Most of us love to travel to holiday destinations with beautiful beaches and clear blue water so we can lie back and relax while soaking up some much-needed vitamin D after a long winter. What’s less fun, however, is the pollution, general chaos, and unpleasant atmosphere that can come along with certain beach-focused holiday spots around the world. Many of these beaches are also dominated by resorts that give little thought to the environment, as well as the impact that their visitors may be having on the precious ecosystem surrounding them.
To solve this problem, we’ve tracked down some stunning holiday destinations for you to visit this summer that combine eco-conscious policies with their natural beauty. These getaway gems are peaceful, diverse, and just right for the holidaymaker that values sustainability as well as a good time.
Sancho Bay, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
If you’re up for travelling further afield this summer for a culturally rich adventure and some delicious local delicacies, the picturesque island of Fernando de Noronha is far from the busier urban areas of Brazil. It’s also protected by policies that make it an official marine ecological reserve, so pollution is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allows to use the beach at one time. The gleaming white sand and sparkling blue water are well worth the long-distance flight to see, and its unspoiled natural beauty is truly one-of-a-kind.
Aguas de Ibiza, Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is a ubiquitous holiday destination for travellers across Europe, but many of its resorts are more focused on creating a party atmosphere than protecting the planet. The eco-friendly Aguas de Ibiza is a unique hotel that’s both luxurious and sustainable. It’s well known for its strong recycling policies, clean energy systems and solar-powered lighting, as well as its beautiful interiors and double Michelin starred chef. You can take a cooling swim in one of its huge pools or head down to the beach for some sunbathing by the sea.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Australia is known around the world for its incredible beaches and breathtaking scenery so it’s a wonderful place to visit if you want a big holiday packed with plenty of nature, but not all of its popular beach destinations are the most eco-conscious. Whitehaven Beach is a wonderful exception. Its sheer cleanliness has won it multiple awards, and its protection by the country’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority means that it’s kept free from pollution. The limited access rules (you have to register before arriving) means that it’s also rarely overcrowded.
Yediburunlar Lighthouse, Turkey
Located at the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea on Turkey’s aptly named Turquoise Coast, this lovely, unique inn is both rustic and eco-conscious. We’re sorry to report that it’s not, in fact, a lighthouse, but it does have some genuinely breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and an authentic atmosphere that you wouldn’t find at a large, busy resort. The hotel uses solar panels to heat all of the water on the premises and has a strong recycling policy, as well as exciting excursions for all of its guests so you can explore the fascinating local area. That includes cruises on traditional sailboats to get up close and personal with Turkey’s beautiful coastline, and hikes that will take through the mountains to find the best possible views of the region.
