savage nature.

Iceland it’s one of the countries with less habitants in Europe and with a lower level of pollution. Green sceneries and endless possibilities, any traveller that had the chance to see it, knows that in every corner you can find some magic. That’s why ‘ve chosen for you the most remarkable places if you don’t have much time, 7 days of pure astonishment, see to believe.

Golden circle: between canyons, vulcanos and warm vapours

FIRST DAY

One of the most famous tour of Iceland is the Golden circle, you can make all the stops in one day. Leaving from Reykjavik, in less than one hour you can reach the first destination: Þingvellir national park, UNESCO heritage site. You can walk through a canyon and look at the suggestive view. At the Geysir you can see the inspiring phenomenon of an eruption of hot water and vapour. Continuing with the car you can see Gullfoss, the first of many waterfalls that are the characterising symbol of Iceland. A unique place is the small Skalholt cathedral, very isolated and with a cute house typical of the Icelandic rural landscape. Going toward Eyrabakky, the small city where you can spend the first night, it is possible to visit Kerið, an unusual volcanic crater, for a fee.

national park of Þingvellir, Gaysir, Gullfoss, Skalholt. ph Sara pescetta

Seljalandsfoss, between the most beautiful waterfalls in the world

SECOND DAY

We start our day ready to see the delights of the deep South. Our first stop is Seljalandsfoss, (already mentioned in the 20 spectacular waterfalls of Europe), Singular because in the mildest periods you can walk behind it. Also, nearby you can go to visit Gljufrabui, a waterfall hidden inside a cave. The next waterfall, Skogafoss, it’s one of the most majestic in Iceland. You can get to it with stairs and from the top you can see all the landscapes (that is green during the summer). Solheimajokull, our next destination is a glacier where you can walk on it. There are tours that take you for a walk on the glaciers. Our last sight for today it’s the unique beach with black sand, Reynisfjara, where there are basalt columns and at the end of the beach you can see the Dyrhlaey natural arch. Some periods of the year, if you are lucky you can spot the puffins, cute birds, symbol of Iceland. At night you can find accommodation in the city more at South of Iceland, Vik.

waterfall of Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, Solheimajokull glacier . ph. Alessia Casalaina

Skaftafell: on the biggest Glacier of Europe

THIRD DAY

Today we are going to walk a little: in the national park of Skaftafell, where there is the volcano covered by the biggest glacier of Europe, Vatnajokull, you can hike to get to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by columns in basalt and you can see the vast glacier from the top. After that let’s go to visit the spectacular Glacier lagoon and Diamond beach, called that thanks to the many pieces of ice that resemble the diamantes. To finish our intense day, we get to Höfn, a cosy little city where we can spend the night.

Diamond beach, waterfall of Svartifoss, Skaftafell, city of Höfn. Ph. Sara Pescetta

Eggin I Gledvik: between beaches, fyords and cliffs

FOURTH DAY

In the East part of Iceland, there’s no much to see, but the road near the shoreline and near the beaches along the route, offers amazing glimpses to the nature outside. Going toward the North, it starts the picturesque Eastfjords area and you arrive to the Gledvik village. Here you can see the huge monument in the open air “Eggin I Gledvik” that represents all the eggs of every bird species that you can find in Iceland. In Egilsraðir, the lovely city where you will spend the night, there’s another waterfall that you can visit.

eastfjord, Eggin I Gledvik. Ph. Sara Pescetta

The moonscape of the Myvatn lake

FIFTH DAY

Today we go ahead to the North, toward to Akureyri, the second biggest city of Iceland. Dettifoss is absolutely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, its majesty, impress anyone who sees it. Going forward, you pass the geothermic area of Myvatn lake, where you can admire the classic moonscape, with peculiar rocks formations because of the volcanic attivity. Next to each other we can see Vity crater, Hverarond – the area with the most geothermic activity where there is the Sulphur’s smell- and the blue lake, with a crystal-clear colour due to the super-hot water that comes from a spring nearby. Can’t-miss for the lovers of Game of Thrones is the Grjotagja cave, set of the famous tv series. Last but not least, you can visit the wonderful Goðafoss waterfall, or also known as the waterfall of the Gods thanks to a legend and you can finish your day in the city of Akureyri.

