Since 2016, visitors to the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera have been paying a Sustainable Tourism Tax, contributing towards ongoing vital projects which aim to protect the environment, preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the islands, and promote sustainable tourism. In 2023, a total of €133,342,900 was collected.

The tourism board stated that the next standout projects to be started will be:

A new railway link between Manacor and Artà, Mallorca

• This construction project will provide long-awaited modern rail infrastructure in eastern Mallorca, offering an alternative form of travel along the popular route between Manacor and Artà.

New walking and cycling routes in Ibiza and Mallorca

• Combining the restoration of Balearic heritage with the promotion of sustainable forms of transportation, this project seeks to transform old train tracks into new ‘greenway paths’ for cyclists and walkers.

A new pedestrianised path between Santa Maria and Inca, Mallorca

• A 2.7km pedestrianised stretch of road will be created along the MA-13A road from Santa Maria to Inca, passing through Consell and Binissalem, with improvements also being made to the road itself.

Learn more here

1. Galicia’s Atlantic Forest

The Fragas do Eume Natural Park is among the best-preserved ancient Atlantic forests in Europe. Fewer than 500 people live within its 9,000 hectares of untouched forest, making Galicia’s shaded greenery the perfect escape for those looking to experience nature without the crowds.

The lush park is home to 200 species of fern, 20 species of lichens, and 103 bird species, all of which are best viewed from any of the eight signposted hiking trails winding across the landscape. Alternative experiences can also be enjoyed by kayaking along the River Frei Bermuz to its confluence with the Eume, or from visiting the monastery of Caaveiro, the ancient place of worship hiding over 1000 years of history within the dense shrubbery.

2. La Rioja's Dinosaur Trail

La Rioja is famous for excellent wine, with over 500 wineries offering internationally renowned wine tasting. Lesser known is the 1,400 dinosaur ichnites (fossil footprints) spread across the region. In the south of La Rioja lie some of the best-preserved ichnite sites in Europe, dating back millions of years to the Cretaceous period.

The “Dinosaur Route”, a clearly signposted trailing following the upper Cidacos Valley from the village of Enciso, takes hikers to three of the most important paleontological sites in Western Europe. The short trail is just 7km yet covers hundreds of fantastically preserved footprints and passes several visitor centres with information and life-size reproductions of the extinct raptors, making the Cidacos Valley perfect for adults and children alike.

3. Aragon’s Nature Monastery 

A true hidden gem, the Monastery of Piedra lies within the unassuming province of Nuévalos, Aragon, and is a beautiful 12th century monastery founded by Cistercian monks. Unlike most religious cultural heritage sites in Europe, its unique allure is not man-made. Instead, it’s charm comes from the waterfalls, caves, and plunge pools which surround it, creating an almost mystical space where art and nature co-exist.

The Piedra River circles the monastery within the natural park, with the sound of water springs heard echoing across the grounds. The most famous waterfall is known as the Horse Tail, which hides a large natural cave with stalactites formations behind its cascading water.

4. Navarra’s Adventure Gorge

Lumbier Gorge, declared part of a Natural Reserve in 1987, is in the foothills of eastern Navarre’s Pyrenees. The stunning, ragged landscape, carved out by the Irati and Salazar rivers over millennia, is just 40km form Pamplona. Despite appearances, the gorge is easily accessible by foot or bike and various activities are possible below and above the 150-metre canyon.

Several hiking routes are possible across the gorge, including the short Irati Rail Trail which ends with Puente del Diablo (Devil’s Bridge), a ruined bridge destroyed in the Spanish War of Independence. Along the way, hikers will see a range of birds, including golden eagles, griffon vultures and alpine swifts. Visitors can also raft or swim in the clear Pyrenees waters of the gorge below to cool off after the trek!

5. Asturias' Silent Beach

Asturias is famous for beautiful rolling hills, the Picos de Europa mountain range, and of course world renowned cheese. Lesser known is the 145km of Atlantic coastline known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast) with hundreds of pristine golden beaches and hidden coves. One such beach, appropriately named Playa del Silencio (Silent Beach) is a 500 metre long stretch of beach without a building in sight.

The  clear waters are without a crowd in site, and form part of the Western Coastline Protected Landscape. The coast is perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers to marvel at unspoilt marine wildlife. Despite it's tranquillity, the beach is easily accessible at just a 15km drive from the popular Cudillero village. The coastal fishing village of Cudillero is consistently rated among the most beautiful villages in Spain,  making it the perfect accompaniment to an escape to the Playa del Silencio. 

