The 25 Most Eco-Friendly Destinations in the World

The travel and tourism industries responsible for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s more important than ever to make conscious travel choices. Ecotourism can be as simple as adapting how and where we travel, contributing to minimising our environmental impact. Travel can do good, and when it does, it often provides the best experiences. 

We’re shining a light on destinations that have a low environmental footprint and those that help protect natural beauty, traditions, and wildlife for future generations. Not all of these destinations have net-zero objectives or renewable energy initiatives – some do, but we’ve also included places where the communities and the environment benefit from ecotourism. 

Travel with a conscious: The world's best sustainable destinations

25. Elche, Spain

Boasting the world’s largest palm grove, Elche is a beacon of conservation heritage and biodiversity. The oasis is kept lush through irrigation from the River Vinalopó, which also naturally cools the city. Together, the palm grove (Palmeral de Elche) and the fertile riverbed are the green lungs of Elche. 

The city funds renewable energy initiatives and actively promotes eco-friendly practices – while you might not directly benefit from that as a visitor, it’s reassuring to know that you’re going somewhere that’s trying to do good. And it helps when that destination is a beautiful city, just a 30-minute bus ride from Alicante.

24. Belfast, Ireland

Sustainability has emerged as a core value for Belfast in recent years. While the city, by its own admission, was late to the party, it’s made up for lost time. Air quality has improved, emissions are reduced, more trees are planted, waste is managed effectively, and renewable energy is more widely used. Sustainability is also a huge cornerstone for Belfast’s tourism industry. Over 75% of Belfast’s hotels are sustainability certified, and 20+ hotels hold the Green Tourism Award. Many of the city’s top tourist attractions champion sustainability. For example, the Ulster Folk Museum keeps tradition and heritage in the conversation, and it also tackles environmental impact through various initiatives, including the woodland renewal project. The project removes invasive species to encourage the growth of native trees and restore the ancient woodland surrounding the museum. 

23. Trento, Italy 

Sitting at the foothills of the Dolomites, with the northern edge of Lake Garda just a 45-minute drive away, Trento is in a fantastic position for nature lovers. The city is a breath of fresh air – literally – with crisp air quality that signals the mountains’ proximity. Eco-conscious travellers use Trento as a base from which to explore the gorgeous surroundings, whether by hiking in the mountains or cycling through the Adige Valley. 

There’s also a good selection of eco-accommodations, and the streets are kept pristine through effective waste management. Trento’s consistent efforts in sustainability, coupled with the natural landscape, make it an excellent choice for a green getaway. 

22. Uganda

Bubbling with culture, tradition, volcanic landscapes, and wildlife, visiting Uganda is a privilege. Seeing gorillas, chimpanzees, and lions in the wild ignites our inner child. Thanks to huge conservation efforts, Ugandan mountain gorillas have been brought back from the brink of extinction, but they are still endangered. Visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest are limited, and the price is high at $800 per person for a permit. While it’s not a financially accessible experience, the money is funnelled into protecting the gorilla’s survival, environmental preservation and staff salaries.

Eco-friendly travel in Uganda is truly incredible – the country is a pioneer in community-based tourism, so you can direct your money towards those who need it the most. There are tonnes of community organisations, including the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. 

21. Mysore, India

Mysore, in southwest India, is the country’s showstopper eco-friendly city. Its door-to-door waste collection has reduced the amount going to landfills by over 30%, the city embraces solar power and other renewable energy sources, it robustly protects its green spaces, and much more. 

Scandinavian and Nordic countries tend to take the sustainability crown, but it’d be remiss not to mention that they generally have the natural resources to bolster this. Much of India is overpopulated, and waste management is an issue. Tackling these challenges is what makes Mysore even more accomplished.

It might not be the world’s most eco-friendly destination, but as a city that’s trying (and succeeding) to do better with the added benefits of glittering palaces, enchanting monuments, and an aromatic spice and incense heritage, it’s certainly one of the best.

20. Madagascar

Madagascar split off from the African continent and India millions of years ago, and that long isolation from other land masses meant indigenous species could flourish. Around 90% of all plant and animal species are endemic to Madagascar, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else on earth – the wild-eyed lemurs are the most recognisable. Local communities depend on lemurs for tourism, so protecting the environment they live in is vital.  

