🌱Southern Italy Eco-tourism Guide 🌱

Discover Southern Italy in a sustainable way, respecting the environment and valuing local communities

Index

What is ecotourism?
Golden rules for sustainable travel
Best ecotourism destinations in southern Italy
Recommended eco-friendly facilities
Unique experiences of sustainable tourism
Organic and zero-mile gastronomy
How to get around in a green way
Eco-friendly events and initiatives

What is ecotourism? 🌱

Eco-friendly tourism is a way of traveling that respects the environment, supports local economies, and promotes environmental awareness. It means choosing eco-friendly accommodations, using means of low-impact transportation and participating in activities that enhance nature without harming it.

Golden rules for sustainable travel

Reduce plastic use: bring reusable water bottles and cloth bags.
Choose eco-friendly facilities: agritourism, organic B&Bs, eco lodges.
Respect nature: don't leave trash, avoid picking plants or disturbing animals.
Support the local economy: buy handicrafts and local food.
Use sustainable means of transportation: prefer trains, bicycles and walking.

Best ecotourism destinations in southern Italy

🌋 Campania: Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano

Why visit: UNESCO World Heritage Site, unspoiled nature, authentic villages.
Recommended experiences: Trekking to Mount Cervati, visits to the Pertosa Caves, snorkeling in the Punta Licosa Marine Protected Area.

🏝 Puglia: Salento e Foresta Umbra (Gargano)

Why visit: Crystal clear sea, centuries-old olive groves, extraordinary biodiversity.
Recommended experiences: Bike tours among the trulli of the Itria Valley, hiking in the Umbra Forest, stays in eco-sustainable masserias.

🌊 Calabria: Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte e della Sila

Why visit: Imposing mountains, clear sea, authentic villages.
Recommended experiences: Hiking in Sila's beech forests, canyoning in the Raganello Gorges, eco-camping on Ionian beaches.

⛰ Sicilia: Parco dell’Etna e Riserva dello Zingaro

Why visit: Active volcanoes, marine reserves, unique biodiversity.
Recommended experiences: Trekking on Mount Etna with nature guides, snorkeling in the Zingaro Reserve, eco-resort stays in the Madonie Mountains.

🏜 Basilicata: Parco Nazionale del Pollino e Matera

Why visit: Wild landscapes, historic villages, natural caves.
Recommended experiences: Walks among the loricate pines, rafting on the Lao River, overnight stays in sustainable agritourisms in Matera.

🏡Recommended eco-friendly facilities

🌿 Eco-lodges and Green Farmhouses

La Locanda del Mare(Salento) → Eco-bungalows immersed in the Mediterranean maquis.

Agriturismo Biologico Il Querceto (Parco del Cilento) → Bio-farm with 0-km products and organized trekking.

Ecolodge La Sila (Calabria) → Chalets made of certified low-impact wood.

Baglio Occhipinti (Sicilia) → Masseria with natural pool and organic cuisine.

🚴 Unique experiences of sustainable tourism

Bike tours of the Amalfi Coast and the Valley of the Temples in Sicily

Eco-friendly snorkeling and diving in marine protected areas

Excursions with local guides to discover wildlife

Organic farming workshops and tastings in organic farms

Historic walks such as the Via della Transumanza or the Cammino Materano

🍽 Organic and zero-mile gastronomy

Campania →Mozzarella di bufala DOP, organic pomodorini del piennolo..

Puglia →Organic extra virgin olive oil, fava beans and chicory..

Sicilia → Bronte pistachios, natural wine from Etna.

Basilicata → Matera bread, Sarconi beans.

🚆How to get around in a green way

🚌 Public transport: Regional trains and green buses to reduce emissions.

🚲 Electric bikes and scooters: Many cities offer sustainable rental services.

🚗Electric car sharing: Several locations offer car sharing with electric vehicles.

🚶Walking and hiking: The most sustainable way to travel!

📅 Eco-friendly events and initiatives

🌱 Festival of Responsible Tourism (IT.A.CÀ) - Editions in Matera and Naples

🌱 European Sustainable Mobility Week (with events throughout Italy)

🌱 Eco-Trail del Cilento (nature running race with low environmental impact)

🌱 Mediterranean Bio Fair (Palermo) → Organic products and sustainability

🌿 Conclusion: Travel consciously in Southern Italy!

Southern Italy is an ideal destination for eco-tourism, with breathtaking landscapes, genuine products and an authentic welcome. With hotelsuditalia.com, you can find green facilities and itineraries for sustainable travel. Discover the pleasure of traveling while respecting the environment and valuing local communities!