Vías Verdes are old disused railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists. They provide an environmentally friendly way of travelling through Spain to discover its culture and landscapes, connecting cities to the local countryside. There are over 117 routes with over 2,900 kilometres of Vía Verde all over Spain and, in 2022, five new routes were opened in Ciudad Real, Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country, La Coruña, Murcia and Tarragona. 

The expansion of these Greenway networks aims to provide a way to discover Spain's region at a slower pace whilst keeping active on foot or by bike. Thanks to their accessibility, easiness and safety, with almost no slopes and far from motor traffic, they are especially attractive for any person who wants to discover the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the towns and territories they cross. There is an accessible guide available that provides detailed information and maps that show which routes are suitable for those with reduced mobility.  

A new Vía Verde, La Costera Sur Greenway, has opened in the region of Murcia.  La Costera Sur Greenway, that has been disused since 2008, is 8.5km long and follows the abandoned section of the old Madrid-Cartagena line. The route begins at the outskirts of the city, near Huerta de San Benito and passes through the districts of Los Garres, San José de la Vega, Beniaján, Torreagüera and Los Ramos, travelling between the Dolores and Alquerías neighbourhoods, east of the City of Murcia.  Along the route, travellers will wind their way through fields of orchards and olive groves, enjoying mountain views, and also have the opportunity to discover the culture and gastronomy of the urban areas. 

The Trenillo de la Calzá Greenway, in Castilla La Mancha, has been renovated and opened by the Argamasilla de Calatrava Town Hall. Its path winds through holm oaks, fields of almond and olive trees along  the narrow-gauge railway that once linked Valdepeñas with Puertollano. The upper part of the trail passes settlements from the bronze age and the Sala de los Moros (Iberian burial mound) and the lower navigates Roman settlements and past the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope chapel.

The Añorga-Errekalde-Lasarte Greenway, located in the Basque Country, was renovated by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa. The Urgull and Igeldo mountains are the backdrop of the trail and it follows the Oria river valley to La Concha, Ondarreta and Zurriola beaches. It allows visitors easy access to the old town of Donostia-San Sebastián, San Salvador church, the comb of the Wind sculptures, San Telmo museum and Tabakalera (the International Centre for Contemporary Culture) among many other points of interest. 

More than 26 km of the old Santiago-A Coruña railway line has been recovered to form the Compostela-Tambre-Lengüelle Greenway. It is a fantastic route to explore by bike or on foot in A Coruña. The Oroso - Cerceda section of this Greenway has been renovated by the Oroso, Ordes, Tordoia and Cerceda city councils as well as the A Coruña Provincial Council. The trail passes by many cultural points of interest such as the churches of San Miguel de Gándara in Oroso and Roman site of the castro de Casanova. 

Finally, the Delta de l´Ebre Greenway, located in Tarragona, Cataluña was opened by the City Council of l´Aldea. It visits sites such as the Coetera de Ravanals, a site of Cultural Interest, the Hermitage Tower, Candela Tower, Burjassénia Tower and Vinaixarop Tower.

For more information visit here and accessible routes here. 

Sierra Espuña Nature Park and its surrounding area have launched six new sustainable tourism experiences. These have been designed with visitors of all different ages and physical conditions in mind, offering distinctive ways in which to enjoy the fresh air and direct contact with nature. 

The six ecotourism experiences will allow visitors to uncover the historic forest full of traditions, culture, and flavours. Itineraries with the following themes have been created: Adventure; Among Birds; On Wheels; Panoramic Moment; Flavour Route; and Paths. These provide something for everyone, whether it is taking in the breathtaking views of the park while paragliding or sampling local organic produce.

  www.murciaturistica.es

The ‘Accessible French Way of the Camino de Santiago’ will feature geolocation technology which will allow pilgrims with disabilities, especially blind people, to guide themselves along the entire Camino and locate different hostels to stay. The initiative will also evaluate the accessibility of accommodation options along the route. The project has been launched now as Spain is celebrating Xacobeo 2021, the Compostela Holy Year when pilgrims are most inclined to make the pilgrimage, and has received recognition from the Xacobean Council as part of the official programme. The ground-breaking project will make the Camino de Santiago accessible and provide equal opportunity for those with disabilities that wish to tick off a true bucket-list item.

The Director of Tourism of the Government of Navarra explained that "the Camino de Santiago is a fundamental element of Navarra's heritage, and also a priceless tourist resource that offers many different route options for people making the journey. However, the most important thing is not just completing the Camino de Santaigo walk, but also the experience along the way.  So it should be universally accesible so that everyone can partake in the experience given its suitable routes, accommodation and services. The walker has to be able to travel, take in their surroundings and discover the Camino de Santiago without limitations. It is also a fantastic trip to reactivate tourism in a safe, sustainable, inclusive and innovative manner."