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Ecotourism In Italy: Our Top 10 Ethical Travel Tips

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September 12, 2023

It’s no secret that at Walks, we’re passionate about promoting sustainable travel and ecotourism in Italy. Our tours support the hallmarks of responsible travel, like getting off the beaten path , promoting local businesses, walking whenever possible , and increasing cultural awareness.

But taking a tour with us is not the only way to ‘go green’ and support local! If you love Italy and want to make your trip as beneficial for the country as possible, here are some tips to use in your sustainable travel plan .

A fruit vendors sells their bounty of citrus along the Amalfi Coast.

Table of Contents

How to be an eco-friendly tourist in Italy

Avoid fast food.

Choose to eat local, organic produce instead. If you’re not too confident about the food in a new city, opt to take a food tour with a local guide who can show you some of the best spots to try during your stay. Even more importantly, your guide can help point out which tourist traps to avoid!

Try the best of the best when you join a food tour with a local insider!

Don’t print your travel documents

Where possible – for flights, tours and hotel stays – avoid unnecessary use of paper by keeping your documents downloaded to your phone.

Carry reusable water bottles at all times

Avoid purchasing plastic water bottles when traveling. Fill up at drinking fountains or ask a member of staff to top you up before you leave a cafe, restaurant, or hotel. Where unavoidable, choose glass bottles or opt for larger plastic bottles instead of smaller individual ones.

Places like Pompeii offer little shade, so make sure you plan ahead. And using a reusable water bottle is one of the best ways to promote ecotourism in Italy.

Reuse your hotel towels

This one is pretty straight forward and requested by most hotels over the world; help to reduce water waste by reusing your towels.

Seek out lesser-known areas

As well as visiting the highlights of a city, try to seek out some of the lesser-known neighbourhoods to spend an evening somewhere different – or get out of the city for a few hours completely (e.g. take a trip outside Rome for an alternative look into the lives of the Popes , or visit an authentic working farm outside of Florence on a day trip to Tuscany).

Visiting Florence? Get out and explore the Tuscan countryside, too!

Separate trash in your hotel room

 While most hotels around the world ask you to consider reusing your towels, many don’t offer guidelines on waste disposal. Nevertheless, make it easier for staff to recycle by separating your general waste from your paper and plastics. And always set glass to the side.

Say no to takeaway coffee

One thing many tourists will notice about Italy is that locals don’t zoom around in the morning clutching a paper coffee cup. However, recent visitors may have noted that takeaway coffee is slowly springing up as an option in some cafes. Enjoy your coffee at the bar – it’s more of an authentic experience, anyway!

Enjoy a quick coffee like a local – at the counter!

Travel slow

Take your time getting to know a city and spread out your time there. Visit the most popular areas just once if possible, following rules the city has set out. For example, think twice about buying lots of little plastic souvenirs and DON’T attach love locks to bridges.

If you’ve seen Firenze’s Duomo up close, venture off the beaten path by visiting Piazzale Michelangelo or picnicing at one of the many parks in Florence .

Use public transportation

We’re huge fans of public transportation, such as using buses and trains to get around Italy . But remember, when possible, getting around on foot is best!

Think ethically at attractions

Major attractions often feel the brunt of over-tourism, however nobody should feel bad about wanting to visit the smallest country in the world , or for dreaming of walking through the Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor . There are ways however of treading lightly; Don’t litter (of course), get to know, and respect, the history of the attraction by taking a tour with a local, professional guide or opt to see the attraction out of hours (such as being alone in St. Mark’s Basilica after-hours ).

The Doge’s Palace courtyard leads to one of the most amazing museums in all of Venice – and it’s even more impressive after dark!

Update notice: This article was updated on September 12, 2023. 

by Karen Birney

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Sustainable Travel for Vacations in Italy

When you think of traveling to Europe, Italy is one of the top destinations that people think of. With the country’s history, culture, and delicious food, visitors head to Rome, Florence, and Venice throughout the year. However, before the recent pandemic, certain areas of Italy have had many issues with over-tourism. This has led to more ecotourism initiatives within the country, which work to preserve areas such as Cinque Terre and Venice that were previously subjected to these huge crowds.

For example, in Venice, there are now limits on the number of cruise ships each day and the size of these vessels. Ecotourism caters to tourists who wish to enjoy Italy’s beautiful scenery without disturbing the area they are traveling to. This form of sustainable travel looks after the local people and environment and is becoming more popular with those researching vacations in Italy.

About Ecotourism in Italy

Italy attracts visitors from around the world throughout the year, but some of the smaller areas in the country struggle to cope with the hordes of visitors that travel here. The local governments in many areas of the country have started initiatives to preserve the areas of concern.

For example, in 2009, the Alto Adige province began vacations in Italy which are completely eco-friendly. In the popular Siusi Alps in this province, they limited traffic during the day, and hotels are all eco-sustainable in the area, offering local food and wine. An area that is particularly impacted by over-tourism is Cinque Terre, a collection of five small villages. The government has added many initiatives and regulations here throughout the year to protect the land, including banning hiking in flip-flops and closing certain trails between the villages.

Italy Ecotourism Initiatives

Throughout the country, there are many great sustainable travel options for visitors. One example we particularly like is the alberghi diffusi , which translates to scattered hotels. These are facilities for travelers that avoid new building projects and instead offer accommodation within renovated buildings in historic villages in Italy.

The Italian Association for Responsible Tourism has created a map that offers suggestions for vacations in Italy. Whether you are looking for suitable accommodation or things to do on your trip, they’ll suggest sustainable travel alternatives around the country.

Unique Ecotours in Italy

Sustainable travel projects in Italy primarily encourage visitors to head to quieter regions of the country, such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Emilia Romagna. Back in 2009, Sicily began an inter-regional project that offers many initiatives connecting the region. One of these was a heritage train, which traveled between natural reserves within the region. Sicily understands the benefits of green travel not only to visitors but also to the local economy.

In Tuscany, you can enjoy an environmentally-friendly vacation exploring by bike. With over 500 km of cycle paths to choose from, a local guide can take you around the area while also ensuring you don’t damage the beautiful countryside you are exploring. This is a much better option than driving or traveling by public transport and reduces your carbon footprint during your trip.

With so many ecotourism options for vacations in Italy, it’s entirely possible to travel responsibly throughout the country. Sustainable travel is continuing to increase in popularity in Italy. You’ll find that many of the smaller, previously unvisited regions are looking to welcome travelers in a more sustainable manner.

Would you like to know more about eco-friendly travel? To receive inspiration direct to your email inbox, please click  here  and subscribe to the Ecotourism World newsletter!

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Italy advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Italy , Europe .

• Air quality : 3 / 5
• Bus connections : 3 / 5
• Train connections : 3 / 5
• Hitchhiking : 3.5/ 5
• National parks : 4/ 5
• Outdoor activities :4/ 5
• Locals' English level : 3 / 5
• Safety : 4/ 5
• Accommodation : US$200 - $600
• Budget per day : US$100 - $400
• 1 Responsible Travel
• 2 Air Quality and Pollution
• 3 Respect the Culture
• 4 Top 10 Places to Visit
• 5.1 City Parks
• 5.2 National Parks
• 5.3 Beaches
• 5.4 Landmarks
• 5.5 Museums
• 7.1 Tap-water
• 8 Activities
• 9.1 Green Hotels
• 9.2 Hostels and Guest Houses
• 9.3 Apartments
• 9.4 Couchsurfing
• 9.5 Camping
• 12.4 Hitchhiking
• 12.5 Others
• 13 Sustainable Shopping
• 15.1 Exchange Student
• 15.2 Au Pair
• 15.3 Volunteering
• 16 See Also

Responsible Travel

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe ; it is a country closer to Greece . It is famous for a lot of things, and has a rich history. Italy is renowned for its divine food, fashion, culture, beautiful coasts, lakes, and mountains. The country is believed to carry a lot of history. The country also has a vast population; it has about sixty million people. It ranks on number 23 in the list of countries by population. Responsible Travelling is very important. It helps you not to harm the environment, and it guides you to keep the environment safe. Responsible traveling helps you know more about the country. The eco-friendly traveling guide helps tourists to be responsible travelers. It teaches people to respect other people's Culture. There are a lot of ways to promote responsible traveling. Those ways are:

• Do Your research about the place: Doing research is very important so that you know what to expect when you get there. It is important to know about things like the public transport system, eco friendly accommodation options, ways to move around the country that will not have a negative impact on the environment. All of this information is provided in the article and it will help you in becoming a responsible and eco friendly tourist.
• Eco friendly accommodation : Using eco-friendly hotels is part of responsible traveling. They help you promote sustainable traveling and they also help you save a lot of money compared to luxury hotels. In those eco-green hotels, they usually use solar geysers for hot water; they use wind turbines for electricity. They have recycling programs and composting programs. They install energy-effective lights, non-toxic cleaning products, and they also use reusable products. They try to buy fresh and organic produce and provide meals to the guests that are made in a sustainable manner. This not an exhaustive list. A lot of hotels are doing many things in order to reduce their carbon footprint and be more environmentally conscious.
• Say no to plastic : One of the most effective ways of responsible travelling is not using any plastic bags. Plastic bags take more than 500 years to biodegrade and that should give you an idea of how harmful they are for the environment. Always carry a reusable bag when you are travelling so you can use it for groceries, shopping etc.
• Choosing the right transport method : A major part of your travel experience includes discovering every nook and cranny of the city. While you will have transport options like private cars and taxis at your disposal you need to know that not only do they contribute to more congestion and traffic pollution but also emit harmful gases into the environment. So, choose options like walking, cycling, electronic and public transportation in general.
• Trying local food : A huge part of the local culture is the traditional food that is offered at the local traditional restaurants and by street food vendors. Instead of just sticking to international fast food franchises that contribute to so much waste being produced in the world, you should try the local options. Not only will it help the local economy but also will directly help the families whose sole source of earning are these small food businesses.
• Shop local : In order to support local craftsmen and artisans always shop local. During your trip to the city, you will come across small shops and food stalls in almost every lane of the city. If you want to have an unforgettable experience in the city, then buy goods and handicrafts from these shops. This will not only help you to save a lot of money but you will be supporting a lot of local people who are dependent on their small businesses to earn a livelihood.

