Tourist leaning on their car, resting from their journey by road

Trips to sustainable destinations in the north of Spain which you can reach by road

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Do you feel like a getaway to Spain but don't want to go by plane? Would you like to visit places that are especially committed to caring for the environment and conserving culture? We recommend some areas in northern Spain that can be reached by road and once there immerse yourself fully in nature. All of them have been included among some of the best sustainable destinations in the world according to the international association Green Destinations.

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Flamingos on the Ebro Delta, Catalonia

Terres de L'Ebre (Catalonia)

Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, this territory, located at the estuary of the river Ebro (the longest river in Spain) is one of the most beautiful areas of Tarragona. There aren't many places in the world where you can find two natural parks with two different ecosystems just over 30 kilometres from each other: The Ebro Delta Natural Park and the enormous mountain range of the Els Ports Natural Park, perfect for bird watching.The coast extends for more of 140 kilometres and you can walk along Marquesa Beach until you reach the Fangar lighthouse and see a sunset in the dunes of the Ebro Delta. This place is extra special because of the many other plans you can make to disconnect. For example: sailing down the river on board a traditional boat called a llagut, exploring cities like Tortosa or beautiful villages like Miravet and its castle with Templar remains or discovering the cave paintings in Ulldecona.If what you're looking for is gastronomy to enjoy, try and visit the wineries, where you can taste Terra Alta designation of origin wines, the Wine Cathedral in El Pinell de Brai or one of the Michelin-star restaurants in the area, like L'Antic Molí de Ulldecona and Hotel Villa Retiro de Xerta.
Pedraforca mountain in Saldes, Berguedà, Catalonia

El Berguedà (Catalonia)

You'll find this area in the foothills of the Catalan Pyrenees, only one hour by car from the city of Barcelona. What's special about it? It's part of the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, with peaks of up to 2,600 metres where you can watch roe deer, bearded vultures or eagles. El Berguedà has developed a network of 2,000 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. In addition, there are several long-distance routes that cross the area, such as the Camí dels Bons Homes (which follows the route used by the Cathars in the Middle Ages to escape from the south of France) or Cavalls del Vent (a circular route that connects eight mountain mountain huts).Other original ideas for a good holiday are to visit the Astronomical Centre of Pedraforca (the skies of El Berguedà – between the mountains and far from big cities – are particularly clear for stargazing) or discover the region's incredible cultural and historical legacy. It has fascinating museums dedicated to its mining past, textile factories and the migration to the colonies. It also hosts festivities which have been celebrated for centuries, such as Fia-Faia or La Patum in the city of Berga, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.Of course, you also have to try local products like cheese and jam.
Tourist taking a photo in the Nuria valley in the Pyrenees, Lérida, Catalonia

Pallars Jussà (Catalonia)

Set in the middle of the Catalan Pyrenees, this area of Lleida features agricultural plains, extensive forests, high mountains, lakes and reservoirs. Its investment in sustainable tourism is reflected in the large number of initiatives you can enjoy. One of the most special of these is its Lakes Train, a journey in a historical or panoramic train that crosses the lands of Lleida until it reaches the iconic lakes in the Pre-Pyrenees. You can also do the El Cinquè Llac guided route on foot. It is a seven-day circular route starting in La Pobla de Segur where you see wonderful landscapes, enjoy the peace of the rural environment and taste the delicious local gastronomy.But there is much more: you can visit the Orígens Geopark (where numerous dinosaur fossils have been found), the Montsec Astronomical Park; or take the Vall Fosca cable car at more than 2,000 metres above sea level to start a route in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. If you visit in summer, don't miss the summer solstice fire festivities, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Tourist walking towards Montgrí castle, Girona, Catalonia

Torroella de Montgrí-l'Estartit (Catalonia)

You'll find this destination in the Baix Empordà area of the Costa Brava (Girona). If you travel this far, you should get to know the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, which can be visited sustainably via different hiking and cycling routes. There are also longer routes such as the Pirinexus Greenway, which reaches as far as the Pyrenees, or the 200 kilometre route following the course of the river Ter.If you like diving, you're going to love plunging into the waters around the Medas Islands, as they have one of the largest marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean.The area's cultural heritage and programme are also not to be missed. Be sure to include a visit to the famous Montgrí Castle in your plans, a walk around its art galleries or a concert during one of its festivals, such as the Torroella or the Jazz L'Estartit.
Trengandín Beach in Noja, Cantabria

Noja (Cantabria)

You will find this municipality on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, between the cities of Santander and Bilbao. Its commitment to the environment is evident in its Noja Natural ecotourism fair. Did you know that 75% of its area is within the Santoña, Noja and Joyel Marshes Nature Reserve? You will love walking and taking a swim along its two spectacular and well-kept beaches of fine golden sand -Ris and Trengandín- which total more than six kilometres.In addition, its wetlands make Noja a place of passage for thousands of birds that you will be fascinated to observe. For this activity, we recommend you get to know the El Molino de las Aves environmental education centre.You can also go surfing, explore its manors and palaces or take a guided tour through its marshlands, countryside and sand dunes.