Grjotagja cave, geothermal area, Myvatn lake, Blue lake. Ph. Sara Pescetta

Akureyri the other face of Iceland

SIXTH DAY

Akureyri is a lovely city to visit, you can find the Christmas house, where they sell Christmas items all the year. Today day-off: we reach our next destination, Hvammstangi, from where we’ll leave again tomorrow morning. In this little village, that is 4 hours from Akureyri, there is the Icelandic seal centre, where you can see this sweet animal.

Akureyr city, christmas house Ph. Sara Pescetta

Snæfellsness: between basalt columns, churches and volcanos

SEVENTH DAY

The last day we are going to explore Snæfellsness peninsula, starting from Kirkjufell, in Icelandic the “mountain of the church”, with a singular shape. Our next stop is Öndverðarnes, where we can see a huge orange light house and the view from the cliffs it’s amazing. Skarðsvík is the beach that you can visit nearby if you want to enjoy the sea breeze sitting on the gold sand. Another place that takes your breath away thanks to the tall cliffs with unique shapes is Arnarstapi. Rauðfeldsgjá, is recommended only to the bravest people because is a tough hike on a glacier between two stones walls. Going further with the car, you can reach through a dirt road, Búðakirkja: a small black church in the middle of nowhere just near the cliff is something unreal. Gerðuberg is a suggestive wall made with tall basalt columns, fun fact: the cathedral of Reykjavik was inspired by the volcanic basalt, typical Icelandic phenomenon.

Reykjavik cathedral, Arnarstapi, curch of Búðakirkja, Kirkjufell mountain, Öndverðarnes. Ph. Alessia Casalaina

The capital, not too big, it worth a visit. If you have more time to get to know better this stunning country, you will learn that in Iceland you never stop find more magical and beautiful places. Between hot-spot where to dive and a wild nature to enjoy, this is going to be one of the best trips of your life.

cover photo by Sara Pescetta

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The article Road Trip in Iceland: 7 days of magic and nature was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Lights and vivid colors break the dark veil of the night. “A magical atmosphere you have to dive in at least once in a lifetime”, say those who saw the northern lights. The peculiarity of this natural phenomenon attracts many nature lovers, who face the cold of the extreme latitudes. Are you amongst them? Here the 10 most fascinating places to admire the northern light.

Everyone dreams to see, at least once, the northern lights. But what are they, exactly? The northern lights are a subset of the polar lights. These extraordinarily beautiful phenomena happen also in the southern hemisphere and are called southern lights. They are optical phenomena caused by the arrival of solar protons and electrons in Earth’s atmosphere. In particular, in the ionosphere the interaction makes the gas turn into light, giving birth to these ever-changing bright stripes.

To better admire the lights, you must go up to 60°-70° latitude North, around the equinoxes (February to March and September to October), but in some places you can see them all year long. Due to the Sun’s cycle, which takes 11 years, we can see from the Earth the northern lights with a different intensity every year. They never go completely away, but they can become more difficult to find. Let’s see together the 10 best places to look for these amazing lights.

1. Into the wild of Alaska

Northern lights in Alaska, photo by Paxson Woelber on Unsplash

The largest State of the USA is also the least populated. Here the queen is unspoiled nature: forests, lakes and mountains always covered with snow. Thanks to its difficult and uninhabitable environment, Alaska is the motherland for many species of plants and animals, especially bears. Since the time of gold diggers, it’s the favorite destination of those who want to flee from society’s strict rules.

When and where: The best place to admire the northern lights in Alaska is the Denali National Park, the natural park around the highest mountain of the entire American continent. Thanks to the isolation from the residential areas, the light pollution is almost non-existent. Here in Alaska, you can see the northern lights already in the beginning of August.

Must do: A train journey along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Even 119 years after, it is still considered one of the most spectacular railways on Earth and an engineering wonder. You will explore the unforgettable landscape made of canyons, forests and glaciers of America’s last frontier.

2. Greenland, men’s land

Northern lights, ph. by Tomas Malik, via unsplash

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s the largest island of the planet, but it’s also the least populated country, mostly by Inuit populations. A Viking exile gave the name “Green Land”: this testimony and other archeological evidence prove that in the past, thanks to milder climate, the areas always covered with ice, were once soft green meadows.