Air Quality and Pollution

The average level of air pollution in Italy was 61 US AQI which placed it in the “Moderate “class and ranked it in position 59 out of a total of 98 countries . The concentration of the pollutant PM2.5 was 17.09 µg/m³ in 2019 and 14.95 µg/m³ the year earlier. This “Moderate” classification follows the figures suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). After a phase of rapid industrial growth, Italy took a long time before it began to come to terms with the effects caused by such a surge in industrial activity. Air pollution, however, remains a problem especially in the north where a lot of heavy industries are situated . During the 1990s Italy held the tenth position as the country which produced the most carbon dioxide (CO2). Heavy traffic and congestion in the large metropolitan areas continue to be a main source of pollution even though smog levels have fallen since the 70s and 80s. Two of the larger northern cities such as Milan and Turin have some of the worst air pollution in all of Europe and in December 2017 introduced traffic restrictions in order to try to improve the quality of the air. As early as 2011, officials realised that pollution, in general, was reaching critical levels and that the problem needed addressing. In 2018 air quality levels were reaching a “red” alert status. It is the sharp rise in the concentrations of the microscopic particulate matter PM2.5 which is most troublesome as it causes most breathing and heart problems and is attributed with over 9 per cent of deaths of Italians over the age of 30 years.

Respect the Culture

Italy has a very rich and vibrant culture. Italian culture revolves around a lot of things like art, music, food and theatre. Italians are very proud of their identity, their culture, their roots and their heritage. When you visit Italy, it is important not only to learn about the local culture, their norms and values but also to respect it. Keep in mind that their lifestyle and beliefs might be completely different from yours or they might just be the same. Whatever the case it is important to understand these differences, respect these differences and more importantly celebrate them . Italians really value their family and ancestors so make sure that you say nothing disrespectful about those two. Do not be overcritical, nosy or rude about any thing. They are very social and lively so if someone comes up to you and strikes a conversation, do not be taken aback.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Italy is known for a lot of things. It is a place where every tourist would like to go. Italy has a lot of history that anyone would want to visit. It's exciting, and there are more than 100 places to visit. A Lot of history also happened in Italy, and some of that history is still taught in schools and museums. Italy carries history and a lot of exciting things you should know. Italy is also known for its food. People actually travel to Italy to learn the language of food and to also learn how to cook. Italy has arts, and the language talked there also attracts people to that country. The places to visit are:

• Rome : It is not only the capital of Italy but one of its most famous tourist cities as well. With excellent food, historical sites and various museums, this city is a must visit on your trip to Italy. The picturesque streets, idyllic cafes and the art everywhere around the city transports you into a magical world. Some of the places worth visiting when in Rome include the Circus Maximus, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, Spanish steps etc. You will find Rome to be one of the most interesting cities in Europe. The archeological sites and the museums offer so much to tourists. The food is delicious and worth every cent so a win win.
• Florence : Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.The city was home to Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, Galileo Galilei, Niccolo Machiavelli, Giovanni Boccaccio, Amerigo Vespucci, and more artists. You can spend your time marvelling up the architecture, visiting museums, trying authentic Italian cuisine etc. The bell tower, dome, Bapistry, Uffizi Gallery, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Da Vinci Museum, Boboli Gardens are some of the places worth visiting when you are in Florence.
• Venice : The Venetian life resides within the city's hundreds of canals and diverse architecture. Rising from the waters of Vencie lagoon is a place like no other. Venice was once a great port and a city known for its incredible wealth. It is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. The central district of Saint Marco is home to one of the world's greatest squares, St Marks. The Pizza is a sight to behold. Known as the floating city, taking a tour in a Gondola is a must. The mix of architectural styles in Venice works. It’s different from what you would see in other cities since most visitors would arrive by boat, the sides of buildings facing the canals were given the special features while other sides would be more modest. Venice is the type of place that almost doesn’t look real when you walk around and when you take in a view of the city it looks like a painting.
• Verona : Every Romeo and Juliet reader knows about this city. The city is known because the setting of Romeo and Juliet was in Verona. Verona is so richly endowed with picturesque streets and squares, art and architecture, it is hardly possible to imagine a city that has a more appealing character. It is, quite rightly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Verona: Built between the bend of the Adige River in Northern Italy, this place is a cultural haven. With countless museums (the norm for Italy), a rich history, a Roman amphitheater, and of course with it being the home of Romeo and Juliet, no wonder why many are drawn to Verona. Verona is just right – large enough to have plenty to do and see but small enough that it’s not overwhelming. With a population of roughly 250,000 people, Verona is a charmingly compact and highly walkable medium-sized Italian city. Its size makes Verona so pedestrian friendly that most locals walk or bike to get around. First-time visitors often appreciate a small-group Verona city tour to familiarize themselves with all there is on offer. Verona is also a modern city with a vibrant arts and restaurant scene. For thousands of years Verona has been a hub of trade and it is still an important business district nationally and in Europe.
• Milan : Milan is The is the capital city in Lombardy. The city is the second largest city in Italy after Rome. This city has the largest churches in the world. It is also known as the Fashion capital of the world but Milan has so much to offer than just good fashion and shopping experiences. The Duomo Di Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, La Scala De Milan, Sforza Cathedral, Parco Sempione, Santa Maria Church are some of the places worth visiting in Milan.
• Riomaggiore : Riomaggiore is the most southern village of the Cinque Terre, situated just a few minutes by train from La Spezia. It is quite sure that the origins of Riomaggiore date back to the 8th Century, when the inhabitants of the Vara valley, searching a milder climate to raise grapevines and olive-trees without the fear of pirate raids, moved towards the coast. The town climbs up along the ridges overlooking the sea and it is characterized from the typical stone houses with coloured façades and slate-roofs. In Riomaggiore starts the Via dell’Amore, Lover’s Lane, a wonderful path known for the romantic atmosphere and amazing landscapes. It leads to Manarola and it takes twenty minutes walking. The Cinque Terre villages are linked by a network of paths offering the best opportunity to truly enjoy the unique landscape. All five villages are well connected by rail, regular local trains from Genoa and La Spezia run with high frequency.
• Catania : Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city, with a population of around 300,000. It lies on the Ionian Sea, under the shadow of Mount Etna, or A Muntagna as the locals refer to it. Mount Etna is ever-present and has to a large extent shaped both the history and the actual existence of Catania.On several occasions, volcanic eruptions destroyed the city, the most devastating of which happened in the 17th century. In 1669 Catania was covered in lava and then, just 24 years later in 1693 an earthquake shook the town down to its foundation. Visiting Catania is quite easy, as the old town centre is relatively small. An ideal starting point would be the main square, Piazza Duomo. This delightful square and all its surrounding buildings was designed by one man, Giovanni Battista Vaccarini from Palermo (don’t mention this to Catanians, however, as their rivalry with Sicily’s capital is intense!). The Cathedral, dedicated to St. Agata, the city’s patron saint, stands on the site of an 11th Century church that was almost entirely destroyed in the 1693 eruption. Its replacement is a very impressive, imposing Baroque structure that incorporates some Roman columns taken from the amphitheatre. These are not the only Roman elements, however, as underneath are some Roman baths. Inside, the Baroque theme continues with several ornate chapels and a fresco recording the 1693 earthquake. Bellini, Catania’s most famous son, is buried here, as are (in ash form) three Aragonese kings: Frederick II, Louis and Frederick III.
• Naples : Naples is a city of contrasts—chaotic and beautiful with layers of ancient history and art and an undercurrent of creativity that pulses through her streets. Her energy is contagious. From royal palaces to both contemporary and ancient world-class art museums to galleries' innovative art installations in the city's metro stations, Naples oozes character. Easily blending the layers of new and old, Naples is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and gourmands.
• Genoa : Genoa is Italy's biggest port and Europe's biggest medieval town. Its old city is a maze of alleyways and important palazzos built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the wealthy mercantile families of the city. Genoa used to be one of the most important maritime powers and it is today a lively port which was Europe's European Capital of culture in 2004. Renowned for its amazing collections of artwork and as home to the Renaissance chapel of St John the Baptist, Genoa is also home to the nearby region of the Italian Riviera, famous as a holiday town and seaside resort playground for film stars, jetsetters and the wealthy.
• Siena : It is Italy's loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena's heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer. Movie audiences worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. Siena is said to have been founded by Senius, son of Remus, one of the two legendary founders of Rome thus Siena's emblem is the she-wolf who suckled Remus and Romulus - you'll find many statues throughout the city. The city sits over three hills with its heart the huge piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be. Rebuilt during the rule of the Council of Nine, a quasi-democratic group from 1287 to 1355, the nine sections of the fan-like brick pavement of the piazza represent the council and symbolizes the Madonna's cloak which shelters Siena.

