Nature, charm, and unique flavors: let’s go to the discovery of the Farmhouse Sant’Egle and its magnificent surroundings for a slow holiday, while living in luxury

We are in Sorano, in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of Tuscany Maremma. Here wanting for us there’s a 5-star and eco-friendly farmhouse, where we can fully enjoy nature without sacrificing any comforts, where we are surrounded by Tuscan hills, beauty, art, and cultivated fields.

Sant’Egle, an organic farmhouse surrounded by Tuscan hills

Sant’Egle Farmhouse is a historic residence rich in legends, a customs of 1600 between the Pontifical State and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The charm of the building has remained, thanks to a careful and sophisticated restoration. So, now, it’s the perfect destination for those looking for an exclusive place, tastefully furnished, characterized by genuine hospitality and Tuscan flavors.

A truly sustainable farm holiday

Staying at Sant’Egle, our vacation will be CO2 free. 100% of the energy used is produced from renewable sources. All lights are led to help save energy. Heating, such as the hot water, is provided by the solar panels. Rainwater is used for irrigation of the garden and the agricultural part. All crops are organic, as are other products used in the restaurant. The accommodation also wants to preserve biodiversity.

Around Sant’Egle Farmhouse: starry sky and green Tuscan hills

Between luxury and rusticity

Every room, tastefully furnished, and every common space host objects and artifacts of artists from all over the world, making each room an art exhibition to live at all times.

The garden welcomes us with a porch furnished with sofas and comfortable cushions, with a centuries-old tree under which there are tables, chairs, chaise longs, hammocks, a gazebo to enjoy just moments of relax and a straw theater where in summer we can watch movies or performances of various kinds under the stars. There is also a bio-swimming pool, with salt water, surrounded by greenery and a heated wood-fired bathtub.

Live the farm

A course on Organic Synergic Agriculture, a course for making cheese and jams, a lesson of popular cooking in Tuscany, making bread and cakes with sourdough, and a day in the garden to learn to cultivate organic saffron: Sant’Egle Farmhouse allows you to experience nature in so many ways, even with dirty hands!

Additionally, at Sant’Egle Farmhouse there is a new holistic space with an incredible view among Tuscan hills, perfect for anyone wishing to organize a course, a cultural event, a show, or a spiritual retreat.

What to see in the surroundings

Within a few hours you can reach unique places in the world. Mount Amiata and its routes, Lake Bolsena, the natural hot streams of Saturnia for a few hours of relaxation: there is so much to do and discover in Maremma, a perfect destination for us eco-travelers.

In this magical Tuscan place we can admire a wide variety of environments and ecosystems: in a few kilometers we can pass from the hills to the sea, from the mountains to the lagoon. Our journey could start from Manciano, one of the most beautiful villages. From here we start biking and, through nature and its sounds, passing from Montemerano, we arrive at Saturnia hot springs. From here you can easily reach the wonderful village of Pitigliano, which will leave us breathless.

We can then discover the Etruscan Archaeological Park of Vitozza, then climb and explore the incredible Mount Amiata.

This is our recipe for a farm holiday, between luxury and nature!

The article A 5-star farmhouse in the Tuscan hills was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Often known as the City of Bread, Altamura is a town in the province of Bari (South Italy) that encapsulates the essence of Puglia. Read more to discover my tips about hidden Altamura as a true local that will help you get to know the most characteristic places of our culture

Surrounded by the beautiful Alta Murgia National Park and karst sinkholes, Altamura is one of the most characteristic places in central Apulia. This is mainly due to its all-Medieval historical centre and the fame of its product of excellence, Pane di Altamura DOP (Altamura bread).

But that is not all. While very often hordes of tourists invade the course of the city’s historic centre, there are also many hidden places among the narrow streets that are beautiful to photograph and where you can enjoy our specialities.

The historical centre

When one goes to Altamura, the area of the city one tends to visit first is the historic centre, because it is more peculiar and of greater cultural importance. Often, however, you only linger on the main street for fear of getting lost in the myriad of streets that branch off.

Don’t be afraid to venture out! The streets in the historical centre of Altamura have a peculiarity: many of them have an end and do not find an exit in the main street. These closed streets are called ‘claustri‘ (cloisters) and are a valuable part of the town.

One of the most beautiful cloisters is the Arco Basso (Low Arch), which, as its name implies, stands out because of a very low arch from which one can pass to the neighbouring alley. My advice is to visit it at Christmas time as the inhabitants decorate it and deck it out.

The Claustro Inferno is also a must-see. You get to it after climbing a steep flight of steps just outside the walls, passing a very narrow street where you can only proceed in a single file, and untangling yourself from a tangle of streets reminiscent of the circles of hell described by Dante, hence its name.

Echoes of Frederick II of Swabia

The Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, erected at the behest of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century, is certainly one of the structures that stand out most to the eye when walking along the avenue dedicated to the emperor of the same name. Its most iconic elements are certainly its rose window and the lions protecting the portal, which earned it the epithet Lioness of Apulia in the 18th century.

What is most striking about the cathedral, however, is the juxtaposition of the most disparate architecture inside Byzantine-style capitals, ancient mediaeval columns, the 16th-century nativity scene and the 18th-century altar. The mixture of styles, however, does not result in a jumble of elements, but in a combination that is very pleasing to the eye.

Many tourists, however, do not know that it is possible to visit a somewhat hidden part of the cathedral. I am talking about the women’s galleries, the balconies from which women attended Holy Mass until a few centuries ago.
From here you can get a different view of the entire structure and also of the exterior overlooking Piazza Duomo.

The historical re-enactment: Federicus

One of the times of the year that we Altamurans look forward to most is the medieval festival of Federicus. This is a historical re-enactment during which we celebrate Emperor Frederick II and all his exploits. The festival usually lasts three days and takes place during the spring holidays of 25 April or 1 May.

During these intense and activity-packed days, the historic city centre is transformed and is once again decorated as it was in the 13th century. In addition, most of the citizens do activities and therefore wear typical medieval clothes in the streets where 13th-century motifs resound.
The most representative part is Frederick’s procession with all the members of his court, in which the commoners, inhabitants of the court, flag-wavers, musicians and jesters take part.

During these three days, the narrow streets of the city centre are filled with a magical atmosphere, thanks to the performances of the fire-eaters and stilt-walkers, the sung narratives of ancient stories and open-air dances, the light games and the shows with the birds of prey that Frederick and his Bianca Lancia loved so much.

Just outside the city

Dinosaur footprints

At Pontrelli, a deposit containing more than 2,000 well-preserved dinosaur footprints dating back to the Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago, was discovered. The footprints refer to 200 different specimens of five different species of dinosaurs, and they are organised in real tracks.

Compared to other finds of this kind that are in different parts of the world, the Altamura footprints are unique. They have a near-perfect state of preservation and thanks to them, a high number of dinosaur species are there. You can enter the quarry and see these giant footprints live. It is a breathtaking experience due to its rarity and is especially exciting for children.

The Man of Lamalunga

In 1993, the CARS (Altamura Speleological Research Centre) discovered the remains of a Neanderthal man inside the Lamalunga cave (only 5 km from Altamura). The fossil skeleton traces back to an adult specimen of a man that remained embedded in the stalactites and stalagmites of the dolina, which have allowed it to preserve over the millennia.

Obviously, as of today you cannot visit the cave in person, but you can see a reproduction of Ciccillo’s likeness (a name jokingly given to the man) at the National Archaeological Museum in town.
You can, however, get closer to the cave by going to the Pulo, a large karst sinkhole surrounded by the Marugiana nature. And why not, maybe pick up some finochietto and wild asparagus on the way!

