Most of us want this beautiful planet of ours to remain as it is for generations to come. Preservation of the environment - of which we are only an integral part, not its masters - is therefore all the more important and all the more urgent. And one of the ways is to change why, how and where we travel for the sake of conservation.
EDEN – acronym for European Destinations of Excellence - is the largest European network of destinations awarded by the European Commission for the quality of the tourist offer and respect for the environment. EDEN is the promise of real experiences, real discoveries and real encounters, and an invitation to travel Europe and experience unforgettable experiences in sustainable tourist destinations awarded for commitment to the environment.
Dozens of sustainable tourism experiences await us all over Europe, and the portal European Best Destinations among others, he proposes the following:
Bison country – Neamt district in Romania
In recognition of all the efforts made to preserve the species, The land of the bison in Neamţ is listed among the 100 best sustainable destinations in the world. The Vânători-Neamţ Nature Park in the Neamţ district is the only place in Europe where the bison, the largest land animal of our continent, can be seen in three types of habitats: in the forest wilderness, in semi-freedom within the acclimatization housing in the 'Bison Management Center', and in the Park zoo.
The park covers more than 172.973 hectares of land, and tourists can observe the amazing animal life up close. Visitors are offered safaris, tours and themed tours. In the vicinity of the park there are numerous historical sights, monasteries and museums.
The land of the bison is an example of sustainable tourism based on the protection and improvement of the visibility of local natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, and on the even spatial distribution of tourist intensity, mainly by promoting the inseparable connection between nature and spirituality.
Whale watching - Faial Island in Portugal
Azores island Faial is a place where nature reigns and is protected by an army of botanists, geologists and experts in flora and fauna. The island forms a triangle with the islands of Sao Jorge and Pico, and together they invite you to travel from one to the other and discover breathtaking natural landscapes, culinary specialties unique in the world, wines matured at the foot of the Pico volcano, wild flower honey, and Azorean cheese.
Many activities are offered to nature lovers on Faial. There are the botanical gardens of Faiala, perfect for getting to know the endemic plants of the Azores. You should definitely visit and 'Capelinhos', an amazing interactive museum about the history of the amazing volcanic eruption that happened just a few decades ago and lasted for 13 months. And finally, visitors can afford to fulfill their lifelong dream and discover dolphins and whales in their natural environment on a fantastic sea trip.
Faial is a sustainable tourism destination awarded by the European Commission for its commitment to nature protection. Therefore, the island is the main destination for a sustainable holiday to reconnect with yourself, your family and nature.
Anointing with medicinal mud - Nin in Croatia
Long sandy beaches are one of the trademarks of the ancient city Nina and its riviera, and the shallow and warm sea especially attracts families with small children. The beaches of Nin are included among the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and beyond, and their beauty will enrich the album of memories of every visitor.
Among the gifts of nature that the Nin area abounds in, surely one of the most valuable is medicinal mud (peloid), which was used as far back as Roman times, and it is assumed that there were thermal baths nearby in prehistoric times as well. In addition to mud treatment, the famous Kraljičina beach also offers thalassotherapy in an open-air clinic.
A unique event is also held on the beaches of Nina Sand Festival under the motto 'Magic that arises and disappears'. Numerous artists and enthusiasts dedicate a day or two to making sand sculptures and forms that last until the next tide.
The region of Nin is full of opportunities for experiences: from long walks through the romantic historical core of this royal city, delights in unique culinary specialties, to bird watching. In a small area in Nin, half of the total number of birds in Croatia was recorded. More precisely, a total of 220 different species were recorded. And if you happen to be in Nin at the right time, you might even see flamingos they stop by occasionally to this unique town.
Watching bears in the wild taiga - Finland
Wild taiga it is one of the few areas in Europe where it is possible observe and photograph rare animals in their natural environment, accompanied by fully trained guides. In addition to carnivores such as bears, wolves and martens, you can see moose, wild reindeer, flying squirrels, beavers and some of Europe's largest birds of prey.
The season for observing these fascinating animals begins at the end of April, when the bears wake up from their winter sleep, and lasts until the end of autumn.
A dream of unicorns - Đakovo in Croatia
The majestic white horses with horns on their foreheads that we know from fantastic fairy tales and stories may not exist in real life, but the noble being that inspired the tellers of those fairy tales is very real. It's about royal breed Lipizzaner which you can ride in the city of Đakovo in the Croatian region of Slavonia.
Author: Vjeran Vidaković
Stud farm in Đakovo it was founded way back in 1506, which ranks it among the oldest stables in Europe and speaks of the long tradition of horse breeding in the area. Today, the stable is a living monument of the history and tradition of horse breeding. It is also home to 160 beautiful Lipizzaner grapes that have been bred there since the beginning of the 19th century.
Photo: Silvija Butković / DEĐL
Ergela's tourist offer combines the cultural-historical, rural and traditional experience of Eastern Slavonia. It provides visitors with the overall pleasure of socializing with horses, horse carriage rides and recreational riding, but also getting to know these noble animals better - such as the interesting fact that Lipizzaner foals are born completely black, and at the age of 8 to 10 they become completely white, or that Lipizzaners are very gifted for the Spanish step.
Cover photo: Nin Tourist Board