There is so much to explore in Italy. The historic streets, museums, theatres, art galleries, little nooks and crannies will all capture your attention. You will be awestruck. Italy is definitely one of the most interesting countries in Europe with a very rich history.

• Villa Borghese : Established in 1888, the Villa Borghese is a huge city park in the centre of Rome. It covers an area of 80 hectares and is situated to the north of the centro storico, close to Rome's most famous sights. One of the most popular areas of the park is the Pincio Promenade which overlooks Piazza del Popolo. It's also home to the Borghese Gallery and Museum as well as Rome's own Globe Theatre.
• Parco Sempione : Covering 39 hectares, Parco Sempione is one of the largest public spaces in the city of Milan and also contains some of the city's most famous landmarks such as Sforza Castle and the Arco della Pace. The vast swathes of parkland, trees and manicured lawns make it one of the most popular places in the city for walkers and joggers, especially so at the weekends or on warm summer's evenings.
• The Real Bosco di Capodimonte : It is one of the most beautiful parkland areas in Naples. It's located around two kilometres north of the city centre and its southern section is dominated by the vast Royal Palace of Capodimonte which is now a fabulous museum. Reaching the park via public transport requires a combination of bus and Metro but the effort is worthwhile. ​
• The Giardino Ibleo : It is a beautiful city park at the foot of the city of Ragusa in Sicily. Established in 1858, it takes the second part of its name from the area of the city known as Ibla. During the hot summers, this is one of the best places in which to take some respite from the hot sun with its rows of palm trees creating plenty of shade besides ornaments such as fountains.

National Parks

National parks in Italy are the best, and they are also ranked the best in Italy. Italy has a lot of national parks, and those parks cannot be all seen in a week. Italy is the best for tourism, and it is a good place for tourism. National parks are mostly places that are visited by families to spend time. Tourist also visits national parks, and people who hike are also interested in national parks. The national parks in Italy usually get full, and they are considered the best places to visit in order to meet new people. The best National parks are:

• Vesuvius National Park : Mount Vesuvius is one of the most remarkable national parks in Italy. This place is considered a must see site in Italy because of its wondrous sites. It is very popular amongst hikers and even if you are a newbie, you will not find it too hard to hike here. You can also stop by the park if you are traveling to Naples and Amalfi Coast. This place is the best, and it is a must see place.
• La Maddalena Archipelago National Park : This place is considered one of the best Geo marine parks in Italy. This park is located on the coast of Sardinia. You might need to rent a boat to explore this beautiful national park. The boats may be expensive for someone who is on a tight budget, but not all of them will fill a hole in your pocket. Well, the prices also depend on the distance and route that you want to take. This place is the best for those who would like to enjoy their times on a boat.
• Aspromonte National Park : Since Italy is labeled the boot country, then I would say that this park is located on the tip of that boot. The reason why it is called a boot is that when you look at it from the map, the shape looks like a boot. This place has beautiful, glorious mountains and rocky glass lands. The park is a very nice place for people looking to go around the city and hike. The place is very beautiful and also visited by a lot of people. The park is perfect if you are going alongside the historical side of Italy.

• Scala Dei Turchi Sicily : The beach is the base of Scala Dei Turchi. This is a beach that has a rocky cliff coast near Realmonte. It also has very beautiful sand. The sand color is Bronze.
• Atrani, Campania : Atrani won’t be the first place which comes to mind when you think of Italian beach resorts. But it is the place you should visit if you want to find out what Italy is truly all about. Even though Atrani is just a short drive away from Amalfi, the famous and bustling holiday spot, it remains unspoiled by mass tourism and is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
• Baia Delle Zagare , Puglia: The Baia delle Zagare (Zagare bay) has been awarded 3 Sails (a prize given to the most beautiful beaches) of Legambiente (Italian environment protection association) and it takes the name from the scented orange blossoms. It is also called Mergoli bay since there is a quite large community of blackbirds (called “merli” in Italian) and sparrows.

Italy is known for its famous landmarks. They are recognised around the world and visited by millions of tourists every year. The beauty and the sheer grandeur of these landmarks will blow your mind and you will be left in awe.

• Milan Cathedral : The Milan Cathedral is also known as Duomo di Milano stands as the second largest cathedral in the world. It is a building that is usually visited by thousands of people. This building surprisingly took five centuries to be complete.
• Cathedral of Monreale : This place is also beautiful, and it is known for having bible events. The place is also known for the touch of gold it has. It is very beautiful! Christians may have fun visiting the place because they always host bible functions.
• Mount Etna : This is a place that is mostly visited by tourists because of the volcano. The volcanos still erupted in 2015. The volcano still erupts, but it's not worse. The tourists still visit the place when they should be scared of the volcano.
• Trevi Fountain : The trevi fountain is the most known place also. The place is known for people throwing coins into the fountain. That fountain is popularly known as Fontana di Trevi. This fountain's beauty is truly a work of art and is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.
• Rialto Bridge : Rialto Bridge is considered to be one of the best tourist attractions in Italy. The place is great for people who are traveling to go shopping. Some models go there to do photoshoots. The place has strings of shops and malls.

Italy is one of the most historical countries in Europe and everywhere you go, you are bound to come across a number of historical places including museums. There are plenty of great museums that offer you an insight into the rich past of Italy. Some of the ones that you should visit include:

• Galleria Delgi Uffizi , Florence : This gallery is one of the oldest museums in the world. This place has a collection of renowned masterpieces. The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Florence and Tuscany and welcomes over a million visitors each year. The Uffizi, together with the Vatican Museums in Rome, are the top two most visited museums in Italy by visitors from all across the world and the long lines at the museum’s entrance are almost as famous as its masterpieces!
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli , Naples : Its creation is closely tied to the figure of Charles III of the Bourbon dynasty who ascended to the throne of Naples in 1734. He promoted on the one hand the excavations of the Roman towns buried by the eruption of 79 AD and on the other the project of setting up a Museo Farnesiano, moving to Naples part of the rich collection he had inherited through his mother Elisabeth Farnese. It was his son Ferdinand IV who chose the current building to house both the Farnese collection and the relics from the Vesuvian towns, which are still today the Museum’s core collections.
• Museo Ferrari , Maranello : The place is loved by people who are into cars. It is centrally located in the village. The museum has been around for a few years, and the exhibition has been expanded on several occasions. Most recently, the museum was expanded with a whole department dealing with F1 and racing. It is impressive. Many of the most important cars built, both racing and street cars, are exhibited in the same place.
• Musei Vaticani , Rome : The museum complex is one of the oldest and most visited in the world. The museums are actually part of the Vatican City but, in practice, they can be considered part of the city of Rome.

The building complex includes galleries, gardens, chapels and decorated spaces, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. The origins of the Vatican Museums date back to the 16th century, when Pope Julius II (born Giuliano della Rovere) established a State Collection of classical sculpture, at the time housed in the Octagonal Courtyard. The first actual museum, intended as a structured exhibition of artworks open to the public, was promoted by Pope Clement XIV and Pope Pius VI, in the second half of the 18th century, that’s why this gallery is now known as Pius-Clementine Museum.

• Museo Egizio , Turin : The origins of the museum trace back to 1630, when Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, assembled a small collection of Egyptian antiquities; the collection was thereafter expanded during the 18th century through archaeological expeditions and acquisitions, and publicly displayed since 1824 into the new Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Turin.

The museum is housed in the Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze, an imposing Baroque-style building, designed in 1679 by architect Guarino Guarini, located in the heart of the capital of the Piedmont region.

The variety of Italian cuisine is truly limitless. It is impossible, even for a local, to say which is the best Italian food.

This huge choice of dishes is due both to the great difference between the traditional cuisines of the different regions and to the seasonal specialties.

In this vast universe of wonderful gastronomic specialties, a traveler who loves good food and who wants to visit Italy finds it really difficult to choose which dishes to taste. Some of the staple dishes of Italian cuisine are:

• Baked lasagna
• Spaghetti carbonara
• The Focaccia

Some of the most popular drinks of Italy are:

• Limoncello : Known for its vibrant yellow colour, this liquor is made of lemon zest, sugar, water and a natural spirit.
• Bellini : A traditional Italian cocktail made of Prosecco and white peach nectar or white peach purée.
• Campari : This vibrant red, dry Italian liqueur is produced with a neutral alcohol base that is infused with an extract of various bitters and aromatics such as pomegranate, ginseng, orange peel, the bark of cascarilla trees, and citrus oil.
• Ristretto : Which means restricted in Italian, is half of a single shot of espresso. It differs from a standard espresso not only in the amount of water used for its preparation, but also in flavor, which is less bitter than regular espresso.

Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities , like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles. Some very rural areas in Italy may have water that is not safe to drink. If there is a sign reading acqua non potabile, this means that the water is not safe to be ingested.

If you wish to drink purified water, bottled water is abundantly available in stores, especially in tourist areas. However, be aware of your environmental impact when purchasing water in plastic bottles, and consider filling a reusable bottle or canteen with water from your hotel for your day of sightseeing instead.

There is so much to do in Italy that your trip will end but you will not run out of activities. Hiking, gliding, camping, sunbathing, snorkelling, swimming are just some of those activities. You can spend time walking around the streets of this historical country, renting a bicycle or a boat and just marvelling at the beauty of the place.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation is one of the most important things to consider when you are about to travel. Italy has a lot of places that you can stay in. There are cheap and expensive places you can visit in Italy. There are a lot of fancy hotels and bed and breakfast establishments. When traveling for the first thing you should consider it is the accommodation then your budget. The budget is the most important thing so that you know what kind of a place to book.