In terms of tourism, travelling to Madagascar is a win-win. The ecosystem is incredibly fragile and the country is extremely poor, but tourism has a hugely positive impact. Visiting the national parks and taking responsible guided tours directly helps the people, the environment, and the species. And travellers get to experience the unique Malagasy culture, which is a rich fusion of influences, as well as the Indian Ocean beaches and wild landscapes.

19. Panama

Panama’s next-door neighbour, Costa Rica, is firmly on the ecotourism map. But overtourism is an issue. While you can visit Costa Rica responsibly, you could veer off the beaten path and give ultra-lush Panama a go. Like Costa Rica, you can see sloths, monkeys, and iguanas, but we think Panama’s calling card is not just its rich biodiversity, but also its community tourism. Indigenous people make up around 14% of the population, and they safeguard much of Panama’s forests, national parks, and nature spots. Panama is utilising tourism as a tool to empower rural and Indigenous communities, and visitors can directly support citizens by booking guided tours with the people who know the country best. Several tour operators work exclusively with local guides and specialise in showcasing regions untouched by tourism. 

18. Singapore

As a modern city-state, Singapore is characterised by its high-rise buildings and glossy hotels. But look closer, and you’ll notice that over 40% of the city is green. Nature reserves, parks, rooftop gardens, and mangrove forests – all 728 square kilometres of the island are considered. 

The country is a leader in green urban planning, and by 2030, 50% more of Singapore’s landmass will be reserved for green spaces. The goal is: no one will live more than a 10-minute walk from a park. Visually, Singapore is developing its green spaces, but the electric buses, cycling lanes, energy-efficient buildings, clean energy, and more are in motion in the background, too.

17. Bristol, England

Bristol is England’s leading eco-friendly city, with the local council and residents working together on climate action plans. The city pledges to be carbon neutral by 2030 through sustainable urban planning, zero-emission public transport, and increased recycling processes. For visitors, the green spaces, zero-waste shops, and community initiatives make Bristol a great destination for eco-conscious travellers. But that, combined with its laid-back yet lively vibe, contemporary galleries, and historic harbour, is what truly makes Bristol an exciting city. 

16. Helsinki, Finland 

Helsinki has long been a leader in low-impact living, and it continues to surge ahead of other modern capital cities. It’s a clean air, clean water, and clean street example of how a city can harness nature, urban planning, technology and community to build an eco-friendly destination that’s just as pleasant to visit as it is to live in. 

We’re especially impressed by their waste management, whereby non-recyclable waste is turned into energy, which powers public transport. And it’s not just about practicality. Over 40% of Helsinki is a green space, and while this provides a home for wildlife and helps to purify the air, it’s also an opportunity for respite. The Central Park, for example, is a popular spot for cycling, hiking, and relaxing. 

15. Colombia’s Coffee Region 

The coffee-growing departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio form a rough triangle on a map, so you might see Colombia’s Coffee Region referred to as the Coffee Triangle, or Triángulo del Café. Whatever name it takes, you can be sure of one thing – there’s going to be excellent coffee. But that’s not the most interesting thing about this region – the vast landscape of undulating hills, towering palm trees, and deep valleys is one of the world’s most exciting ecotourism destinations. Travellers can learn more sustainable farming practices, visit plantations that focus on biodiversity, and understand the historical and cultural significance of the region. Visitors become an active part of the conservation efforts when they support the coffee region sustainably, contributing to the environment and community.

14. Gothenburg, Sweden

Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg, is a frontrunner for the best eco-friendly destination in the world. The city’s commitment to sustainability hits you as soon as you arrive at the airport, one of the world’s ten airports to proudly hang the highest Airport Carbon Certification. And when you hop on the airport transfer, powered by – amazingly – vegetable oil, you’ll slice through nature reserves and forests. 

More green spaces are always popping up, too, with sustainability-focused urban planning. It’s good news for eco-responsible visitors, too. Around 90% of Gothenburg's hotels have environmental certificates. 

