Travel Green List 2024: Europe’s top sustainable sleeps
Make a difference on your travels by choosing to stay in one of Europe’s leading eco-friendly hotels, as selected by our Travel Green List 2024 expert judges…
Sasso Erminia, Italy
A three-room bed and breakfast in the hills of Emilia Romagna, Sasso Erminia is a 45-minute drive – or 2-hour bike ride – from the beach town of Rimini. The building was built with wood and straw as a uniquely sustainable passive house, which stays warm in the winter and cool in summer without energy use.
More information: sassoerminia.it
AliKats, France
All chalets in this collection in Morzine are powered by 100% renewable electricity, and 90% are heated by air-source heat pumps. The property has achieved two consecutive years of zero food waste. Guests who arrive by train, opt out of the hot tub and eat a plant-based menu save up to 20% on accommodation.
More information: alikats.eu
Equality and Community at Mitsis Group, Greece
The Mitsis Group operates 21 hotels in five destinations across Greece and is making meaningful contributions to both the local economy and equality. With 5,000 employees, the group aims for – and has achieved – 40% female management, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. Mitsis donates 5% of annual net profit to philanthropy and local crisis relief.
More information: mitsis.com
Paradores, Spain
This collection of often historic properties plays a key role in revitalising small communities and creating economic opportunity through sustainable tourism. It’s eliminated single-use plastics across all 98 sites.
More information: paradores.es
Read next: What a slow trip to northern Spain really looks likes
Iberostar Selection Albufera Resort, Spain
Unlike with most hotel renovations, the beachfront resort in Mallorca chose to repair more than 1,000 pieces of furniture and donate them to charitable causes, instead of selling them. The resort now features an AI system that kitchen employees use to analyze and reduce food waste – which they estimate will save 30,000 meals from going to waste just at this property in 2024. The property is powered by 100% renewable energy, and are actively working toward their goal to fully decarbonise by 2030.
More information: iberostar.com
Costa Navarino, Greece
This complex of deluxe hotels, restaurants, spa centres and golf courses in Messinia, south-west Peloponnese, slashed carbon emissions by an inspiring 80% between 2019 and 2022, and has eliminated 57% of single-use plastics. By 2025, water consumption is expected to be cut by 15%. And more than 7,000 olive trees have been transplanted – Europe’s largest such programme.
More information: costanavarino.com
Read next: Costa Navarino, a secret sustainable escape in Greece
Pierre & Vacances, France and international
This French vacation rental company with more than 186 properties has implemented a wide range of actions to reduce their carbon footprint. Upgrades include renovating 28,000 square meters of buildings for thermal insulation, expanding bicycle hire options, adding electric vehicle charging and composting facilities. For example: Between 2022 and 2023, they saved three tonnes of plastic and 15 tonnes of CO2 equivalent just by changing one small thing – offering guests a 2-in-1 soap and shampoo bar, instead of mini toiletries in plastic bottles.
More information: pierreetvacances.com