Eating local in Altamura

Apulia is famously known as the cradle of good food in Italy, and Altamura’s specialities are no different.

Of course, I recommend you try the freshly baked PDO bread, whose fragrant crust and soft, fragrant interior will win your hearts. Then indulge in the ever-present panzerotti (fried and baked), focaccia and taralli. My bakery of choice is Panificio San Francesco, a bakery just outside the centre and not frequented by tourists, but really worth going to for an explosion of flavours in your mouth. Trust a true local!

If you want to try typical dishes such as homemade orecchiette with turnip tops, braciole al sugo, capunti with mushrooms and sausage, lampascioni, cardoncelli and pecora a la rzzaul (a traditional dish of sheep cooked in an earthenware pot), the restaurant-pizzeria Tre Archi in a picturesque alleyway in the old town centre is the place for you. Here you can savour the essence of true Altamura gastronomic cuisine.

Finally, you cannot miss the typical sweet of Altamura, the nuns’ tits, a small sponge cake with a generous cream filling that takes its name from the shape it has. I recommend you try it at the Monastero Santa Chiara pastry shop, where the nuns preserve the ancient recipe. It is a real treat!

Cover Image by Canva Pro

The article Hidden Altamura: Advice from a True Local was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Let’s discover together Ticino Park, green lungs a few miles from Milan, through bike routes and walks in beautiful art cities

A few kilometers from the metropolis of Milan, a beautiful natural landscape opens in front of us: here we are at the Ticino Park, one of the green lungs of Italy, where nature shines in the middle of one of the most industrialized areas. Let’s discover together the river and its valley, villages, and towns, for a weekend of nature and sustainability.

Ticino Park is the oldest regional park in Italy, an amazing natural oasis that you can visit in a thousand ways: walking, cycling, canoeing, on horseback. Perhaps a weekend isn’t enough to discover river landscapes, rice paddies, pristine woods, villages and towns immersed in the park. But we have prepared for you these 6 small tips to help you organize and experience a mini-holiday in this corner of Italy, savoring every nuance.

By bike in the Ticino Park

Photo by Josef Grunig via Flickr

The Ticino Park stretches over an area of ​​over 90,000 hectares, forming a greenbelt around Milan, Pavia and Varese. Inside there are more than 50 routes, 800 kilometers to discover on foot or by bicycle. We suggest you to venture into the Faggiole Woods, in a ring route that starts from Turbigo among broadleaf trees and a rich fauna, along the banks of the river and the canals. In the Lomellina, you can’t miss the Ronchi Ring , a trail between farms where you still breathe the atmosphere of agresti life. The most trained ones, on the other hand, can travel along the itinerary from Vigevano to Pavia, through beautiful natural landscapes.

Among Leonardo’s works in Vigevano

Vigevano is a real gem: a cozy, but lively, town with an important and illustrious past behind it. They said that its square is the most beautiful in Italy: Piazza Ducale leaves you breathless, as is the castle. It was conceived by Bramante, with the contribution of Leonardo Da Vinci who stayed in town for some years. To the largest genius of humanity is dedicated the Leonardian Museum, a unique place in the world that proposes an unprecedented itinerary through his life and all works.

One Sunday in Pavia

Photo by Giancarlo Scola via Flickr

During the week, the university town of Pavia is animated by its many students, but by visiting it on Sunday it will surprise you with its quiet and a bit laid-back atmosphere. With your camera at hand, your Sunday in Pavia will pass through the streets of the historic center, easily visitable on foot, discovering its medieval aspects, the beautiful Cathedral, the Broletto, the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, and much more.

Sleeping at the B&B Maison 39

A beautiful and elegant bed and breakfast is waiting for you in Vigevano, the Maison 39, nestled in the heart of Ticino Park. Here hospitality is simple but refined, made of high-quality services, availability and attention to detail. The flagship of the accommodation is its attention to the environment: thanks to solar panels, class A++ air conditioners, the flow reducers, the hosts have managed to reduce their environmental impact. E-bike rental, a tasty and customizable breakfast, 4 comfortable bedrooms: hard to ask for more! The latest novelty of this eco-friendly B&B is the electric vehicle charging station.

Tasting the Figadej

Vigevano, Lomellina and the entire Ticino Park also offer many gastronomic delicacies. You just have to stop in a typical trattoria and enjoy the Figadej, a special sausage of pork liver, or the biscuits cent frank, a delight prepared with 4 types of local flour, all accompanied by exquisite local wines.

Walk along the Via Francigena

Photo by Josef Grunig via Flickr

The Ticino Park is crossed by the Via Francigena, the walk of Italy par excellence. For 25 kilometers, from Garlasco to Pavia, it is possible to pilgrimage in the countryside, between land and water, in a truly spectacular natural show.

Cover photo by Josef Grunig via Flickr

The article Green weekend in Ticino Park, Italy was originally posted on Ecobnb.

A picnic to get to know the flavors of the territory and to promote sustainable and natural lifestyles: this is the idea of ​​Cheesenic. The territories of Val di Fiemme, Val di Fassa, San Martino di Castrozza, Passo Rolle, Primiero, and Vanoi, in Trentino, have conceived this initiative that will continue throughout the summer.

It seems to us a perfect idea for a day in the mountains. Try to imagine a flowery meadow as your table. A basket full of local gastronomic wonders to enjoy with your friends or family; all under the summer sun and in the midst of some of the most evocative views of Italy. Can you think of a better lunch than this?

Local products and no plastic: how the Cheesenic initiative works

Photo via stradadeiformaggi.it

Many facilities have joined this beautiful initiative, thus allowing you not only to choose among many products but also among as many places where to live this experience in contact with nature.

In restaurants, huts surrounded by green meadows, in shops, or from participating producers you can buy your Cheesenic, your basket containing a careful selection of farm-to-table cheeses and food made by expert chefs, strictly with local ingredients and produces. You will be provided with everything you need to enjoy your picnic in the Dolomites: you will therefore also find cutlery, napkins, and glasses (in biodegradable material, of course!) and so you will not have to think about anything other than enjoying these moments!

photo by Marco Simonini

When you’ll pick up your bag, you also will be informed if you must return it together with the plates. In this case, you will have to leave a small deposit. Otherwise, take care to put everything in your bag and bring home what you must throw away. As soon as possible you can accurately differentiate your waste, between paper and organic.

Refill&Taste – Photo by stradadeiformaggi.it

And that’s not all. From this year, in fact, with the Cheesenic you will receive as a gift a Refill & Taste bottle that you can fill with good Trentino water in the fountains and water points indicated in the Refill App, easily identifiable thanks to a QR code. A winning idea that gives value to local products and helps reduce the use of single-use plastic.

Photo via stradadeiformaggi.it

You can also book your Cheesenic in advance by contacting the property directly. Inside it, you will also find many tips to reach the most beautiful places in the area; thus you will enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the Dolomites.

Photo by stradadeiformaggi.it

You just have to reach the Alpine Pearl of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, stay in an eco-friendly accommodation if you want to spend the night and enjoy your day in the mountains with your Cheesenic!

Cover image: photo via stradadeiformaggi.it

The article Cheesenic, your sustainable take away lunch among the Dolomites was originally posted on Ecobnb.

The Island of Texel is one of the Wadden Islands located on the north side of the Netherlands coast. Between white beaches and nature reserves you will be able to observe seals and a myriad of birds.