While Gothenburg is, in many ways, at the cusp of cutting-edge eco-infrastructure, it’s also a relaxed, cool city, flush with craft beer spots and experimental restaurants. 

13. Tilos, Greece

Floating between Rhodes and Kos, Tilos is often overlooked for the larger and more developed Dodecanese Islands. And that’s exactly how they want it. While tourism is an important part of the economy, the focus is on limited tourism with a background hum of sustainability. Impressively, Tilos is the world’s first zero-waste island, diverting all waste from landfills and efficient recycling through a circular economy model. The island also uses renewable energy. Get to know this Mediterranean island and its unspoilt, protected landscapes and biodiversity via the network of walking paths.

12. Oslo, Norway

Flanked by the mountains and the sea, Norway’s capital has an easy, breezy energy to it. Influenced by its natural surroundings, the city focuses on renewable energy and is on track to achieve net zero by 2030. The city’s actions are all underpinned by sustainability, and they have the policies to prove it. 

You can easily while away a few days pootling Oslo’s modern harbour, stopping by museums, and taking swims on hot days – yes, Oslovians swim in the harbour! But as the EV capital of the world, Norway is a hotspot for eco-conscious road trips. Check out affordable electric cars here. 

11. Vancouver, Canada

With effective eco-friendly policies and by integrating sustainability into its way of life, Vancouver is Canada’s greenest city. And the city is consistently finding new ways to top its own achievements and aims to use 100% renewable energy by 2050. Not only is Vancouver a fantastic, liveable city for its eco-conscious residents, but it’s also one of the world’s best destinations for eco-friendly travel. That could be choosing a sustainability-certified hotel, renting a bike for the day and utilising the cycle lanes, or connecting with Indigenous communities through initiatives like Indigenous Tourism BC.

10. Portland, Oregon, USA

Oregon’s laid-back capital is at the forefront of sustainability for US cities. The city has the highest number of parks per capita in the country, as well as several protected forests. Forest Park is one of Portland’s best green gems, an important air filter and, crucially, a home for native wildlife. Currently, half of Portland’s power comes from renewable sources, and the city aims to use 100% renewable energy in all areas by 2050. The city is committed to low-impact living, and its residents embody it too. Portland has a huge cycling culture – more commuters cycle to work than in any other major US city – and the connected system of trails weaves through parks, neighbourhoods, and the downtown area. And it’s good news for vegetarians – Portland has the country’s highest concentration of veggie restaurants. 

9. Curitiba, Brazil 

Curitiba is a poster city for how public transport could be. Over 60% of commuters use the ultra-modern, rapid bus network daily, reducing the need for cars on the road. The Curitiba bus network is like an above-ground subway system, with dedicated, traffic-free lanes. The city has incorporated more electric buses into its fleet, with the goal of 30% of all buses to be electric by 2030 and 100% by 2050. 

Curitiba’s transit system is its standout sustainability achievement, but the relaxed city also has a large system of e-bikes, around 70% of its waste is recycled, the community gets involved in sustainability initiatives, and there are 28 parks. One of which is Barigui Park, where you’ll find a small hydroelectric power plant that produces clean energy.

Curitiba truly values its citizens, and with fewer tourists than other Brazilian cities, visiting it is an impressive experience. But for an extra-special experience, hop on the Serra Verde Express, which chugs through mountains and rainforests from Curitiba to Morretes. 

8. Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is considered New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’, and eco-responsible travellers get just as much of a kick out of it as thrill seekers. Hugged by a glittering coastline and spread across hills, Wellington is an example of city planning working with the landscape instead of against it. The natural surroundings go hand-in-hand with robust sustainability initiatives. The city is serious about protecting the natural environment, and travellers can enjoy the nature and the adventure here while knowing they are supporting conservation and restoration efforts. Sustainably built buildings, waste reduction programs, low-carbon transport, eco-hotels, and sustainable restaurants contribute to Wellington being a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travellers. 

7. Freiburg, Germany

This postcard-perfect Medieval city, on the edge of the Black Forest, is an eco-friendly powerhouse. Often dubbed as Germany’s green capital, Freiburg has its sights set on achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035 – it’s currently at 40% – and carbon neutrality by 2050. 