Green Hotels

Some of the green hotels in Italy that use sustainable measures to run their business include:

• Ville sull'Arno , Florence
• Lefay Resort , Lake Garda
• NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci, Venice
• Hotel Milano Scala , Milan
• Alpenpalace , South Tyrol

Hostels and Guest Houses

Guesthouses are considered a way to save money because they are much cheaper. With guest houses in Italy, you pay a certain amount per night or per day. A guest house is sometimes not for someone planning to visit for a long period of time. Hostels are the cheapest because anyone can afford to stay for a long period of time . In some hostels, you don't get food which means you should buy kitchen appliances although some hostels come with kitchen appliances. You can book for both guest houses and hostels online.

Apartments are also a great way to save money when you are traveling for a long time. It is also a more eco friendly accommodation method as opposed to staying in hotels. The rent may vary from place to place. It will be better to book in advance so you will not face the issue of booking on high prices last minute.

Couchsurfing

Couch surfing is something that is normally done, and it is practiced in most countries. Sleeping on a couch may be the most uncomfortable thing to do when you are traveling the world. Couch surfing has sites where you can hook up with people who can help you to get to know more about that place. Couch surfing is also considered a not so safe thing to do, especially for people who are females. Well, meeting strangers can be a nice thing, but it also has its own disadvantages. This idea is good for someone who is even traveling alone.

Camping is for very adventurous people. You can book a camping place on sites. When you book, a place is better than going to a place and just settling there. Booking has an advantage in that you get a place with securities. When you go out for camping, it is considered a way to save tons and tons of money. Camping is also something that is very complicated, and you can't just wake up and decide you want to camp. You must have previous experience so that you are very comfortable.

• Lake Garda – where stunning scenery meets top-class camping
• Tuscany – The home of fine art culture and cuisine
• Adriatic Coast - Make holiday memories on this majestic coast

• Rome (Roma) — the capital, both of Italy and, in the past, of the Roman Empire until 285 AD.

• Bologna — one of the world's great university cities that is filled with history, culture, technology and food.
• Cagliari — the Capital of Sardinia.
• Florence (Firenze) — the Renaissance city known for its architecture and art that had a major impact throughout the world.
• Genoa (Genova) — an important medieval maritime republic; its port brings in tourism and trade, along with art and architecture.
• Milan (Milano) — one of the main fashion cities of the world, but also Italy's most important centre of trade and business.
• Naples (Napoli) — one of the oldest cities of the Western world, with a historic city centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Palermo — an important city in Italy; know for its beach, cuisine and architecture.
• Pisa — one the medieval maritime republics, it is home to the unmistakable image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Turin (Torino) — a well-known industrial city, home of FIAT, other automobiles and the aerospace industry.
• Udine — located in north-eastern Italy Friuli - Venezia Giulia region of a city.
• Venice (Venezia) — one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, known for its history, art, and of course its world famous canals.

Getting There and Moving Around

The country of Italy has an excellent transportation system, more about which is given in the sections below:

Since there are a lot of people traveling in and out of Italy, air transport is used a lot. Air transport mode is very expensive and comfortable. Air transport is not really used much, but there are also a lot of people who still prefer using the air mode of transportation. Italy is a huge place with a lot of different cities and provinces, so there are also a lot of airports in Italy. These are the airports used in Italy.

• Malpensa airport
• Leonardo da Vinci international Airpot
• Milan Linate Airport
• Naples international

Italy does not have a national bus network so there are independent operators who are providing bus services. The main buses in Italy are in Bologna , Florence , Naples , Milan , Padua , Torina , and Venice . Those are only the main places in Italy that have buses. Catching a bus in Italy is also not that expensive. Just like any busy place, you need to have a bus ticket. People do prefer trains over buses in Italy.

This mode of transport is commonly used in Italy. A lot of people in Italy actually prefer using Trains. A train is believed to be very safe and comfortable to go around with. The place has a lot of train stations since a train is used more in Italy. The train stations are the busiest in Italy. And they also have the advantage of meeting more people and getting comfortable when you one your way around. The train stations are:

• Roma Termini
• Milano Centrale
• Torina Porta Nuova
• Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station

Hitchhiking

From a hitchhiking perspective, Italy might be the worst country in Europe . Plenty of reasons for that like the trend has not caught up in the country yet, the roads are tight and Italians generally are reluctant to pick up strangers. It is also illegal to hitchhike on highways so be mindful of that as well.

There are also different types of transport that can be used to travel like boats because some cities in Italy have a lot of water in between. Cities like Venice are half-submerged into water. The main mode of transportation in this area involves boats and motorboats . Other modes of transport in Italy are trolley buses, electric vehicles, trams, etc

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is the need of the hour. The amount of pollution and waste that the fast fashion industry produces amounts to 2.1 billion tonnes CO2eq. There needs to be significant shift towards buying sustainable products that last longer and are made of ethically sourced material. There is a great market in Norway for sustainable fashion. Many brands have adopted this philosophy and are becoming more eco friendly. Some of the sustainable shopping brands to look out for in Italy are:

• Artknit Studios

Recycling is the process of converting waste into reusable materials. Recycling is good for the environment because it promotes a clean environment. Recycling is also used a lot in Italy because of the number of centers it has. The centers are:

• Recycling Pfu S.R.L
• Ceccato Recycling Srl
• Remida ii centro di riciclaggio

Waste management differs from place to place in Italy. In some areas there is a proper system intact and people are engaged in the process. They know where the waste is going and they are very educated about the recycling process. In other areas you will find, waste piled in the bins, no one being responsible for it. The system can definitely use some improvement.

Work and Study Abroad

Students can only work part time in Italy as per the Italian Law. However, you can not start your own business. If you want to do that then you will have to change the status of your visa. It is important to learn about the different rules and regulations before planning your move to Italy.

Exchange Student

Plenty of exchange student opportunities are present in Italy. The educational and cultural enrichment offered by an Italian student exchange experience is second to none. The hundreds of young people who take part in an Italian student exchange program each year say they have the time of their lives. They see the world from a new perspective, gain understanding of Italian culture, and their host family becomes their ‘second family’ as lifelong friendships and bonds are formed.

Where you end up working as an au pair within Italy depends largely on the type of Italian lifestyle you want to experience and cost of living . For example, cost of living in Milan and Venice is quite high, whereas less iconic cities like Capri , Rimini , and Taormina are much more affordable. Generally, expect cold weather and a high value on business and efficiency in the north, but a warmer, slower pace of life in the South. The center of Italy is a nice equilibrium of the two.

You can apply to be an au pair at any time of the year. However, if you are also planning on studying during your time as an au pair, you should take this into consideration when deciding when to start your search.

Volunteering

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities that you can be a part of on your trip to Italy. Especially after the coronavirus pandemic and how badly Italy was affected by it, people are more in need of help. Be it the health sector, teaching, soup kitchens etc there are so many ways through which you can help and give back to the society.

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• Ecotourism in Italy: 7 good tips to organise your trip
• Best Tours and Experiences

Choosing ecotourism means preserving the natural environment and increasing the local population's well-being

As an experienced traveller, you may have noticed that in recent years transport companies have included the option of offsetting your ecological footprint ; this is because the need to preserve the environment is becoming increasingly pressing, and a traveller has to take into account that their presence in a place has an impact on the place they visit, both environmental and social.

We at Visit Italy care deeply about preserving our beautiful country so that everyone can enjoy its beauty to the full, so we have compiled  7 useful tips for you to control your ecological footprint in a practical way during your trip.

Ecotourism: what it is and how to practice it

As we said, travelling to a new destination is not just about discovering unknown places: our presence influences the environment around us , and our journey will impact the places we visit even if we may not realise it at first. Every choice we make, where we sleep, how we move around, where we eat, all contribute to changing the landscape, for better or worse.

Ecotourism is a reflection that has emerged over the last few decades, prompting people to travel more consciously, suggesting alternative solutions to preserve nature and improve the lives of the local people. Ecotourism combines the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism , providing a veritable list of tips on how to make one's holiday as carbon-neutral as possible while enjoying it to the full.

So here are our practical tips for an eco-friendly holiday in Italy , so it is not only the journey that will have a beneficial effect on you but also your presence that will improve our beautiful land.

7. Ecotourism in Italy means travelling in low season

Autumn colours among the vineyards of Umbria

Italy is known the world over for its history, art and food, heritages available throughout the year in almost every corner of the peninsula. Unfortunately, most tourists decide to visit Italy during the summer season, to take advantage of the climate and enjoy the sunny beaches of sea and lake coasts.

One of the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism is to choose to travel in the low season , which is the period from February to May and September to November . Travelling during these periods allows territories to survive and thrive not only during the summer (or winter) season, but all year round. In addition, the trip will be much cheaper and the absence of hordes of tourists will allow you to enjoy the most beautiful Italian attractions in peace.

Not sure where to start? Follow our tips on what to do in autumn in Italy .

6. Move like a local

Historic tram in Turin

As mentioned earlier, for the past couple of years many transport companies have been offering customers the opportunity to offset the CO2 emissions caused by their travel. But when we are at our destination, how can we reduce our ecological footprint? One of our most important tips is to get around on foot, by bicycle or scooter, or by using public transport . The latter option is very good if we talk about large city centres, where you can find efficient networks of buses, trams and metros .

