18 de July de 2023
Did you know that Spain is the most biodiverse country in Europe? We are the country with the largest surface area of protected areas, creating the perfect conditions for thriving ecotourism activities to enjoy all year round.
Spain’s network of protected areas offers visitors astonishing landscapes from high mountain chains, wonderful coastal sceneries, wild forests, dreamy islands or fascinating deserts. Gastronomy, living traditions, culture and guardians of our protected areas are also at the heart of our wonderful ecotourism destinations.
Choose ecotourism in Spain and delve into the beauty that each season has to offer whilst helping to protect the natural areas you are enjoying today for future generations. Are you aware that your ecotourism trip has an impact on the destination as a whole? Being a good ecotourist also implies responsibility and a genuine commitment to the conservation of the environment.
At Soy Ecoturista we want to show you that doing your bit is easier than you think. Keep reading to find out 5 simple and practical tips that you can do in your next getaway to become an authentic ecotourist. These are very easy steps for you to do that can be a real game changer to the conservation of the natural area you are visiting.
1 – Plan your ecotourism getaway well
Planning is essential to enjoy an ecotourism getaway. First of all, select the natural area that you want to discover and define the type of getaway you would like to have. It is always good to choose a good ecotourist accommodation to support local economic development and the sustainability efforts of small tourism businesses and entrepreneurs.
If you like self-guided walking adventures, our advice is to be well-informed about the local paths and routes and check the physical abilities of your party. We’d recommend planning your trip well by assessing how long the route will take and taking a map of the area (you can either visit one of the information centers available to grab one or download a digital map on your phone).
If you are planning a wild camping adventure, we strongly recommend you to check local rules and limitations in advance, as these might change depending on the region and the protected area. For example, there are certainly limitations associated with altitude in mountain ranges.
Another useful advice is to wear appropriate footwear and clothing depending on the terrain and weather conditions of the natural area you are visiting. In summer for example, it is good to wear light and breathable clothing, a cap or hat and walking shoes or sandals with proper foot support (avoid flip flops as much as possible).
It is always good to take a small backpack with you with water and snacks, a basic first aid kit and other useful accessories such as sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen for example. Don’t forget your phone, as it is also an useful emergency tool, make sure it is fully charged and take a portable battery or charger for the day. It is also a good idea to inform someone about your itinerary and estimated time of arrival to your accommodation, particularly if you are venturing out on your own.
Finally, a good ecotourist makes a conscious effort to avoid crowded routes and hotspots during peak times, since it seriously affects the environment and makes the visit much less enjoyable. You can head to the local visitors center to learn about the best times and diversions to avoid the crowds, even during peak season.
2 – Make the most of the natural area you are visiting
In order to make the most of your visit, a good start is to head over to the visitor center of the natural area you are visiting. In these places you can find general information about the singularity of the destination, the incredible wildlife that live here and learn about the history of the place and human influence and settlements. For sure you will find different types of maps and help from knowledgeable staff to identify recreational areas, wild swimming spots, viewpoints, bird huts and any other points of interest to you.
At Soy Ecoturista we encourage you to check our accredited companies and entrepreneurs offering a wide range of guided activities in our affiliated natural areas. By doing so, we can guarantee your getaway has a direct positive impact on the destination whilst you discover secrets and hidden gems with local expert guides.
3- Follow the guidance and recommendations of the natural area
Each natural area has its own regulations that might be different depending on the time of year. Even though there are some general facts to take into account when venturing outdoors, at Soy Ecoturista we recommend you to check the specific regulations that apply to each destination.
For example, at summer time bonfires, barbecues and any other sort of fire-making is limited or banned in most natural areas in Spain (including beaches); you should only take designated paths when going hiking, trekking and even biking and you should find out about speed limits and regulations when using a motorised vehicle during your drive around.
If you take your furry friend with you, make sure he/she is on the leash or very close to you. Pets cannot sleep on mountain refugees so check and request information about it every time you need.
4 – Respect wildlife and local heritage
As an ecotourist, you are venturing in the home of local wildlife and some animals might be endangered or threatened, you should be mindful of this and try not to disturb them.
Some of our authentic ecotourist advice include avoid touching nests, do not feed any of the animals you encounter to prevent from modifying their eating and behavior patterns and keep your noise to the minimum to avoid disturbing animals whilst favoring wildlife spotting. If you are doing activities such as diving or snorkeling, never touch anything in the marine ecosystem as this can have negative consequences for the survival of some species. It is advisable to call 112 if you ever find or see an injured animal.
With regards to the natural world, it is important to not cut or pull any wild plants or flowers as these might be endemic or threatened. All plants play a key role in the ecosystem for bugs, soil health, moist conditions or wildlife.
It is likely that you will come across elements of local ethnographic heritage such as ruins, mills, walls or farmhouses. These elements tell the story of the place, are signs of human settlements in the natural area and should always be admired with respect and care.
Lasty, we encourage you to treat other ecotourists and local people with respect. Be mindful of any private land and always aim for local products and services to contribute to local economic development.
5 – Take your waste back with you
A good ecotourist always tries to minimise its impact on the environment and this involves taking any rubbish back home. Sometimes you will find bins in the countryside but collection services are very limited in these areas, so it is better if you can take any rubbish to the urban areas and dispose correctly – or to your ecotourism accommodation.
Another useful advice is to carry a bag with you to collect all your rubbish, including organic waste as it should not be left behind “acting as compost”. You can do your bit for the environment by collecting any other rubbish you might find along your way leaving the place better than you found it.
If you like wild swimming, make sure you use biodegradable sunscreen or bug repellent to avoid leaving any chemical product on the water.
We hope these tips help you get the most out of your ecotourism getaway, and we’d love to hear from you if you have any other tips you’d like to share. Natural spaces belong to everyone and are for everyone, so it is in our hands to help protect them for future generations.The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development. That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.