The city is well set up for eco-conscious travellers, with eco-hotels, sustainable restaurants, organic markets, green spaces, electric trams, bike-friendly streets – the list goes on. Freiburg’s eco-credentials make it exceedingly liveable, too. The city is a pioneer in green infrastructure, with energy conservation being a top priority, and with pedestrianised streets and 250+ miles of cycling paths, a third of the population doesn’t own a car.

6. Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the world’s last unspoilt wildernesses, but in the face of unsustainable agriculture practices and indigenous people being pushed out by private land owners, it’s at risk. However, paying national park entry fees, respecting the systems, and putting money into the local economy encourages land preservation and species conservation. Travelling to this ultra-remote, breathtakingly stunning region can have a subtle activism edge – simply by visiting, travellers empower local people and contribute to the protection of the unique ecosystem. 

Stick with local guides, choose responsible wildlife observation tours, and stay with gauchos on traditional ranches to enjoy this phenomenal, last-frontier region sustainably.

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here – Ljubljana has put thoughtful planning, funding, and development into being a low-impact city. It was also the first European city to adopt a zero-waste strategy. Less than 5% of waste is sent to landfills, and the rest is either recycled or repurposed for energy sources. 

To best way to see the city is to rent a bike and meander through the 300 kilometres of bike lanes, around lakes and through parks, forests, and charming city streets. Vehicles aren’t permitted in the city centre – just pedestrians and cyclists – and free electric vehicles help those with mobility issues and elderly people get around. Eco-friendly and inclusive? It’s a big ‘tick’ from us.

4. Reykjavík, Iceland 

Powered by natural geothermal and hydropower energy sources, Iceland upholds its nickname of the Land of Fire and Ice. With abundant renewable electricity and heating resources, energy comes naturally (and affordably) to Reykjavík residents. 

Despite the high visitor numbers, Iceland’s landscape is remarkably unspoilt. Most tourists stick to Reykjavík and the surrounding area, while much of the country is untouched. Travellers can embrace sustainable tourism in Iceland by joining a group tour, which reduces the number of hire cars on the roads and offers insights from local guides about the country’s history, culture, geography, and people. And Iceland has endless incredible sustainable travel experiences, like taking guided glacier hikes and observing animals in their natural habitat.

3. Okavango Delta, Botswana

For a world-class wilderness adventure that doesn’t involve jeeps lining up to get a glimpse at a giraffe, choose the Okavango Delta. The 6,177 square mile delta teems with wildlife, including leopards, lions, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Thanks to Botswana’s focus on ecotourism, community initiatives, and limiting tourist numbers, the Okavango Delta is Africa’s best sustainable safari destination. Tourism here is geared towards putting money into the hands of local communities, preserving the environment, and animal conservation. Upon entering Botswana, tourists pay the Tourism Development Levy (TDL) – a tax which directly contributes to wildlife conservation. 

2. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador

Hurting the environment is a concern in a fragile ecosystem like the Galapagos Islands. However, the Galapagos National Park has strict regulations that tourists must adhere to, which helps to protect the biodiversity. That includes visiting with licensed guides, keeping a distance of two metres from wildlife, a stringent leave-no-trace policy, no flash photography, and more. Some areas of the park restrict the number of visitors, too. 

That’s not to say visitors aren’t wanted. The park has a $100 entrance fee, which helps fund conservation efforts and local community development. And with several species being brought back from the brink of extinction, responsible tourism can have a positive effect on the environment. Plus, a firsthand experience of an ecosystem’s delicate balance is hard to ignore.

1. Bhutan

As the world’s first carbon-negative country, Bhutan is a sustainability titan. The tiny Buddhist kingdom is a leader in biodiversity and conservation – its protected forests cover around 70% of the land – and restricted tourism protects those gorgeous Himalayan views. They come at a price, though – Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development fee of $100 per day. While this might price out many travellers, it’s certainly effective in avoiding overtourism. And you know that the money supports development, too – the fee is put towards improving wages, infrastructure, working conditions, and environmental protection. As the pioneer of the ‘high value, low impact’ tourism model, Bhutan’s approach to sustainable tourism is exemplary.