If you are in Turin , you will notice that most of the main attractions are located in the city centre, which we highly recommend visiting on foot or by bike so as not to miss the city's most magical corners. But Piedmont's capital is one of the few in Italy that still uses historical trams , at the same price as more modern means of transport. On board these vehicles you can experience the unique atmosphere of Italy's most magical city.

You can find our tips on getting around the major urban centres here .

5. Visit small villages

Italy is dotted with small villages and small towns that hide incredible treasures. You will really love your trip to Italy because you can find beauty everywhere. You'll find yourself visiting tiny towns in Sicily where the small main church displays all the main features of Baroque; walking through the Alps, you'll find widespread villages made up of old wooden farmhouses from the last century; in the heart of Tuscany, you'll discover movingly beautiful Renaissance frescoes hidden in towns so small they don't even have a cinema.

Why is visiting these small villages a sustainable and responsible tourism choice? Because by doing so, you are actively helping to preserve these treasures . The inhabitants of these villages are very proud of their human heritage, and seeing that these resources bring tourists from all over the world to their small towns will make them more inclined to keep them in good condition. Bringing tourism to these small villages, you will help keep them alive: the local people will be keen to show you around and show you the most authentic Italy.

Here are some examples of small Italian villages worth a visit, some of which have been listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy . The town of Spello in Tuscany, with its spectacular spring flower displays and the Villa dei Mosaici (8,300 inhabitants), is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Dolceacqua , The Ligurian town on the border with France, is a small village of around 2,000 inhabitants, which Monet used as a model for his paintings. Finally, the town of Gromo , in Val Seriana, in the heart of the Alps: a small jewel with a marvellous 13th-century castle and 15th-century Palazzo Milesi (1,200 inhabitants).

4. Trekking on ancient paths

The mountain ranges of the Alps and the Apennines across the entire Italian territory: thanks to these majestic reliefs in many regions, it is possible to make spectacular treks characterised by breathtaking landscapes.

Many of these paths were laid out in Roman ages  for commercial or military purposes, and it is still possible to admire stretches of ancient foundations and the famous 'milestones'. Other paths in the Alps are called " mule tracks " and were used by the locals to climb the slopes as quickly as possible and to reach the alpine pastures in a short time. As the word suggests, these paths were used by mules to transport food for the shepherds during the transhumance.

Deciding to walk one of these roads in the footsteps of the ancient Italians is an experience of great human and spiritual value and a way of practising all-around ecotourism. These paths are kept clean, marked and sometimes retraced by the locals, who will be able to show you the most scenic spots, the next water source and churches and monasteries where you can sleep.

Some of the treks we would like to recommend for your eco-friendly trip are: the Via Degli Dei (God's Path), which runs from Bologna to Florence; the Via del Sale (Salt Path), which runs from the heart of Lombardy down to the Ligurian Sea and was once used to transport salt; and the Via Francigena , which crosses most of the Apennines in Italy, touching on towns such as Ivrea, Pavia, Lucca, San Gimignano, Viterbo and finally arriving in Rome

3. Cycling holidays

What could be greener than a cycling holiday? Cycling alone or in a company under the warm Italian spring sun will make you feel alive and free as never before! Cycle tourism is a slow choice, allowing you to fully enjoy the surrounding area without polluting the environment or submitting to the schedules and complications of road or rail transport.

Many tourist resorts and hotels have already equipped themselves with services that allow bikes to be rented on-site throughout Italy, and several travel agencies organise guided tours.

Apulia with its ancient seaside villages; the 210 km of white roads that wind through the hills of Siena and Val D'Orcia (the famous "heroic" road, a historic competitive cycling route); the romantic landscapes of the hills between the Langhe and Monferrato in Piedmont ; these are just some of the possible itineraries that will allow you to discover Italy by bike , with 100% respect for the environment.

2. Ecotourism is buying local: cities food markets

Wherever you are in Italy, in the mountains or by sea, in the city or country, in the north or south, in the centre of Italy or on the islands, one thing is sure: food will be delicious! The Italian culinary tradition is known worldwide, both for its creative recipes and, above all, for its high-quality raw materials. A fundamental choice for sustainable and responsible tourism is shopping in open-air markets : here, you will find farmers, peasants and breeders selling their healthy and organic products. Here, farmers, peasants, and breeders sell their healthy, organic produce. You will find seasonal fruit and vegetables, local meat and fish: in this way, you will be able to make the most of local raw materials and fully enjoy the best the area has to offer.

In particular, the Slow Food association organises famous ' Earth Markets ' in all regions of Italy, which adhere to three great values: good, clean and fair. "Good" for the quality of the products, "clean" for is environmentally sustainable and "fair" for the respect for those who work the land.

There are also historic markets in various Italian cities where local farmers sell their produce.

Genoa's oriental market is the perfect place to find freshly caught fish, often sold with the recommended recipe. You'll also find local produce such as cured meats, basil-based condiments, olives and a vast selection of focaccia. Bolzano's Piazza delle Erbe market is one of the oldest in Italy: it seems that as early as 1200, the valley inhabitants came here to do their shopping. Here you can find seasonal fruit and vegetables and many varieties of speck and cheese. Would you like to taste a real buffalo mozzarella from Campania? Then don't miss a stop at the Pignasecca market in Naples! Here you will find an impressive variety of dairy products typical of the Campania region: fresh ricotta, local cheeses and the inevitable mozzarella. The Pignasecca market also sells capitoni, the usual fish cooked on Christmas Eve during the Christmas period.

At the Rialto market in Venice , you'll be spoilt for choice with all kinds of fish from the lagoon. Among the stalls, you'll also find the bacari , typical Venetian taverns with simple furnishings that offer the famous ombre (glasses of wine) accompanied by cicheti (small samples of food cooked with standard products): a great way to refresh the spirit between one stall and another.

1. Alpine malga holidays

Alpine pasture

If you love the Alps and want a unique, original and genuinely "green" experience, choose a stay in an alpine malga . This term refers to the high mountain pastures, the so-called alpeggi, where the cows are taken to graze the best grass and thus produce high-quality milk. In Trentino and South Tyrol , many structures in the alpine pastures host tourists: these are always very picturesque wooden huts, at an altitude ranging from 700 metres to 2500 metres.

Choosing an eco-holiday in an alpine hut will be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family: here you can work with shepherds helping them in the production of dairy products, and live in contact with the many animals that graze freely such as horses, rabbits, donkeys, ducks and pigs. In a malga, you can taste typical dishes of excellent quality, walk in the heart of the Alps, enjoy unforgettable sunsets and sunrises and breathe the cleanest air in Italy!

Suppose you decide to plan a holiday in a malga towards the end of September. In that case, you might be lucky enough to be able to attend the desmalgada : an annual festival that coincides with the moment when the cows say goodbye to the alpine pastures and return to the farms at lower altitudes where they will spend the winter. During this festival, the sweet cattle are adorned with necklaces of flowers and cowbells, while the whole mountainside seems to glow in a final salute to these wonderful alpine animals.

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16 Best Eco Hotels & Eco Resorts in Italy [2024]

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2024

Categories Europe , Italy

Looking for eco resorts in Italy where to spend your holidays in style, while at the same time caring for the environment? We got you covered with the ultimate list of hotels!

Italy is the country of pasta and wine, Renaissance art, architecture, and history. Visited for its mouthwatering food, rolling hills, cliffside towns, and glorious culture, Italy isn’t usually thought of as an environmentally-friendly destination , especially when compared to countries like Iceland or Costa Rica.

However, Italy is actually one of the most energy-efficient countries in the world , and it strives for sustainability in many areas, The tourism industry isn’t left behind, and that’s why there’s a plethora of magnificent eco resorts in Italy where you can spend your holidays in style while still caring for the environment.  

I was born and raised in beautiful Bologna, Italy, and after writing about a few other destinations in the world, it was time I finally wrote this article about the best eco-resorts and eco-hotels in my own country!

Read on to find out which are the ultimate eco-friendly resorts and hotels in Italt to start planning your vacation. 

Table of Contents

Borgo Pignano – Volterra

Borgo Pignano is a luxurious countryside hotel nestled in the hills of Volterra . It’s a country estate in the heart of Tuscany that combines the utmost comfort and elegance with rustic decor, outdoor activities, and a sustainable management. 

The hotel is set on 750 hectares of land, featuring two magnificent outdoor pools , vast gardens and woods , a restaurant, a children’s club, a wellness center, and a gym. There are rooms, suites, and apartments, all of them spacious and boasting an en-suite marble bathroom. 

The restaurant serves traditional cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients, using the herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel’s gardens and the property’s own honey and olive oil. 

Eco-friendly materials and products were used to decorate the accommodation, and there are solar panels to fuel the heating system and hot water throughout the resort. 

Rainwater is harvested to feed the gardens, and both traditional and innovative farming techniques are used to protect the soil and environment. 

We like it because Borgo Pignano is the epitome of a countryside escape. Its architecture and décor blend in with the surroundings, and it boasts an incredible outdoor setting to spend time in nature while ensuring guests have a luxurious, pampered experience. 

➤ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE

Milano Scala – Milan

Milano Scala is a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly accommodation situated in Milan’s city center. It’s a very stylish hotel with elegant rooms, a fitness center, a terrace with beautiful views, a restaurant, and a bar. A buffet-style breakfast is served daily using ingredients from the hotel’s vegetable garden. 

The eco hotel Milano Scala was designed to be an environmentally friendly hotel from the start, and it’s the first one in the city with zero emissions . It uses biodegradable products, renewable energy, and electric cars to offset the emissions of CO2. Fruit, vegetables, and herbs are grown in the garden and used at the on-site restaurant.  