When and where: You can see the northern lights all around the year, but they are especially intense from August to October. We suggest going in the small village of Kulusuk, near the Apusiajik glacier: it’s just a 40-minute walk away from the airport that connects it with Reykjavík.

Must do: Visit the Ice Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in the whole planet. In summer, crystal-clear water fills the bottom of the canyon and it’s almost like a real river, flowing between 40-meter-high ice walls.

3. The lights’ show in Canada

Northern lights in Canada, photo by Emily Hon on Unsplash

Canada, the second largest country in the world, is mainly flat and has particularly cold winters: in its northern parts, the snow never melts. In the North, the landscape is characterized by the tundra; animals and plants are similar to those you can find in Continental Europe, with the exception of grizzly and polar bears. It’s a really advanced country, always in the first places of economical and human development world charts.

When and where: To see the best of the northern lights, you should wait until the equinoxes or the winter months, when the nights are darker (but also colder). The best places are Lake Superior’s shores and Whitehorse, in the Yukon Province. The perk of this little town is its subarctic climate: clouds and rains happen very rarely, so you’ll have a higher probability to see the lights playing.

Must do: Visit Fundy Bay and the wide tide variations, amongst the greatest in the world. The difference between high and low tide arrives up to 16 m! You shouldn’t miss the chance to see the surreal landscapes revealed by the sea as it recedes.

4. The northern lights from the Fær Øer Islands

Northern lights, ph. by gallivantinglife, via unsplash

The subarctic archipelago made of 18 small islands belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark, but it has much freedom regarding almost all internal politics and administration matters. There, the climate is cold, but the islands benefit from the warming effect of the Gulf Stream. Often enshrouded in mist, they give to their visitors romantic and mysterious landscapes.

When and where: Near the equinoxes, the northern lights are brighter and you can see them almost from every point in the archipelago. Thanks to the low density of villages and houses, the lights can play in the sky undisturbed.

Must do: If you love trekking and walks, we suggest you to challenge yourself and try to reach Mulafossur Falls. The 3-kilometer-long path is quite steep and a little unsteady in some points. If you have small children, but you don’t want to miss the chance to admire this enchanted place, you can easily reach the Falls by car or public transports.

5. Iceland, the land of fire and ice

Northern lights in Iceland, photo by Jonatan Pie on Unsplash

Iceland is the northernmost island of Europe. It’s located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a volcanic chain that crosses from North to South the entire Atlantic plate. Thanks to its particular geographic position, it’ characterized by many active volcanoes next to glaciers and glacial rivers. This extraordinary contrast makes Iceland one of the most fascinating places in the world. Considering its latitude, the climate is temperate, thanks to the warming action of the Gulf Stream. The Turf Houses, typical of this islands, are one of the first examples of green architecture in the planet.

When and where: To better see the northern lights, you need dark skies. Due to Iceland’s high latitude, during summer the sky is light even at night, so the best period to hunt the colorful lights is from September to April. You can see them also from Reykjavík’s center, even though on the shores they’re brighter. One of the visitor’s favorite spot is the iceberg lagoon Jökulsárlón.

Must do: Seljavallalaug is the island’s ancient thermal pool and collects warm water since 1923. It is never as crowded as the more famous Blue Lagoon, but it is very evocative: it’s situated in a narrow valley and to reach it, you need to trek along a not too demanding path.

6. The dance in the sky in Russia

Russia is the widest country in the world; it goes from Eastern Europe, across Northern Asia, to the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to its broad surface, there are many different climatic regions, landscapes, animal and vegetal species. Mostly flat, in the northern parts you can easily see the traces of ancient Ice Ages. Human settlements are mostly present in the European side, while the largest region, Siberia, is mainly empty.

When and where: Near the equinoxes, around 20 March and 20 September. During the high peaks of the Sun’s cycle, the northern lights can be seen even past the Urals and in Siberia. In any case, you can see them in every region past the Polar Arctic Circle. Murmansk is the area closest to Moscow, while in Archangel’sk you have the highest chances to see the lights, thanks to its clear winter nights. To enjoy them even more, you should travel north, along the River Dvina, far from human residential areas. You can reach it by plane, from Moscow or Saint Petersburg.