Birdwatching in Texel Island. Photo by Irene Paolinelli

It is only 9 kilometres wide and 25 kilometres long, yet the largest of the Wadden islands. The island of Texel offers 30 km of long sandy beach, seven villages and unique nature reserves. It is very well known for its bird-rich dunes. You can reach it quickly and you will be on the island in only twenty minutes by ferry from Den Helder, that every hour!

Birdwatching in the Island of Texel. Photo by Irene Paolinelli

Discover the top 10 things to do on Texel!

1. Explore the Texel lighthouse

Photo via Canva

“Eierland lighthouse” is the name of the 19th-century Texel Lighthouse. It is located in the north of Texel, near De Cocksdorp on one of the widest beaches on the island. It is 35 meters high. Climb the 150 steps of the lighthouse and you will enjoy a panoramic view of the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. Ideal to combine a beach day with a visit to the lighthouse.

Map here.

2. Have a Walk-in De Slufter and Duinen National Park

De Slufter. Photos by thehike.nl and Marlon Paul Bruin via unsplash.com

The nature area of De Slufter is the only area in the Netherlands where the North Sea can penetrate unchecked. Even the entire lagoon is flooded after a storm flood. This enabled a unique nature area to develop in De Slufter – with tideways and salt marshes full of blossoming purple sea lavender. Dunes are very variated in this landscape. The Dunes of Texel national park basically stretches along the entire west side of the island and the landscape is mesmerizing: heather, grass, swamps, woodlands, acres of berries and wildflowers. You can spot horses, wild cows and sheep. This is the perfect place for dozens of different birds. The highest dune is Bertusnol. There you can have a break and enjoy the charming view.

Map here.

3. Visit the Nature Museum Ecomare

Ecomare Museum. Photos by Irene Paolinelli

Ecomare is an aquarium and wildlife sanctuary for seals and birds. Here you will learn everything about the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. You can find many marine animals, like harbour seals, porpoises and grey seals which were found injured and nursed back to health. Seals are the popular inhabitants of both the Wadden Sea and the North Sea around Texel. Once the seals are well, they are released back into their natural habitat.

But the visiting centre is about much more than just watching the seal pups being fed. It is all about understanding what a unique ecosystem the Wadden Sea really is and why it is so important that it will be preserved. It is also a lot of fun to take a look at the aquariums to see all the different fish, including sharks, that live in the seas surrounding Texel island. At the end of the visit, you can also decide to adopt a seal by contributing with a monthly fee.

Map here.

4. Don’t Miss the Juttersmuseum Flora

Juttersmuseum Flora. Photos by Irene Paolinelli

In the Juttersmuseum Flora between Den Burg and De Koog, jutter Jan Uitgeest and his team display what they have found on the beaches of Texel over the decades; countless buoys, shoes, bottles (and messages in bottles too), toys, and animal bones. It is the nicest family museum in Texel. There is plenty to experience, inside and outside, for young and for old.  You can dive into fascinating stories by experiencing the rich history of beachcombing in images and sound.

Map here.

5. Go around the Cosy Villages of the Island

Photo via Canva

The main point of Texel is Den Burg, which is situated in the centre, making it the first point of contact of the island for many visitors. Good restaurants, pretty shops and the local tourist information office are all located in the historic centre of Den Burg. The northernmost island area is De Cocksdorp, located near the attractive lighthouse and the unique nature reserve for birds. The historic villages of Oosterend and De Waal are very charming and idyllic. The harbour of Oudeschild by the Wadden Sea is an attractive place, with fishing boats, windmills and the interesting Kaap Skil Museum. The southernmost village of Texel, Den Hoorn, is known for its romantic church, the surrounding tulip fields, and its arts events. Don’t miss the following 7 villages:

Photo via Piqsels.com

• Den Burg
• Oudeschild
• Den Hoorn
• De Koog
• Oosterend
• De Waal
• De Cocksdorp

6. Have a Local Dinner in Catharinahoeve and Taste the Texel Beer

Catharinahoeve. Photos by Irene Paolinelli

Catharinahoeve is a family business, perfect for a cosy meal. It is a farm dating from 1684 and it has been a restaurant since 1965. It has kept the same interior almost all that time. Inside there is a cosy atmosphere, with a crackling fireplace and memories of grandma’s time. The farmhouse is situated by the De Dennen forest. They serve an extensive menu of Texel specialities at an affordable price, like lamb and ribs. The children can enjoy themselves in the indoor and outdoor playground.  10 beers are brewed at Texelse bierbrouwerij and they are made from mainly local products. The beer is even brewed with water from the dunes of Texel, resulting in a very smooth and soft flavour.

Map here.

7. Try out New Types of Sports

Photo via Piqsels.com

Jumping out of a plane with a parachute is a kind of island hobby on Texel. The less brave can view the island from the air with a round flight, or cut across the coast with a catamaran. However, riding, (kite)surfing, sailing, canoeing, flyboarding, golfing in the middle of stunning vast dunes or birdwatching tours. The beach at De Koog contains plenty of opportunities for water sports and other activities. The Wadden Sea is perfect for going for a tour on a sailboat. Moreover, Texel has an excellently constructed network of cycle paths.

8. Relax on the Best Beaches of Texel

Photo via Canva

The beaches of Texel are beautifully quiet and perfect for a long walk or flying a kite. There are lots of different beaches to choose from:

• De Koof beach
• De Hors beach
• Strandbedrijf Noorderbad
• Landal Beach
• Beach Pavilion Twaalf
• Onrust
• Strandpaviljoen Paal 20 in de Koog
• Waddenstrand ‘De Hornt’

9. Cheese and Wine Tasting

Photo by Irene Paolinelli

At the cheese farm Wezenspyk you can join a guided tour around the dairy farm, do a cheese tasting or buy some cheese to take home. Wine tasting in the Netherlands? Yes, there are some vineyards in the Netherlands and De Kroon van Texel is one of them. Thanks to Texel’s unique ecosystem the island is actually quite the perfect place to grow grapes and make wine. Do not forget to have lunch in Van Der Star, you can choose the good quality fish to fry and enjoy a herring sandwich.

10. Island Hopping in the North Sea

The other North Sea islands are also worth visiting. The nearest island to Texel is Vlieland, which you can visit by taking a small ferry from the northernmost point of Texel. You can even ‘hop’ from one island to the next. ‘Island hopping‘ means travelling from one North Sea Island to the next. You should also visit the islands of Ameland, Terschelling and Schiermonnikoog.

The Island of Texel. Photos by Irene Paolinelli

Take your binoculars with you and go on a wild adventure!

The article The Island of Texel, a Paradise for Birdwatching Lovers was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Madeira is an archipelago consisting of four islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Two islands are inhabited: Madeira and Porto Santo. Two smaller groups of islands are deserted. Natural Pools, Miradouros, Parks and Gardens, Local Restaurants, discover what you cannot miss in Madeira in this all-local guide!

Madeira Island. Photo by Matthias Neufeld via unsplash.com

The main island is Madeira. Rich green vegetation with high cliffs and pebble beaches characterize the island. There are numerous banana plantations. This island is a paradise where you can fulfil your dream of the perfect subtropical holiday. It is the island of eternal spring, full of places to discover. Mericia and Sara, two girls from Funchal, the capital of Madeira, reveal the best tips for visiting this fascinating island! Here’s what you can’t miss!