We like it because it’s located in one of the most fashionable cities in Italy, offering easy access to many attractions and all the perks of city hotels, but being committed to the environment and the impact it has on it. 

➤ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE  

Theiner’s Garten – Gargazzone, South Tyrol 

Theiner’s Garten is an ideal hotel to enjoy a relaxing vacation and be pampered, and one of the best ecolodges in Italy. It has a wellness center with a sauna and spa, indoor and outdoor pools with sun loungers , a gym, and an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

The rooms are cozy and practical, with a fully-equipped en-suite bathroom, and the hotel offers activities such as cooking classes, yoga sessions, movie nights, and walking tours to keep guests entertained.

The restaurant has a farm to table policy and prepares organic meals using herbs and vegetables from the on-site gardens. Natural ingredients and herbs are also used at the spa for wellness treatments. The hotel has an eco-friendly heating and cooling system that helps offset the CO2 emissions , which are close to 1/10th of the ones emitted by normal hotels’. 

We like it because it’s not only committed to its guests’ comfort and the environment’s well-being, but the hotel also funds the construction of water wells in Ethiopia, where access to clean water is scarce. 

Lefay Resort & Spa – Lake Garda

When it comes to green hotels in Italy, Lefay Resort & Spa isn’t left behind. It’s located in Gargano, a charming town on the west shore of Lago di Garda. Offering striking views of the lake from its infinity pool and surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, the hotel’s paradisiac setting and its top-notch facilities will make it hard for you to leave. 

There are two swimming pools, one of which is indoors, and a full-service wellness & fitness center. The rooms are spacious and very elegantly decorated, all of them boasting a balcony or terrace overlooking the lake. A daily breakfast buffet is served at the restaurant , where you can also enjoy scrumptious lunches and dinners paired with drinks from the bar. 

The resort was designed to merge effortlessly with its surroundings , and it uses renewable energy to power its heating and cooling systems and most of the hotel’s electricity. Rainwater is harvested and recycled, and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients are used in the restaurant. 

We like it because it’s set in a gorgeous location, offering views and surroundings that are difficult to surpass, and the service and facilities are first-class, all the while having a positive impact on the environment.  

Vivosa Apulia Resort – Ugento, Apulia

Vivosa Apulia is a stunning beachfront resort in Marina di Ugento with an equal commitment both to sustainability and to its guests’ enjoyment . The ecoresort features two large swimming pools with slides and jacuzzis, a poolside bar, a gym, a spa, and several sport facilities.

There are also sun loungers and umbrellas at the beach, a lounge, a children’s playground, and even a shop inside the hotel, which offers theme dinners and various activities to keep guests entertained. 

Vivosa Apulia Resort is set inside a natural park and carries out numerous sustainability practices. The re-use of water, waste recycling, and use of solar panels to power electricity are some of those efforts, which also include the reduction of single-use plastic, and the reduction of CO2 emissions.  

We like it because this eco lodge in Italy offers a myriad of activities and events, it’s right in front of a stunning beach – and boasts a private beach area – and features very elegant and spacious rooms. 

Eco Park Hotel Azalea – Cavalese, Trentino

Eco Park Hotel Azalea is located in the heart of Cavalese, a popular holiday and ski resort in Northern Italy . The resort is family-friendly and offers a variety of activities that include treks in the Dolomites, yoga classes, mountain biking, or skiing in the wintertime. 

Holistic treatments and practices such as meditation, a Finnish sauna, and retreats aim to strengthen the overall well-being of guests by bringing them closer to themselves in a peaceful, natural setting. 

The hotel rooms are spacious and scented with the smells of nature , and you can actually choose yours based on the type and theme of accommodation you’d prefer.

There’s a restaurant on-site serving 100% organic, plant-based meals both delicious and highly nutritious. All ingredients are zero km and sourced from local farms, mills, and sustainable suppliers. 

As for sustainability, the resort uses renewable energy sources besides having a low energy consumption policy. It uses recyclable materials and supports the community by employing them and buying products from locals. 

We like it because its philosophy is to make people feel good, and they excel at it phenomenally. On top of that, it’s dedicated to respecting the environment and bringing guests and nature closer. 

Relais del Maro – Borgomaro, Liguria 

Relais del Maro is a 4-star hotel that features its rooms in three different buildings in the historic village of Borgomaro. There are suites and three types of rooms – classic, small, and family – available, all of them boasting exquisite design and a private bathroom. 

An outdoor pool and a peaceful garden with sun loungers and outdoor furniture are two of the hotel’s best attributes, which allow you to indulge in an alfresco meal or drinks while sunbathing after a swim. 

There is also a full-service spa , yoga and fitness classes , and a restaurant that serves a very scrumptious breakfast. 

This eco resort in Italy has a green philosophy in place that includes taking energy and water-saving measures, using renewable sources when possible, ensuring that 100% of the light bulbs are LED, and promoting responsible tourism . The hotel also offers eco-friendly toiletries and has recycled most of its furniture. 

We like it because it has great attention to detail and excellent service, and it offers a peaceful haven for guests to recharge and relax. 

Eremito Hotelito del Alma – Parrano, Umbria 

Eremito is a boutique hotel also referred to as a monastery accommodation. It’s situated in the village of Parrano, and it takes inspiration from the monasteries of the Middle Ages both for the design and the philosophy. 

Within stone walls, the hotel revisits the concept of luxury to offer beautiful surroundings and the utmost comfort but in a setting that takes guests back several centuries , providing a unique experience away from the digital world. 

No phones, TVs, or electric appliances can be found in the rooms, which showcase a minimalistic design, floor heating, a private bathroom, and views of the garden. 

Herbs, fruits, and vegetables are grown in the garden and then used in the kitchen, which prepares traditional, vegetarian meals. There’s also a stone heated pool and a steam room, a spa, and a yoga studio. 

Electricity at Eremito is mostly powered by renewable sources . LED light bulbs are used, there’s no AC (or need for it, because of the stone walls!) and at night rooms are lit by candlelight. 

Waste is recycled, and there’s no single-use plastic in the property , whi.ch tracks the consumption of water, collects rainwater, and provides organic toiletries    

We like it because it’s a full-board accommodation, so you’ll enjoy delicious, homecooked meals during your stay. 

Il Borro – Valdarno, Tuscany

Il Borro is one of the main eco hotels in Italy, situated in the century-old hamlet of Borro in Tuscany , which overwent a process of renovation that has restored it to its former glory. 

The estate is set in the Tuscan hills and offers the perfect setting for a vacation in the countryside, offering plenty of outdoor adventures that go from horseback riding to yoga classes, hikes, various sports, and cooking classes. 

There’s also a wellness center, an infinity pool, and a magnificent wine cellar with the 12 labels produced by the estate , 10 of which are organic. 

Il Borro has zero carbon emissions , the result of using renewable energy sources which not only offset the emissions but produce more energy than is used. 

Rainwater is collected to feed the gardens , organic agriculture is used for the cultivation of the land, and water stations are located all over the estate, while guests get flasks upon arrival to avoid the use fo plastic. Beekeeping is another practice carried out by Il Borro in the service of biodiversity. 

We like it because it’s a hotel steeped in history, and its location allows for a slow-paced stay in which to reconnect with nature and relax, all the while enjoying plenty of activities and having fun. 

Leitlhof – San Candido, Dolomites

Naturhotel Leitlhof is set in the Dolomites, surrounded by majestic mountains and forest, and the hotel revolves around nature. 

The rooms are spacious and subtly elegant , there’s a restaurant and bar, a wellness center that offers beauty treatments and massages, a sauna, a swimming pool, and a gym. Outdoor and hiking activities are available so you get to explore the wonderful surroundings.  

The hotel has its own organic farm and cattle ranch , and generates its electricity from wood, therefore being both carbon-neutral and completely self-sufficient. It has also reduced its guests’ carbon footprint considerably and continues to innovate in the path of sustainability.  

We like it because it’s one of the few European hotels that’s entirely self-sustaining, and along with wonderful accommodation it offers fantastic services and activities to make the guests’ stay wholesome. 

Monaci delle Terre Nere – Sicily 

Monaci delle Terre Nere is a wine resort that values sustainability and luxury in equal parts . The villa is set on 25 hectares of land at the foot of Mount Etna, and it features suites and independent villas with a private pool, a garden, and outdoor furniture that can accommodate up to 15 guests. 

There’s a fabulous organic wine cellar where you can enjoy wine tasting, a poolside bar, a restaurant that uses fresh produce mainly grown in the estate , and a wellness center. Private dinners in nature, open-air treatments, yoga sessions, cocktail classes, and horse rides are a few of the activities offered. 

The hotel produces 70% of its energy by solar panels , which it continues to develop with the goal of producing all of its energy sustainably. There’s high-efficiency AC in the rooms, and guests are encouraged to use the fireplace in the winter instead. 

No pesticides are used in the gardens and vineyards, eggs are provided by the 100+ hens that happily live in the estate, and waste is separated and recycled. 

We like it because this eco lodge in Italy offers an absolutely lavish stay without neglecting the importance of nature in our lives, and the role we have to ensure its protection and well-being. It also has delicious wine!

Arbatax Park Resort – Sardinia

Arbatax Park Resort is an eco resort in Sardinia situated within a natural reserve that has multiple locations within the island. 

