Catalonia's Pyrenees: Europe's Sustainable Travel Secret

The Pyrenees of Catalonia are emerging as a European leader in responsible tourism, with the El Cinquè Llac route serving as a prime example. This 100km, five-day circular hike traverses diverse landscapes, promoting a low-impact travel ethos. Visitors are encouraged to utilize public transport, such as the Tren dels Llacs heritage railway, to reach the starting point in La Pobla de Segur, minimizing their environmental footprint.

Sustainability extends to the culinary experience, with an emphasis on locally sourced mountain cuisine, including traditional dishes, regional mushrooms, and local wines. Accommodation is provided by a network of six rural guesthouses. These establishments, run by passionate locals, not only offer charming stays in medieval villages but also reinvest booking income into maintaining historic trails and leading conservation initiatives like dry-stone wall restoration.