1. The Best Beaches on the Island

Photo by Carlos ZGZ via Flickr

The best beaches that Mericia and Sara recommend are the following:

• Caniçal Beach. For beach lovers, Caniçal beach is a lovely little area of natural black sand
• Calheta Beach. This is a sandy beach located on the west coast. It is a very safe beach for families with children
• Praia de Garajau. This beach is part of the Garajau Natural Reserve. It is great for diving. Access to this beach is by cable car. There are calm and crystal clear waters.

Photo via Pexels

• Praia de Seixal. This is a small beach of black sand.  There is a beautiful landscape around with amazing views on the Atlantic and the north coast of Madeira.
• Prainha. Not far from the tip of São Lourenço, this is a natural beach of coppery sand of volcanic origin. The Piedade dunes, which contain limestone fossils of geomorphological interest, are located around this beach.
• Praia da Ribeira Natal. It offers a charming promenade that connects it to Caniçal.

2. Miradouros with the best views

Miradouro do Véu da – Ilha da Madeira, photo by Vitor Oliveira, via Wikimedia

Miradouro is a Portuguese word meaning viewpoint. Don’t miss the beautiful view of the island!

• Cabo Girão. It is a 589-metre high promontory, famous for its suspended glass platform, called ‘skywalk’. This viewpoint offers amazing views of the fajãs of Rancho and Cabo Girão, small areas of cultivated land at the foot of the cliff, as well as magnificent panoramic views of the ocean and the municipalities of Lobos and Funchal. An excellent place to practice paragliding and base jumping!
• Miradouro da Eira do Serrado. Located at an altitude of 1,095 m in the mountainous municipality of Câmara de Lobos, it offers a fantastic panoramic view of the parish of Curral das Freiras. You can access the viewpoint via a path that starts at Estalagem Eira do Serrado.

Miradouro da Eira do Serrado, photo by Vitor Oliveira, via Wikimedia

• Miradouro da Quinta do Furão. Quinta do Furão has an area of about 5 hectares, consisting of organic farming areas, as well as colourful gardens with countless plants characteristic of Madeira’s flora. The landscape is full of vineyards showing the different varieties typical of Madeira wine production. Here you will find a four-star hotel with breathtaking views of the island’s east coast.
• Miradouro do Guindaste. It offers excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean that bathes the island’s northern coast, from Faial to Ponta de São Lourenço. Located on one of the slopes at the mouth of Ribeira do Faial in Ponta de São Lourenço. On days with good visibility, it is possible to see the island of Porto Santo from this viewpoint.

3. Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails. Photos by Irene Paolinelli, wikipedia.org, visitmadeira.pt

• Levada Caldeirão Verde. Starting at the Queimadas Forest Park, this walk crosses some spectacularly steep slopes, but it is one of the best ways to penetrate the deep valley of the São Jorge stream on foot. You will need a torch on this walk, which passes through a tunnel. Among the indigenous bird species that can be seen are the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), the firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis), the Madeira pigeon (Columba trocaz), the wagtail (Motacilla cinerea schmitzi) and the buzzard (Buteo buteo harteti). The distance of the route is approximately 8.7 km outwards and 8.7 km backwards with a duration of about 5h 30 minutes. The route is of medium difficulty, with a maximum altitude of 1020 m. Map
• Levada do Alecrim. The trail starts in the Rabaçal area.  It follows the Levada Alecrim located at an altitude of 1,300 metres to the source of the levada Ribeira do Lajeado. In spring, you can find various endemic species, such as the mountain orchid (Dactylorhiza foliosa) and the leituga (Sonchus fruticosus). Along the trail, one can enjoy the impressive views of the Rabaçal valley and the Ribeira da Janela. The distance of the route is 3.5 km on the outward journey and 3.5 km on the return. It is an easy route that lasts 2h 30 minutes. Map
• Pico do Areeiro. Don’t miss the sunrise at Pico do Areeiro (there is also a path here that allows you to do Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo. The level of difficulty is difficult). The trail “Levada” of the 25 springs or Alecrim or Lagoa do Vento (the 25 springs trails is the longest, but the Alecrim and Lagoa do Vento trails are the most beautiful). Map

Photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, via Wikimedia

• Pico das Pedras. The Pico das Pedras Forest Park is a pleasant place to have a picnic and take a walk surrounded by nature. You can undertake several walks from this area. There is also a picnic area and access to the path that goes to the highest peak on the island – Pico Ruivo. Map
• Vereda do Fanal. This trail begins near the plateau of Paul da Serra and ends at the Forest Police Station of Fanal. Along the way you can enjoy the magnificent area of Fanal, a small volcanic crater classified as a rest area in the Madeira Natural Park. The distance of the route is 10.8 km. The degree of difficulty is medium, the duration is 4 hours and the maximum altitude is 1420 m. Map
• Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenço. This is a 4 km trail. It takes 2:30 hours and allow you to explore the São Lourenço peninsula. You can observe the rocky landscapes of the eastern tip of the island. Map
• Vereda dos Balcões. This short trail is 1.5 km long on the outward journey and 1-5 km on the return journey. It lasts 1h 30 minutes. It starts in Ribeiro Frio, up to the Balcões viewpoint. From there, there are beautiful views of the Ribeira da Metade valley. Along the path, you will find native and endemic Madeiran species belonging to the ecosystem. Some bird species such as chaffinches, blackbirds, robins and buzzards can be spotted quite frequently. On days with good visibility, you can see the island’s central mountain range, highlighting the highest peaks, Pico do Areeiro (1817m), Pico das Torres (1851m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m). Map

4. Parks and Gardens

Parque Forestal de Queimadas, photo via Canva PRO

• Parque Forestal de Queimadas. Located in the municipality of Santana, it is an ideal place to observe the forest flora and has a picnic park. Here you will find the Queimadas shelter house, a house that maintains the original characteristics of the old Santana houses, such as its beautiful thatched roof. You can take various walks along the paths that lead to different places on the island, especially the Levada do Caldeirão Verde path and the path to Pico das Pedras. Map
• Monte Palace Botanical Garden. A magical and fascinating tropical garden owned by the José Berardo Foundation, it contains many specimens of exotic plants from various countries around the world. For example, beautiful and unusual decorations, including a panel made up of 166 terracotta tiles. Currently, the number of botanical species kept in this garden exceeds one hundred thousand and is constantly increasing. Map

5. Natural Pools

Seixal, Photo via Canva PRO

• Porto Moniz. The natural pools of Porto Moniz come from volcanic lava, naturally filled with crystal clear seawater. They come from volcanic rock into which the sea flows naturally. It is an area with a surface area of 3800 m². It also has a children’s swimming pool, a children’s play area and disabled access. Map
• Seixal. The natural pools of Seixal are located on Madeira’s northwest coast. They are an incredible collection of volcanic lava rock pools, perfect for swimming. It has giant rock arches, caves and many rock pools. Map

6. Waterfalls

Waterfalls, Madeira. Photos by tripadvisor.com and Flickr.com

• Cascade dos Anjos. This is a spectacular waterfall located just outside Ponta do Sol. Map
• Risco Waterfall. This is a group of waterfalls located in Rabaçal, Paul da Serra. The waterfall is 100 metres high and consists of a group of different streams that descend vertically down the side of the mountain. At its foot, there are rocks with small plants and a small natural pool. Map

7. Local companies for water sports

The island of Madeira offers the possibility of practising various water sports, including canyoning, coasteering, snorkelling, kayaking and diving. Below are the companies that the local Mericia suggested:

• Quinta do lorde Resort Hotel Marina. Here, in the Caniçal area, there is a hotel and a water sports organisation, where you can book snorkelling, diving etc.
• Epic Madeira. An excellent local company located in Funchal ideal for canyoning, coasteering, hiking, climbing, mountain biking)
• Azul Diving centre. A very good local organisation located in Funchal to book Snorkelling, Diving, Kayaking).
• Mero Diving centre. In Caniço, ideal for diving and Scuba Diving.