The hotel is family-friendly and boasts views of the sea from most areas, being very close to the beach. Rooms are very spacious and decorated with Mediterranean colors and style, and there are two restaurants on-site (plus more options throughout the resort’s properties). Breakfast included, half-board, or full-board can be added to the stay. 

There’s a private beach area, sports facilities, swimming pools, a wellness center & spa, and a bar. The hotel also has a kitchen available for parents to prepare their children’s meals .

The park in which the resort is located is home to incredible wildlife and flora that is actively protected. The resort also has a plastic-free policy, produces its electricity with renewable energy sources , and only changes towels and linens upon guests’ request. 

Common waste is separated and recycled, and food waste is used to feed the park’s animals. 

We like it because it’s by the beach and is surrounded by a natural paradise, and it offers enough activities and entertainment to guarantee you have the time of your life without having to leave the resort. 

Apipura Hotel Rinner – Renon, South Tyrol  

Apipura Hotel Rinner is a family-run hotel in the heart of the South Tyrolean mountains. Its focus is set on its beautiful natural surroundings, and on bringing nature-related experiences to its guests, which is why it’s the perfect hotel for those eager to escape the city’s bustle and retreat to the mountains. 

It’s one of the ultimate family-friendly eco resorts in Italy , featuring both a playroom (indoors) and a playground (outdoors), family rooms, games, and attractions for the little ones. There are elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a spa with a sauna and jacuzzi, and BBQ facilities. 

There is an apiary on the property, therefore bee products are part of the stay both in well-being treatments and food. A Bee educational trail is offered for those interested in learning more about it. 

Apipura Hotel Rinner has been awarded the GreenSign sustainability certificate . The restaurant sources most of its ingredients from the garden, and the apiary plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, as bees are one of the most important species for our planet’s wellbeing. 

We like it because it stands out with its unique concept of apiary-hotel, it’s in a beautiful setting away from the bustle, and it’s dog friendly!  

Paradiso Pure Living – Castelrotto, South Tyrol 

Paradiso Pure Living is a vegetarian & vegan hotel nestled in the Dolomites which aims to reduce our impact on nature while promoting personal health. 

Following that philosophy, the hotel offers outdoor yoga classes, an infrared sauna that helps regenerate your body, a fully-equipped gym, and a Finnish sauna. There’s also a salt-water pool and jacuzzi , a zero-gravity floating experience, a steam bath, and a tea corner where to curl up with a hot cuppa and a book. 

The rooms are modern and spacious, and the contemporary restaurant serves delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine made with locally (and sustainably) sourced ingredients. 

Besides using recycled paper in the kitchen, offering compostable slippers to reduce plastic waste, and crafting natural toiletries that have no preservatives or parabens, grey water is recycled and the chemicals employed are non-toxic.  

We like it because the hotel’s efforts for sustainability include the well-being of its guests, and it aims to introduce them to a healthier way of living that will benefit not only them but the environment. 

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita – Matera

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is absolutely enchanting, set in a rustic stone building and featuring caves instead of rooms . Located in the UNESCO-listed town of Matera, the hotel matches its surroundings perfectly. 

The caves are simple and are equipped with a double bed, a desk or dining table, and a private bathroom. Some of the caves even have their own balcony . The modern amenities, which include A/C in every room, make the stay incredibly comfortable.  

The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and offers guests the possibility of dining at the property’s former church, besides pampering them with massages and wellness treatments . 

This sustainable hotel in Italy recycles most of its waste and aims to reduce water and energy consumption by using water flow reducers and energy-saving light bulbs. The food is organic and locally sourced, and guests have the possibility of reusing towels and opting out of daily room cleaning . 

We like it because it’s a truly unique green hotel in Italy, with an original concept that offers an experience like no other while still being luxurious and environmentally friendly. 

Rome Cavalieri – Rome

Rome Cavalieri is a Waldorf Astoria hotel, and one of the best eco friendly hotels in Italy for those who are after city life. 

The 5-star accommodation offers first-class service and top-notch facilities that include 3 swimming pools, a full-service spa with steam baths and jacuzzi, a fitness center, and 2 restaurants – one of them a 3-star Michelin . 

The rooms are luxurious and feature a marble bathroom and a balcony overlooking either the gardens or the city’s historic center . Guests can stay in the hotel’s suites, or choose between the Deluxe and Imperial rooms. 

The hotel’s sustainability efforts include the substitution of plastic for compostable materials , water and energy-saving practices, and the reduction of food waste and its carbon footprint. The chain has also recycled over 2,000lbs of toiletries’ plastics and planted thousands of trees in an ongoing project to become more environmentally friendly. 

We like it because it’s very well positioned in the historic center of Rome, and it’s the ultimate luxurious accommodation, catering to guests’ every need and boasting splendid amenities. 

Eco Resorts in Italy FAQs

In my opinion, the very best mountain eco lodges in Italy include these: Paradiso Pure Living in South Tyrol Naturhotel Leitlhof in the Dolomites Theiner’s Garten in South Tyrol

I believe that the ultimate eco-friendly resorts to stay in Tuscany are Il Borro and Borgo Pignano .

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Best Ways To Be A Sustainable Tourist In Italy

The pandemic of 2020 that swept the globe impacted every sector of the economy but nothing was more severely interrupted than the tourist industry. Not only was travel highly restricted but increased regulations for tourists and airline companies were put in place to reduce the spread of the virus.

Italy has long been one of the world’s premier tourist destinations and usually welcomes over 90 million visitors each year. However, in 2020, the tourist industry in Italy reported that it lost around 120 billion Euros as a result of the travel restrictions that were imposed.

According to the World Tourism Organization, the number of international tourists fell by nearly 75% in 2020, which translated to over 1 billion fewer international arrivals during the year. The massive slump in tourists inevitably had a drastic effect on the millions of businesses around the world that provide food, accommodation and other services for the tourist industry.

Every Crisis Has The Potential To Be An Opportunity.

In 2020, as foreign visitors to Italy evaporated, thousands of businesses across Italy had to tighten their belts to ride out the storm. Museums, piazzas and hotels all stood empty and parts of the economy ground to a halt.

Nonetheless, the pandemic and the economic crisis that it wrought did give the tourist industry a rare opportunity to reassess its business model to make it more resilient to future shocks.

However, it’s not just the tourist industry which is reassessing its practices. Tourists themselves are also taking the hiatus in travel to think and learn about more sustainable ways to experience the cultural heritage of other countries.

What Is Sustainable Travel And Why Is It Important?

Sustainable travel is a type of tourism that takes the social, economic and environmental issues of the host country into account. Although the concept is a fairly recent development, more and more tourists are beginning to embrace it.

One of the most important goals of sustainable travel is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses that are produced as a result of tourism. Each year the tourist industry accounts for 8% of the total greenhouse gasses which have a negative impact on the climate.

Every part of the tourist industry has associated environmental implications and although there have been improvements there’s still a long way to go. Greenhouse gasses, primarily carbon dioxide, are produced by transportation systems, accommodations, recreational activities and even entertainment.

All these areas can be developed in future years to minimize the amount of greenhouse gasses that they produce. Better management and planning can be utilized to upgrade existing systems to reduce the levels of greenhouse gasses that are produced but it’s also something that tourists themselves need to be more mindful of.

Sustainable travel is a vital concept to embrace because it can help to preserve the natural environment and maintain the earth for future generations. Often associated with slow travel, sustainable travel is set to become a booming new sector in the tourist industry during the coming decades.

How To Travel More Sustainably In Italy.

Italy has been leading the world in sustainable travel. This trend truly emerged towards the end of the 20th Century and was spearheaded by Italian agritourism. Tourists have been keen to involve themselves with forms of travel that are less damaging to the environment while supporting the local communities they are visiting.

There are many different ways that you can travel which are more sustainable than what you might have been used to. Everybody has their own role to play when it comes to protecting our planet and this includes tourists and visitors to Italy. Even actions and behavioral changes which might appear to be small will quickly add up if millions of people are engaging in them!

So next time you’re traveling, in Italy or elsewhere, why not make your holiday a more sustainable one?

Accommodation – Book Direct.

Supporting local businesses plays a major role in sustainable travel. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of your visit but it also helps to increase the resilience of regional economies. Small B&Bs, hotels and hostels have a hard time competing with their larger rivals. One of the easiest things that you can do to help support the local B&Bs and hotels is to book directly with them.

Of course, it is easier to book your accommodation through an online booking site but when you consider that these big hotels take a cut from every reservation that is made it’s easy to see why they can undercut their smaller rivals. This makes it extremely difficult for the smaller hotels, which not only find it harder to attract guests online but have also been struggling in recent years to keep their doors open in the face of travel restrictions.

Therefore, when you’re planning your trip, call or email smaller hotels or B&Bs directly to reserve your accommodation. This will really help the local Italian economy and you might also find that you actually get a better deal than if you had booked online through a major booking site.

Eat And Shop With Independent Local Businesses.

While you’re traveling in Italy it’s far more sustainable to eat in the small, family run restaurants and cafes instead of major international brands. Avoiding the large chain brands will help to keep the money you spend circulating in the local economy and support regional sustainability projects.

Shopping with local suppliers, stores and restaurants is absolutely essential because without your support they won’t be able to afford to put money towards reducing their carbon footprints or developing more sustainable business models for the future.

Another thing that you can do as a sustainable traveler is to spend your money with small local arts and crafts producers. While you’re overseas it’s always lovely to buy a few souvenirs to remind you of the great times you had. So when you’re shopping for souvenirs in Italy, always try to find products that are made by local artisans.

