The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as follows: "Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people and involves interpretation and education."
So when we talk about ecotourism, nature is the main role. We travel responsibly, spend the night in small-scale tourism in the green, protect nature with all our might and spare the environment. We also support the local population. To make an economic contribution, we can, for example, go shopping at the local grocer and go out for dinner in the local restaurants. For those who stay at home, we stroll through a local market where handmade products are sold instead of choosing “china souvenirs” offered in the large department stores.

A wonderful example of an eco-tourism labeled accommodation in Sardinia is Bio Village Sardinna Antiga in Santa Lucia di Siniscola. It is the first bio-eco village in Sardinia. Completely immersed in nature, this accommodation will surprise you with the beauty of the landscape and the extremely original guest rooms located in old nuragic huts. Naturally, only natural and pure materials were used during construction. For example, there is no modern sewage system, but a filter system. Every day water from the mountains is provided in old carafes and various organic products for the care of your skin. We are currently working hard on the realization of a natural swimming pool and a restaurant where only organic products are part of the menu.

In the north of the island we find Green Park Country Lodge. The name reflects its location 100%. Here you stay in the middle of nature in modern wooden houses with a phenomenal view over the green valley. Green Park uses natural energy generation and uses, for example, induction cookers instead of gas, with water coming from natural sources. In this way one contributes to a “Low Environmental Impact”. From the accommodation you can walk straight into the forest where hiking trails along oak and juniper berries lead to the private wine and olive grove. Many shady corners form a nice place to rest under a tree while enjoying total peace and quiet in the middle of nature. On request you can also participate in an unforgettable boat excursion that owner Pietro provides with his own sailing boat. Mountain bikes are also available for rent.

In 2004 the concept of sustainable tourism was defined by the UNWTO or United Tourism Organization. This form of tourism seems a bit more extensive, but at the same time it has a few things in common with ecotourism. Sustainable travelers also have respect for nature and the environment, the culture and are locally involved. In this case, however, it concerns not only small-scale but also mass tourism. The accommodations can be located in the middle of nature but also right by the sea. The guidelines for sustainable tourism are the three Ps that should be harmoniously combined: People, Planet and Profit. People, which indicates that tourism must respect the socio-cultural individuality, their culture and traditional values. Planet (planet/environment) specifies that tourism may make use of the country's natural resources, but ecological processes must be maintained. Profit (yield) which creates an economic relationship.

Domu S'Antiga is located in the middle of a village in the interior of the island and is located in a traditional house from 1800. Owner Samuel has completely renovated the house, keeping the authentic shapes. Extra attention has been paid to the bio-structure using stone, lime, cork and reed. These elements together contribute to a pleasant temperature in the home, both in winter and in summer and with a significantly lower electricity consumption.

Three authentic 17th century country houses in the center of Cabras together form Acqua e Sinis, on the west coast of the island. This hotel has also been completely renovated by the owner and architect Mele using natural materials. The solar panels provide hot water and the garden is decorated with special plant species suitable for dry soil. In addition to natural rainwater, extra watering is therefore not necessary.

Who does not know names such as slow food and slow tourism? For a few years now a popular way of holidaying where "living under and as a local" is the main theme. An important aspect is and remains quality. A wonderful example of this are various authentic agritourisms. Spend the night in the yard of a local farmer where organic products (slow food) from their own land are consumed. In this case too, sustainability and respect for the environment again have an important value. Often there is the possibility to take a look behind the scenes or to help with the picking of grapes and olives. In short, with slow tourism we have the opportunity to experience the life of the country intensely!

On the farm Genna e Corte you can get acquainted with the typical authentic Sardinian dishes, prepared with use of organic products from our own environment. Since we are located in an agriturismo, Genna'e Corte's meat (pork and beef) comes exclusively from our own breeding. Always a surprise by serving a fixed and varied menu through which you get to know the delicious flavors of the typical Sardinian dishes.

Also in Agriturismo Guthiddai you can fully enjoy the delicious products that the land produces and the way they are processed into tasteful dishes. The farm is located at the foot of the Supramonte mountain area, the area that characterizes the interior of Sardinia. The family farm has been active in livestock and arable farming since the 1950s. Vineyards and olive groves are located directly behind the property.

Fancy a "Go green Sardinia" holiday? Ask Sardinia4all about the possibilities!

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