8. The City of Funchal

Funchal, Madeira. Photos by Pixabay.com and wikimedia.org

Funchal, known as a ‘garden by the sea’, is the largest city on the island of Madeira. A great starting point to explore Funchal is the colourful Mercado dos Lavradores. There you can buy a wide range of exotic flowers, tropical fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and local handicrafts. You can also visit museums, monuments, galleries and gardens. Strolls along Funchal’s seafront promenade are extremely pleasant, with wonderful views of the coastline. Funchal became an important commercial port thanks to the sugar cane and banana trade and later the wine trade. It offers many things to see and admire:

• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte
• Forte de São Tiago
• Mercado dos Lavradores
• Zona Velha
• Praça do Povo
• The Cathedral

9. The village of Santana

This is a pretty village with a fairytale feel. You can explore the typical small Madeiran houses with their thatched roofs and hydrangeas.

10. Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol, Madeira. Photo by Flickr.com

This village is located on the south coast of the island. People consider it the hottest municipality on the island. The place where the sun shines the most hours, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. This place has unique natural features due to its size and location, such as nuclei of indigenous vegetation, fauna and migratory bird species. There are wind turbines that produce electricity in a non-polluting way.

11. Typical local food to try

Local food to try in Madeira. Photos by tripadvisor.com and Flickr.com

The island of Madeira offers a wide variety of typical dishes, using regional products. Discover its typical dishes!

• Espetada
• Octopus “Polvo”
• Swordfish “Espada”
• Fried corn “Milho Frito”
• “Picadinho”
• “Bolo do Caco”
• “Lapas”
• “Prego no Bolo do Caco”
• Cod fish “Bacalhau” (à Bras, com Nata)
• “Castelo dos Hamburgers”
• “Queijada”
• “Bife de Atum”
• Wine of Madeira
• Poncha
• Pukiki Cocktails
• Nikita Cocktail

12. Good Local Restaurants

Restaurants in Madeira. Photos by tripadvisor.com

Try Madeira’s best delicacies at one of the following restaurants suggested by the locals Mericia and Sara.

• Abrigo do pastor
•  Casa da Pedra
•  Faísca
• Beer house
• Restaurante Praia do Vigário.
• Have brunch at the Hotel Quinta do Furão
• Restaurante Londres. This is a great local restaurant with generous portions. Try the swordfish with fried bananas, a typical Madeiran dish, a must-try. The service is very friendly and fast.

13. Bars/Pubs

Get a beer, a glass of wine or a glass of Poncha in one of the following bars:

• Hole in one
• Barreirinha
• Sete Mares
• Prince Albert

14. An organic farm to visit

Feijão dos padres is an organic rural tourism farm on Madeira Island located in Quinta Grande. People lived there and they cultivated its lands since many years. The history of Fajã dos Padres accompanies the history of the Island itself. Today, it is possible to relive some of this past heritage by visiting some of these small reconstructed houses. Sample the delicious Malvasia wine on a visit to the old wine cellar, or stroll through the old stone alleys through the cultivated pieces of land.

15. The island of Porto Santo

Porto Santo Island. Photo by Flickr.com

Porto Santo is an island that is part of the Madeira archipelago together with the two uninhabited islands, the Desert Islands (Ilhas desertas) and the Wild Islands (Ilhas Selvagens). At 40 km northwest of Madeira, about 5500 people live there. It boasts one of the most beautiful long golden beaches in Europe. Worth a visit during your stay in Madeira!

Visit Madeira. Photo by wikimedia.org

Follow these local tips and you will enjoy the best holidays on Madeira island!

The article Tips for Visiting Madeira: a Guide made by Locals was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Traditional and avant-garde city, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most appreciated destinations by art lovers. From the beautiful architecture to the local gastronomy, it is a city waiting to be discovered.

Located at 1910m above sea level, San Miguel de Allende is one of the emblematic cities of the State of Guanajuato and of all of Mexico. Even UNESCO could not help but recognize its unique beauty, naming it a World Heritage Site in 2008.

Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

Walking through the streets of this city is a one-off experience. The streets covered with sanpietrini, so colorful and characteristic, give a sense of belonging and home, indeed.

This town offers many activities, from cultural tours to horseback riding. Here the 8 wonders of San Miguel de Allende:

1. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangelo

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of San Miguel de Allende? Definitely, it’s the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel, the city’s pink neo-Gothic jewel.

Photo via en.wikipendia.org

Originally built in 1555, this parish is the result of multiple renovations as well as changes in style over the centuries. Finally, in 1890, Don Zeferino Gutiérrez will lead to the transformation of its facade and the completion of the architecture.

Photo via commons.wikimedia.org

The neo-Gothic building appears a very distinctive light pink color. Do you know why? The complex was built with pink tuff, this stone extracted directly from the volcano Palo huérfano, at the time not far from the city, and now extinct.

Photo via Flickr

Upon visiting the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel, you will come across the main square well recognizable by the circular trees. A very relaxing green area, perfect to take a break and enjoy the quiet but crisp San Miguel de Allende.

2. Museo La Esquina, Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano

Photo via www.museolaesquina.mx

La Esquina Toy Museum houses one of the greatest treasures of this country: the traditional Mexican toys. This collection, which counts with more than a thousand pieces, holds an extraordinary history.

“Artesano de juguete mexicano” – CARLOS ORDUÑA BARRERA

Indeed, the collection was born more than 50 years ago from a little girl and her passion for toys. The owner, Angélica Tijerina, remembers how her father, upon returning from trips to the Mexican republic, always brought her a gift. Thus, her love for toys.

Photo via www.museolaesquina.mx

Colorful and creative, the Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano will surely bring your childhood spirit back. Here, you’ll find toys of all kinds from all parts of Mexico: from the desert territories to the mountains to the coastal areas of the south of the country.

3. Jardin Botanico el Charco del Ingenio

Photo via Flickr

Just a few minutes from the center of San Miguel de Allende, we come to the botanical garden “El Charco del Ingenio”, an open-air museum with a great variety of succulent plants typical of the area.

Photo via Flickr

This natural reserve was created with the aim of preserving the local flora, constantly endangered by urban expansion. Overall, this park hosts more than 535 species of plants and numerous animals including 156 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, dragonflies, and butterflies.

Photo via Flickr

4. Artisanal Markets

During your stay in San Miguel, you can’t miss coming across its rich and colorful markets!

From carpets and wool tapestries to brass-made mirrors, boxes and stars, and decorated ceramic vases, you’re spoiled for choice. The queen of all, however, is certainly the papier-mâché, material par excellence of Mexican craftsmanship.

Photo via Flickr

At these markets, each item is a unique work of art in its colors and shapes.

Photo via Flickr

5. Cañada de la Virgen

Known across the country for ensuring respectful animal husbandry, this sustainable family business works to raise healthy livestock and help with environmental conservation.

Photo via commons.wikimedia.org

And it is precisely in this terrain that the Cañada de la Virgen pyramids were built. Dating back to the period between 540 and 1050 B.C., they were used as ceremony sites and as observatories of celestial bodies.

Photo via en.wikipedia.org

This archaeological site is the perfect example of architecture, astronomy, and mathematics that distinguishes the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.

6. San Miguel de Allende Food Tour

If you want to experience the city to the fullest, you should definitely try the flavors of Mexican cuisine! Local food tours are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the culinary tradition and local specialties.

