Green living is becoming more important by the day, and sustainability in travel is no exception. In 2019, Green Destinations, a network of sustainable destinations chose Portugal as the winner of the Best of Europe Award at the Berlin Tourism fair. The little country has several protected areas which are nature preserves in the interior, and in recent years, the government has declared some of the coastal areas as protected land, saving them from further overdevelopment.

Build the perfect itinerary for a sustainable vacation in Portugal with this list of six eco-friendly destinations.

Lagos

Located in the Algarve region, Logos is loved for its walled old town, craggy cliffs, and pristine beaches. The beaches range from tiny coves set among ochre-colored cliffs and stretches of long sandy bays. It’s a lively coastal town featuring all the things travelers love about Portugal. The rocks at Orta de Piedade create stunning views of the headlands and a lighthouse, an 18th-century church, and a castle with a baroque facade. The local culture and heritage are preserved in these monuments.

Lagos’ sustainability practices have won several awards including the prestigious Blue Flag status. Over 60 percent of the town and all of its beaches are natural conservation areas. Several hotels in the area are also committed to sustainability to reduce the impact of tourism.

Torres Vedras

Located about an hour north of Lisbon, Torres Vedras is the site of a well-preserved and rebuilt 13th-century castle sitting atop a hill overlooking the town. The royal residence was all but reduced to rubble during the great earthquake of 1755.

Today, sustainability is promoted among the town’s citizens by an Environmental Education Center with the goal of reducing water consumption and repurposing treated wastewater and water used by the city.

Torres Vedras has 20 km of scenic coastline where biodiversity is protected. Urban mobility is an important part of the town’s sustainability efforts and bike riding as a means of transportation is highly promoted.

Cascais

A premier holiday destination, Cascais is situated along the Lisbon coastline. This charming, traditional fishing village has responsibly developed its tourism into a popular haven for visitors. It features some fascinating museums, restaurants, and lively bars and is the ultimate day trip from the capital city.

By 2020, Cascais had reduced its CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent. Sustainable mobility is promoted by placing bicycles in various locations for free use. The town focuses on environmental education by promoting guided tours of nature, local culture, and historical heritage in Pisão Natural Park.

Águeda

Located about a three-hour drive north of Lisbon, Águeda is a quiet countryside settlement most of the time but comes alive every July with the creative and colorful AgitÁgueda festival. Patera de Fermentelos, the largest freshwater lake in Portugal, is moments away from the town.

Águeda promotes sustainable tourism with projects to enhance spaces through culture and history. The city combines innovation and technology to offer mobile applications to help visitors explore the area. Other sustainable projects the city is undertaking are implementing a network of bike lanes, and the reduction of water consumption with the National Program for the Efficient Use of Water (PNUEA ).

Alto Minho

Located in North Portugal between the Minho River and Lima River, Alto Minho’s efforts to reduce energy conservation have earned it a reputation as a sustainable destination. It’s also the only subdivision in the country certified by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.

Alto Minho has created ecological trails and walking routes with itineraries that emphasize the discovery of culture and nature. The area is in a beautiful part of Portugal and is home to the county’s only national park. Spread over several mountain ranges, it features hiking trails along an old shepherd’s trail.

West Region

The West Region of Portugal has 12 townships that promote quality of life and development. Under the European Union, the beaches have earned an excellent status. People with reduced mobility are accommodated with 16 beaches that are accessible to them.

A large part of the Region is a protected area, and 87 percent of it can’t be built on. Additionally, over 31 million euros have contributed to the fight against climate change, and to reducing annual emissions of CO2.

Environmentally, the West Region has the largest underwater reef in Europe. Culturally, it features restored museums and historic buildings. The Monastery of Alcobaça is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.