Eco-Friendly Stays Becoming The Norm Across Europe
Are you planning a European getaway and want it to be gentler on the planet? You’re in luck – sustainable hotel options are sprouting up across the continent. According to booking.com data, Europe now boasts over 35,000 eco-certified accommodations for travelers seeking green stays.
Spain, Italy, and France top the list for the most environmentally-conscious lodgings, but impressive numbers can also be found in Germany, Croatia, Greece, and beyond.
What’s driving the boost? Both supply and demand factors are at play as the tourism industry responds to climate change impacts. Hotels are implementing renewable energy systems, eco-designed buildings, resource conservation programs, and nature-based experiences. Travelers increasingly prefer sustainable options and will pay more for them.
In Spain, over 7000 green hotels hold certifications like Ecolabel and Biosphere. The Canary Islands lead in environmental standards with hotels like H10 Rubicon Palace on Lanzarote using solar panels, organic gardens, and desalination. According to Fernando Benzo, Quality Manager at Palladium Hotel Group, “sustainability is totally integrated into our business strategy. Guests appreciate and expect it.”
Italy comes second with approximately 5000 certified sustainable stays spread across its iconic cities and coastlines. Emilia Romagna leads Italy’s charge with hotels like Family & Relax offering plastic-free, local food, and natural swimming pools. Says General Manager Marco Fabbri, “We installed a biomass heating system to reduce environmental impact. Our guests praise these initiatives.”
France, known for luxury, still impresses with over 4000 certified eco-hotels like Cour des Loges in Lyon earning Green Globe status through water conservation, waste management, and community partnerships.
While Spain, Italy and France boast the highest numbers, travelers will find committed green hotels in most other European countries too. For example, Austria, Croatia, Greece, and Norway all have over 1000 sustainable options, with more emerging as climate change makes eco-travel vital.
So next time you plan a European holiday, consider choosing an eco-certified hotel. You can reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying top-class comfort and service. Look for ratings like Ecolabel, Green Key, ISO 14001 or check booking.com’s sustainability filter to find green-approved stays across Europe. With so many options now available, sustainable lodging makes exploring Europe good for the planet as well as an unforgettable experience.