Photo via Canva Pro

Among the typical dishes, there are las enchiladas mineras, las pacholas, the famous local fiambre, not to mention the delicious Rabo de Zorra and chiles capones. These dishes are easily accompanied by the good cebadina, beet-water, or by a tasty colonche, an alcoholic drink made from prickly pear.

Photo via almomentogto.com

7. Canyon Coyote

Located just a couple of minutes from downtown, here we are in the middle of nature among rocks and streams exploring the area on horseback. It doesn’t matter if you have experience or not, as long as you don’t lack the spirit of adventure!

Photo via commons.wikimedia.org

Guided hikes will take you to the top of the canyon from where you can enjoy the entire San Miguel de Allende zone.

8. Fábrica La Aurora

After decades of textile production, the La Aurora Cultural Center for Art and Design is now home to paintings, crafts, and art studios.

Photo via Flickr

In 2004, in fact, with the help of Don Francisco Garay and the creative initiative of North American artists Christopher Fallon, Mary Rapp, Merry Calderoni, and DeWayne Youts, the factory became a meeting place not only for professionals but a real cultural center.

Accommodation green in San Miguel de Allende

Posada Corazon, San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a city to live in, and there is no better lodging than Posada Corazón. This beautiful home, located in the historical center of the city, covers an “apple heart“, a name given to the gardens behind the facades of the old residences.

Posada Corazon, San Miguel de Allende

This spacious building, typical of Mexican architecture of the 1960s, offers a peaceful experience among fruit trees, flowers, aromatic plants, and relaxing areas.

Discover more: Posada Corazón 

So, what do you think? Ready to experience the city of a thousand faces?

The article 8 Wonders of San Miguel de Allende was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Girona (Catalonia) is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval cities. The city has a wide cultural offer: monuments, museums, architectural buildings, festivals and restaurants, among others. If you are planning to spend your holidays in the city of Girona, Ecobnb offers you a travel guide for responsible tourists.

WHAT TO VISIT IN GIRONA

The city of Girona is one of the most relevant in Catalonia, it allows us to know the history of two thousand years from two areas mainly: the Força Vella and the medieval extension. Likewise, the expansion of the expansion is located in the medieval area (Areny area) and the modern part.

Força Vella

La Força Vella was the origin of the city, it is a fortress of Roman origin built in the 1st century BC. C. Within this area of the city you can visit:

• The Cathedral (11th-18th century): It is the most characteristic place in the area, since almost all styles can be seen in this infrastructure: Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic.
• The Roman walls served to delimit the population of Girona. Later, they were expanded with the Carolingian Wall, one of the longest walls in Europe. This new extension allows us to walk along the old road to Ronda and enjoy the towers as viewpoints to contemplate the city.
• La Pia Almoina, located next to the steps of the Cathedral, is one of the most representative buildings of the Gothic style.
• El Call, the Jewish quarter of Girona.

Girona Cathedral, Photo from Flickr

Medieval expansion

The medieval expansion was established with new neighborhoods (Sant Feliu, Sant Pere, Areny, Vilanova and Mercadel) around the Força Vella between the 11th and 15th centuries. Within this area you can visit:

• Continuation of the walls. Carrying out the circuit of the Camino de Ronda, crossing the wall is one of the best things Girona offers.
• The Basilica of Sant Feliu: It was the first cathedral in Girona and is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the city.
• San Pere de Galligants and Sant Nicolau: One of the most important Romanesque complexes in Barcelona; they are currently used as a museum and exhibition hall.
• Arab Baths: Romanesque style construction, inspired by the Roman baths. Its most appreciable elements are the room at the entrance and the dome.

San Pere de Galligants, photo from Flickr

Areny area

The medieval expansion was carried out in the Areny area, it extended through the area of the Onyar river connecting both areas with the Sant Prancesc bridge. Within this sector you can know:

• The houses of the Onyar: The city offers spectacular images of squares and steep alleys, highlighting the houses of the Onyar painted with colors, this image reminds us of Florence (Italy).
• La Rambla de la Llibertat: Commercial and leisure area of the town, where relevant buildings such as Casa Norat are located.
• Plaza de VI: Here you can visit the Town Hall, the General Palace and the Municipal Theater.
• The university and Sant Doménec: The Sant Doménec convent (Gothic construction) and the Les Aligues building (Renaissance) are the headquarters of the literature campus and the rectory.

Finally, we must not forget the modern part of the city that has developed over time where you can visit the Plaza de la Independència and the different buildings of Modernism and Noucentisme architecture; highlighting Rafael Masó and his different constructions such as the Masó house.

Our green tip: Respect the cultures and customs of the local community and take the opportunity to learn from them. On the other hand, keep in mind that they are places that are close to each other and very accessible, so you will have no problem making your visit on foot or by bicycle.

NATURE AND PARKS

Girona is one of the most privileged cities with regard to natural heritage. However, we are going to know the main natural parks of the city located next to the Ter river: La Devesa park and Les Ribes del Ter park.

• La Devesa Park is the largest urban park in Catalonia located in Girona. It is also known for the height of its banana trees and for the “Jardines de la Dehesa” where you can enjoy a wide variety of vegetation, and also practice sports and walk.
• Les Ribes del Ter park follows the river’s path from Fontajau to the pastures of Puente Mayor and is ideal for walking or practicing sports.

Park of Devesa, photo by Montse Fernánez from Flickr

The Sant Daniel Valley also stands out as one of the best-preserved natural spaces in the city, which is accessed through the Sant Pere de Galligants monastery.

Our green advice: Avoid walking through the most crowded areas to enjoy your visit to the park.

GREEN ITINERARIES

Walking

• Anella Verde: Route to enjoy the natural spaces of the eastern sector of the city of Girona. It begins near the Onyar River and ends in Campdorá. It is not a circular route, so it must be taken into account that public transport can be used to get to and from the starting site.
• Sant Daniel: This circular route will allow you to get to know one of the best natural spaces in the city, such as the Sant Daniel valley. Consecutively, the route towards the massif of Les Gavarres begins.
• Galligants and the O mountain: By completing this itinerary, you will be able to get to know three natural areas of the city (Sant Pere de Galligants, the San Daniel valley and the O mountain).
• The stone route: You will visit the old town area, through the Pedreres area where you can enjoy the architecture of Girona and learn more about the so-called “stone route”.
• Monte de Sant Miquel: Itinerary through the old town of Girona. The tour begins in Sant Daniel, following the Galligants river, les Gavarres until ascending to Sant Miquel where you can enjoy wonderful views and choose between two paths: Cal Micaló or Collet d’en.
• Parque de les Ribes del Ter and Devesa: Route of the parks.
• Huertas de Santa Eugènia and dehesas de Salt: Route that shows us the importance of the town and the orchard of Santa Eugènia. In addition, you will enjoy the natural area of the salt meadows.

All these itineraries are easy to access, so it is advisable to do them on foot. In addition, to contemplate the wonderful natural landscapes you can go hiking.

Photo by Emily Coverett from Flickr

By bike

Girona, on the other hand, is an accessible city with short distances. For this reason it has a cycle path within the city. In addition, Girona is surrounded by Greenways, which is why the city offers a wide variety of routes along the Greenways that allow you to discover fantastic landscapes. Finally, if you love this means of transport and want to take short tours, here you will find 4 cycling routes through the city of Girona and the Costa Brava.

Our green tip: Make your routes by bike (when possible), on foot or by public transport. This way you will help take care of the environment.