Must do: A visit to Lake Baikal, in Siberia. It’s the deepest freshwater basin in the world, up to 1500 m deep. It is one of Russia’s 7 wonders and the perfect destination for those who love wild and unspoiled nature.

7. Finland, Santa Claus’ home

Northern lights in Finland, photo by Jaanus Jagomägi on Unsplash

Finland is one of the three countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula. More than one third of its territory is past the Polar Arctic Circle and its surface is scattered with thousands of glacial lakes. In the northern part, there is the Lapland region, which extends across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Finland’s territory is a uniform upland, due to the glacial activities that have always characterized these areas.

When and where: From September to March the northern lights can be spot every two nights in the northern areas of Lapland, but even in the southern region, you can see them at least 10 times a year. One of the visitor’s favorite places is Sodanklya, where the Northern Lights Research Center is based.

Must do: A visit to Lemmenjoki Park, the largest natural park of the country, which is past the Polar Arctic Circle. A trip following the banks of the River Lemmenjoki, where were once found gold deposits, surrounded by the tundra landscape, too cold even for the trees to grow.

8. Lights playing in Sweden

Northern lights in Sweden, photo by David Becker on Unsplash

Sweden is the largest country of the Scandinavian Peninsula, but it’s sparsely populated. The main part of its territory is covered with forests, almost entirely protected by natural parks and reserves, to safeguard their biodiversity. In the West, the chain of the Scandinavian Alps separates Sweden from Norway. They’re ancient mountains, so there is no particularly high peak. Stockholm, the capital, is built on hundreds of tiny islands, connected through many bridges to the mainland.

When and where: From Mid-September to the end of March, the best place to see the lights is Abisko, in the Swedish Lapland. Thanks to its dark nights and the near lake, the show of the northern lights is incredible. An example is the Blue Hole of Abisko, created thanks to the presence of the lake.

Must do: A bike tour of Koster Islands, where you can find the only Marine National Park of Sweden, characterized by its biodiversity. Guided visits longer than 2,5 hours allow you to explore every corner of this unmissable place.

9. Northern lights even in Ireland

Ireland is an island in the North of Europe, well known for its immense green spaces that give her the name of “Emerald Isle”. The rolling hills give way to steep cliffs on the west coast, beaten by Atlantic’s mighty waves. The climate is warmed by the action of the Gulf Stream, but is characterized by frequent rains and the northern and western areas are amongst the windiest in the entire Europe.

When and where: In the Donegal County, you will find the perfect conditions to admire the lights. Its wild landscapes give an unbeatable background to the lights’ shows. Our advice is to go up to Inishowen Peninsula, the least populated of the county, to distance yourselves from any source of artificial light. In some periods, the northern lights go far south along the coast, almost up to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular place looking over the Atlantic Ocean.

Must do: A fun experience that’s worth a try, is the crossing of the rope bridge Carrick-a-Rede, which connects the mainland and a small rocky island since the end of 1700. It is 18 m long and 25 m high on the sea surface and it allows you to admire stunning landscapes from a different perspective. You can reach the bridge after a 1-km-long walk at the edge of the cliff.

10. Lights between the sea and the sky in Norway

Northern lights in Norway, photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash

The Kingdom of Norway is the third country of the Scandinavian Peninsula, located in its western side. Famous for its fiords and the thousands small islands in the Atlantic coast, it’s the northernmost state of Continental Europe. The territory is mainly mountainous, crossed from North to South by the Scandinavian Alps. The climate is, despite its latitude, rather mild, thanks to the action of the Gulf Stream. In the South, the plains around Oslo, the capital, are cultivated.

When and where: One of the most stunning places to see the northern lights are the Lofoten Islands, characterized by majestic mountains and hidden villages. Known mostly for fishing, they are in an excellent position also for kayaking and surfing. Here the lights in the sky interact with a particular milky effect in the sea. Norwegians call it “Morild” and it is caused by luminescent planktons.

Must do: A journey on the Flåm, a 20-km-long mountain railway, through the magnificent landscapes of the Aurlandsfjord. A truly unforgettable experience, surrounded by the mountains’ forests and the seawater that enters on the valley floor.

What are you waiting for? Book your next holiday hunting the northern lights!

Cover photo by Federico Bottos on Unsplash

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The article Northern lights: 10 magical places to see them was originally posted on Ecobnb.