Photo by Natán Cid from Flickr

SLEEPING IN ECOLOGICAL ACCOMMODATIONS

To sleep you have to stay in an ecological accommodation; where they use ecological materials, renewable energy, food at kilometer 0 (local products or with ecological certificate) and finally, offer or carry out ecotourism activities. Girona offers several ecological or eco-sustainable accommodations that you can see at this link, such as the Hotel Mas Pelegri.

Hotel Mas Pelegri

LOCAL GASTRONOMY

The gastronomy of Girona is based on the combination of traditional cuisine and avant-garde cuisine, using local products such as the meat of the cattle, the natural fish of its coast, and the vegetables of its gardens. For this, it can be said that its great gastronomic variety has led them to be able to enjoy restaurants awarded with Michelin stars. Likewise, the restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, which according to Restaurant Magazine is the best restaurant in the world. Here we will show you the typical dishes of Girona:

• Sea and mountain: a mix of products from the land and the sea;
• Suquet of monkfish and prawns;
• Anchovies from L’Escala: preparation of salted anchovies;
• Escudella de pagés: a soup with slices of sausage, chicken or meat, and also contains vegetables;
• Spanish omelet: potato omelet with some vegetables;
• Escudella: a typical dish of Christmas. Contains pasta and a variety of meat and vegetables.
• Sausage: in evidence the sausage, the salchichón and the fuet;
• Sweet Sausage: This sausage contains sugar, lemon, and cinnamon, so it’s sweet;
• Xuixo: typical gironese dessert filled with cream;
• Panellets: Typical dessert of the Feast of Saints;
• Apple from Girona;
• La ratafía: sweet liqueur based on local herbs;

Our green tip: enjoy the typical gastronomy of Girona and consume local products.

CURIOSITY

Several events of great importance are held in Girona, such as the “Gastronomic Forum” (February) where all professionals and food lovers meet. In addition, another event related to gastronomy is the “Gerudense Gastronomic Week” (March) where in some areas of Girona special menus are prepared for a week to enjoy the typical food of that place. Finally, the “Temps de flowers” event (May), an event that lasts a week and in which the city is decorated with flowers, is worth mentioning.

And now, are you ready to immerse yourself in adventure and get to know the medieval city of Girona?

Cover image: Photograph by Canva Pro

The article Girona: Guide for Responsible Travelers was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Beyond eliminating plastic or recycling, there are a surprising amount of best practices your hotel can take to leave a greener footprint. Impact House suggests easy actions to create a positive impact both on the community and the environment.  Raquel Fonseca has shared with our community 8 successful practices that its eco-friendly hostel in Portugal has adopted. Let’s cast a vote on the kind of world we want to live in!

1. Including and Sharing

Impact House Team. Photos by Impactrip.com

Our lovely team will kindly welcome you and make you feel part of our little Impact Family right away. Everyone has a good story to tell, and you should feel free to share yours! We believe diversity and inclusion play a really important role in society, and thus partnered with Fundação Liga to include people with disabilities in our team.

You can sleep tight knowing our energy is 100% green, coming from renewable sources instead of fossil fuels. And we are, in fact, committed to be carbon neutral by 2030!

When you have breakfast, you can choose from a delicious selection of jams that support children living with AIDS from Associação Sol. And if you need that extra sweetness, just add a little bit of honey from Cooperativa Terra Chã, working towards local and integrated development in the interior of Portugal.

2. Homemade Guilt-Free Food

Homemade Food. Impact House. Photos by Impactrip.com

Coffee can be enjoyed at the Impact Café guilt-free, knowing our beans are direct trade, 100% traceable and certified from a family business in the Caparaó region of Brazil, and naturally wood-roasted in Lisbon by a family business. For tea lovers, we have organic tea from Gorreana in the Azores, the only existing tea plantation in Europe. Also, you don’t want to miss out on our palm oil-free homemade Nutella when you order your crepes. And the goat cheese from Terra Chã in our croissants and bruschettas. Or our zero waste delicacy. You might as well just try the entire menu!

Every meal is homemade with love by our Impact Mums who strive to remind you of home. Local and seasonal ingredients are used whenever possible, and there is always a vegetarian option. We embrace and celebrate a plant-based diet every day, but particularly on our Veggie Fridays. Advocating a change in eating habits is promoting the single most effective way to tackle climate change as an individual. Also, most of the vegetables used in the kitchen are organic and come from SEMEAR, that employs and trains people with intellectual disabilities.

3. Taking Care of Food Waste

Food Waste. Impact House. Photos by Impactrip.com

You won’t have a problem with food waste when you eat with us. Considering it is a global problem, we take it very seriously and follow some steps to make sure nothing is wasted. There’s a meal counting board in the dining area, where people that are not having meals are supposed to write down their name on the respective meal so the Impact Mums can have a rough idea of the amount of food to make.

Surplus food is either sold through apps like Too Good To Go and Phenix for a symbolic price or donated to Refood to feed families in need. Leftovers are taken to the organic bin next to the other recycling bins to be transformed into biofuel instead of rotting in a landfill. Veggie scraps and other kitchen waste are vermicomposted by our lovely worms, transforming them into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. It works like a magical elixir for our vegetable garden.

4. Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyle

Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyle. Impact House. Photos by Impactrip.com

Another way we promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is through our ImpActive club. Take care of both body and mind with Filipa’s yoga classes. Support nonprofits by booking a massage made by visually-impaired people from APEDV or an osteopathy consultation that positively impacts homeless people, families in need, and bed-ridden elderly from Associação Auxílio e Amizade.

5. Social Shop and Non-Profit Partners

Social Shop. Impact House. Photos by Impactrip.com

Feel like doing some shopping? When you buy products from our Social Shop, you are actually supporting our non-profit partners, like the natural handcrafted AMAL soaps by Syrian refugee women living in Portugal. Or the aprons that repurposed old jeans by SOUMA, an inclusive space supporting people’s insertion in society. And even the herbal teas by APSA, produced by young adults with Asperger Syndrome in their gardening workshop.

6. Clothing Swapping and Circular Economy

Clothing Swap and Circular Economy. Impact House. Photos by Impactrip.com

Need a new piece of clothing? We’ve got your back. Stop by our little SWAP Spot corner where you can exchange something you no longer wear for a new addition to your wardrobe, promoting a circular economy instead. You can also do this with the books in our tiny library: leave yours and take one for the road, for free!

Want to travel lighter? You can leave your clothing and hygiene products in our Donation Box and we make sure it reaches people that need them, like homeless shelters or people in other social emergency situations.

In our Activism Wall, we regularly exhibit the wonderful and inspiring artworks of local disabled artists or people making a difference.

Want to get the conversation started on topics that matter? You can participate in our impactful events and gatherings where we discuss ideas, raise awareness and promote action to a more sustainable world.

Our outdoor area is really inviting all year long. ARIA takes really good care of our garden while rehabilitating and integrating in society people with mental health conditions.

Want to go even further creating impact with us? This year we launched our Time Bank offering an alternative economy where people exchange services between members, promoting a sense of community and cooperation. You can teach an elderly a recipe from your country, and receive back a Portuguese guitar lesson. Or walk someone’s dog in Monsanto, and receive back a tour in riverside Belém. The options are endless!

7. Moving Around with Green Mobility

Green Mobility in Lisbon. Photos by shifter.sapo.pt, insidelisbon.com, theblondtravels.com

But how do I move around? You wonder. Well, we’ve got you covered. We’re committed to green mobility and thus you will find bicycles by the entrance that you can rent. If you’re worried about the City of Seven Hills… don’t be! We also have electric bikes you can use. Public transportation is within walking distance. If you’d rather use Uber or Bolt, don’t forget to choose their green option and you’ll get a ride in a 100% electric vehicle. And if you feel like exercising, you can always walk! There are plenty of hiking routes nearby, too.

8. Promoting Responsible Experiences

Responsible Activities. Photos by Impactrip.com

You’re all set now. You know our house like your own, and how to get to places. And yet, you still don’t know what to do when staying with us in Lisbon. Impactrip’s responsible experiences will make sure you travel with impact! You can learn how to dive in the Atlantic Ocean and protect the marine ecosystem by picking up trash from the sea. If you’re an animal lover, you get to walk dogs from a local shelter while also visiting the beautiful Sintra Natural Park. You can also restore native forests and become a green guardian! Or experience Lisbon’s “forgotten” neighbourhood through the perspective of migrant guides. Maybe even participate in a zero-waste cooking workshop! The options are unlimited, and you can even venture outside of the capital. Immerse yourself in our culture, travel like a local and create memories of a lifetime!

What are you waiting for? Let’s create a positive impact together!

Author: Raquel Fonseca. Born in Portugal and raised in Angola, Raquel grew up in two contrasting realities that were the fundamental basis for her commitment to sustainable development. After realizing the major role tourism can play in this, she decided to only pursue projects that are actually making a difference, acting as changemakers, as Impact+ and Impact House do.

The article How to Create a Positive Impact both on the Community and the Environment? 8 Sustainable Practices from Impact House was originally posted on Ecobnb.

The unique microclimates of the Azores give life to a range of special ingredients. Discover the best Azores’ local tastes!

Wild and natural, but also extremely “gourmet”. The Azores are the perfect destination if you are looking for a holiday that delights the senses, starting with the palate. Between organic farms and local restaurants, you will be delighted by the authentic flavors and genuine farm to table food. Here is a short but meaningful guide to the 10 local products and typical dishes of the Azores, not to be missed if you visit these islands. Taste to believe!

1.Sao Jorge Cheese – Local Cheese

Photo via Canva

Cheese is a key product in the list of Azores local food. Most of Portuguese cheese “Queijo” come from the Azores. You can find the best one on the island of São Jorge. It has a spicy and salty taste. Each island produces several different cheeses and they are all remarkably delicious. If you are only visiting São Miguel island, visit Rei do Queijos in Ponta Delgada to try any that you like. Also, try o Morro cheese from Faial island and the Pasta Mole.

2. Lapas – Local Seafood

Photo via Canva

High-quality tuna can be found in these isolated islands surrounded by cool Atlantic waters. Wreckfish and parrotfish are also common. Lapas are the most known. They are usually served grilled, in a sauce of butter, garlic, and spicy red pepper. It is also popular to eat them raw. On Terceira island, you can find a kind of barnacle known as cracas. These are boiled in seawater and served chilled. The taste is sweet and briny, precisely like the sea.

If you want to try local fish at a restaurant you should try Beira Mar restaurant in the village of São Mateus or Cais de Angra in Angra do Heroismo. Try also Skipjack, Wreckfish, Gulley jack, Amberjack, and Emperador. Another local restaurant we suggest you to try to have good fish is Tasquinha Vieira in Ponta Delgada.

3. Passion fruit – Local Tropical fruit

Photo via Canva

The Azores grows most of its fruit supply. Pineapples, bananas, and passion fruit are some of the tropical fruits growing in the Azores’ astoundingly fertile microclimates. On São Miguel island you can visit the A. Arruda pineapple plantation to see the fruits growing in greenhouses and purchase pineapple liqueur and other products. Here, you can get your hands on any locally grown oranges, the taste is sweet-tart and juicy. The fruits have great acidity because of the soil and the climate, not too much heat. At the restaurant, you can request as a digestif fruit liqueurs made from pineapple, passion fruit, and blackberry. If you visit the island of São Miguel, stop by the Market in Ponta Delgada to stock up on local fruit sold by farmers.

4. Cozido de Furnas – Local Stew

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If you spend time on São Miguel island you should visit the town of Furnas to taste a beloved Portuguese stew known as cozido cook in holes known as fumaroles that are dug in hot volcanic soil. Make sure you show up at Lago das Furnas at 12:30 p.m. to see the various restaurants remove their huge metal stockpots from the holes, where the contents have been cooking since early morning in the geothermal heat. You will see steam billowing up from the ground and hot water bubbling up through each hole in the ground. Local families can also show up to claim other fumaroles for their own cooking needs. After dining, you can stroll down to the hot springs and botanical gardens on the grounds of Terra Nostra. Watch this video to discover the cooking process.

5. Alcatra – Local Beef

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This is the hometown of happy cows. The meat there is really good. If you want to try a traditional steakhouse go to Alcides in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. When you arrive there the waiter does not ask you “What would you like to order?” The question would be rather “How would you like your steak cooked?” It arrives dotted with roasted garlic gloves and sautéed red peppers, accompanied by french fries. If you get a burger, ask for Bolo Lêvedo as bread to put then inside the meat. Also, you must try “Alcatra”. It is a famous dish from Terceira island: Beef rump is slow-cooked with red wine, onions, garlic, allspice and black peppercorns. Normally it is served with a puffy, lightly sweet bread that is a nice foil for the salty meat. It is so tasty!

6. Sopa da Sogra – Local Soups

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You can find many traditional soups across the island and each island seems to have its own version. One hugely important dish is Holy Ghost soup, which is served at the Holy Ghost celebrations you will find all over the islands on the eight Sundays following Easter. It famously features bread soaked in a broth made from beef, chicken, pork, potatoes, and cabbage. Seafood soups are also popular, like Pico’s octopus soup, or the fish soup from Maia on São Miguel. Also, try Sopa do Sogra which means Mother in Law Soup.

7. Chá Gorreana – Local Tea

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The Azores offers the only tea plantantion in Europe. In Ribeira Grande on São Miguel, you can visit the two old-school producers, Chá Gorreana and Chá Porto Formoso.

8. Bolo Lêvedo – Local Bread

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This amazing English-muffin-looking bread is a must when you visit the Azores. It originated in São Miguel island, but can generally be found across all the islands. Instead of being baked, it is cooked on a griddle. It is super soft and sweet. It is a good idea to put Azorean cheese with some fresh fruits inside this bolo! Check out the cooking process here.

9. Bolo D. Amelia – Local Cake

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Bolo D. Amelia or Amelia Cake is a tasty little tart sized cake that you can find mainly on the island of Terceira. It is made with ginger and cinnamon and covered in powdered sugar. This cake was created when Queen Amelia, the last queen of Portugal, visited the island. There are also lots of other little cakes that are delicious, like Feiticeros, P Conde da Praia, and Queijedo Villa Franco. Check out the recipe of Bolo D. Amelia and discover how to make it.

10. Arinto dos Açores – Local Vulcanic Wine

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The Azores have 500 years of history of wine production. They provide some great wine grown on volcanic soil, particularly the whites wines coming from Pico island. Flying into Pico, you see fields of abandoned vineyards, arranged into square plots defined by low walls built of black volcanic stones. Pico is now one of 14 Unesco World Heritage wine regions worldwide. Check out the best Azorean wines on Wines of Portugal and on the Azores Wine Company.

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Do you prefer salty or sweet food? Prepare your belly and taste lots of delicious local food in the Azores!

The article Azores: Local Food You Must Try was originally posted on Ecobnb.