Avoid The Major Tourist Hotspots.

Over tourism is one of the least sustainable aspects of the tourist industry, not only in Italy but all over the world. ‘Overtourism’ refers to a situation when large numbers of tourists are visiting particular hotspots. This leads to significant environmental damage and build ups of pollution, rubbish and can negatively impact endangered species.

Venice, for example, suffered from Overtourism for several decades. The beautiful lagoons were heavily polluted and the frequent cruise ships that dropped off tens of thousands of tourists in the city dredged up and destroyed the fragile underwater ecosystem. This eventually led Venice to ban the big cruise liners but similar situations are occurring all over Italy.

As a visitor, you can choose not to take cruises and instead, opt to travel by sailboat! You can book yourself onto a yacht or other smaller vessels instead of taking the huge cruise liners to see the wonderful marine scenery.

For example, why not take a boat tour of the stunning Punta San Vigilio? Not only will you be able to explore Italy’s largest lake but you’ll also be keeping your carbon footprint to a minimum.

Generally, you should try to avoid the major hotspots and strike out on your own to find less well known attractions to visit.

Get Off The Beaten Track.

Of course, it’s only natural that you’ll want to see Rome and visit the well known cultural jewels of Italy, such as Florence, Venice and Milan. However, getting off the beaten track is one of the best things you can do to travel more sustainably.

Italy is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered and most of these are well off the main tourist trail. By taking the road less traveled you’ll find that you have a more authentic experience as well as helping to mitigate the impact that tourism has on the natural environment. What’s more, if you get away from the standard tourist routes you’ll have a truly unique experience during your time in Italy.

5 Ways You Can Be A More Considerate Traveler.

While you’re visiting Italy try to be as sensitive, gentle and considerate as you can. Some tourists are extremely thoughtless, with some even carving their names onto famous monuments such as the Colosseum! Of course, that’s not something most people would even consider doing but it is a reminder as to how thoughtless some tourists can be.

There’s plenty of things that you can do while you’re traveling in Italy that will make your trip more sustainable but won’t take away from your enjoyment or the experience of exploring the beautiful country’s heritage.

• Each day, take your own water bottle with you that you can refill when you run out instead of buying plastic bottles of water while you’re out. This is especially easy to do in Italy because all the towns and cities have fountains in the piazzas where you can access clean drinking water for free.
• While you’re staying in your hotel reuse your towels instead of handing them in to be washed each day! This may sound like a small action but it really can help to reduce the carbon footprint of the hotel, particularly if most of the guests are doing the same thing.
• If you want to ensure that your stay in Italy is as green as possible then you can book a room with one of the country’s emerging ‘eco-hotels’. These hotels take every measure conceivable to ensure that they keep their operations as environmentally friendly as possible by sourcing local products and installing energy saving utilities. You can find some beautiful eco-hotels on EcoB&B.
• Whenever you can it’s more sustainable and ecologically beneficial to walk or cycle around your destination while you’re there. If you need to travel longer distances then using the public transport system is a better option than taking a taxi or renting a car.
• If you do need to rent a car while you’re staying in Italy, consider renting an electric vehicle. This will reduce the carbon output of your trip and will help to support the budding electric car industry. One thing to keep in mind is that in many rural parts of Italy you might find it difficult to locate charging points for your electric car but in cities and towns you’ll have no problems recharging your vehicle.

Sustainable Travel Is Growing In Popularity And Scope.

The recent pandemic and the world wide shut downs, travel restrictions and regulations have given everyone a chance to reassess their lives. Many people had to put off their travel plans and the tourist industry has experienced some of the worst years on record.

However, as life slowly begins to return to normal it’s a chance for the world to embrace a more sustainable and resilient approach to travel and life in general. As public awareness of environmental issues and sustainability increase they are beginning to make more choices that support sustainable travel and the businesses within the sector.

This is a trend that will only increase in the future as concepts such as ‘regenerative tourism’ start to capture the public imagination. Regenerative tourism seeks to go one step further than its sustainable counterpart. Regenerative tourism aims to actually restore and renew the environment to its pristine condition while still enabling visitors to enjoy it.

Sustainable tourism benefits all parties that are involved; from the tourists who visit to the independent local businesses and the environment itself. The types of authentic experiences that can be enjoyed in sustainable tourism offer you a fantastic range of possibilities so next time you’re booking a trip to Italy you should certainly consider making your holiday a sustainable one.

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Green Italy: Eco-friendly Travel and Sustainable Destinations

As the first light of dawn caresses the undulating vineyards of Tuscany , painting them in hues of gold and amber, and the setting sun casts a soft, rosy glow over the historic Venetian canals , Italy reveals itself not just as a country but also as a masterpiece, where beauty and sustainability effortlessly converge. In this land where history is etched into every stone and tradition breathes life into the future, a silent yet profound revolution is unfolding. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is at the forefront of reimagining travel for a new era—an era where eco-friendly practices and sustainable living are not merely added features but the core around which the entire travel experience is designed.

This transformative journey across Italy is not just about seeing; it is about experiencing and connecting on a deeper level with the environment and the communities that make this country uniquely captivating. From the rolling hills clad in olive groves and vineyards to the bustling, history-laden streets of its cities, Italy offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that speak to the soul of the traveler seeking both beauty and sustainability.

The movement towards green travel in Italy is a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage for future generations. This approach includes everything from farms to restaurants offering dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients to eco-friendly accommodations that are ideal places to stay for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, Italy’s investment in sustainable transportation options, including extensive cycling paths and electric public transport, reflects a national ethos of respect for the environment.

Eco-friendly Accommodations

From North to South, eco-friendly accommodations are increasingly spreading throughout Italy. These places are not only reference points for those looking to travel consciously but also act as forerunners in the transition towards a more sustainable hospitality industry. An example of this is campZero , a resort nestled in the peaks of the Aosta Valley, redefining eco-compatible luxury for adventure lovers. Among the mountains, there is also Dietrichhof , a farm stay in the heart of South Tyrol, offering an exemplary fusion between ancient and modern, where natural materials construct a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation in respect of the environment. Descending in altitude to Cavriana, in the heart of the Morainic hills of Mantua, it’s possible to stay at the eco-sustainable gem, Relais La Casina Ricchi , an agritourism where solar energy and a biomass boiler power a wine tourism experience surrounded by greenery. La Fattoria Pieve a Salti in Tuscany is an agritourism that embraces sustainability, being powered entirely by renewable sources. Moreover, it offers immersive cycling experiences among the Sienese hills. For a low environmental impact stay in Rome, you can consider the Central Lodge Hotel , which places a strong emphasis on sustainability in every aspect of its operations, aiming to provide comfortable and ecological accommodations. Descending to Naples, an example of eco-sustainability comes from Hotel Cristina , which has a high-energy efficiency building and uses renewable energy sources. It also practices water-saving measures and waste reduction, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. The Arbatax Park Resort in Sardinia deserves a mention, too, extending into a natural park where Sardinian biodiversity is preserved through sustainable practices.

Zero-Waste Dining Experiences

The Italian culinary ethos , deeply rooted in the principles of “ cucina povera ,” has always embraced the use of fresh, local ingredients, minimizing waste through inventive yet simple cooking methods. Today, this ethos evolves as chefs across the nation innovate beyond tradition, creating menus that are both an ode to Italy’s gastronomic heritage and a testament to its sustainable future. 

In Rome, restaurants like Il Margutta RistorArte, a pioneer in the vegetarian scene since 1979, showcase how high cuisine can flourish under a zero-waste philosophy. Meanwhile, in the bustling markets of Naples, the age-old tradition of using every part of the produce lives on, teaching visitors the value of food and the importance of minimizing waste.

Conservation-focused Attractions

Italy’s dedication to preserving its unparalleled natural landscapes and historical sites has led to the creation of attractions that are as beautiful as they are sustainable. The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park , with its breathtaking mountain vistas, offers guided eco-tours that educate visitors on the fragile alpine ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts. Similarly, the ancient ruins of Pompeii now incorporate sustainable practices to ensure the site endures for future explorers, balancing the preservation of history with the needs of the living world around it.

Sustainable Travel Practices

Sustainable travel in Italy goes beyond where you stay and what you eat; it is about how you engage with the country. Choosing to travel by Italy’s extensive rail network not only offers you the chance to witness the country’s diverse landscapes from the comfort of your seat but also significantly reduces your carbon footprint compared to flying. The reduction is significant especially if the journey involves multiple stages, as in the case of a train from Milan to Rome, two of the most important Italian metropolises, loved by tourists from all over the world. In this regard, reduce your impact on the environment by traveling by train from Milan to Rome with a railway company like Italo, a real point of reference for high-speed travel. Engaging with local guides who can share the lesser-known stories of Italy’s cities and countryside enriches your travel experience and supports the local economy. Furthermore, participating in activities such as eco-friendly wine tours, where vineyards practice organic and biodynamic farming, offers insight into Italy’s innovative approaches to traditional practices.

The Future of Eco-tourism in Italy

As Italy strides forward on the path of sustainability, it extends an invitation to travelers worldwide to join in this journey. The future of eco-tourism in Italy promises to be bright, fuelled by the passion of its people for their land and culture and the shared global responsibility towards our planet. By choosing sustainable travel options, we not only witness the beauty of Italy but also contribute to preserving it for generations to come. In the end, sustainable travel is more than just a way to see the world; it is a way to change it for the better, one journey at a time.

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Rome Sustainable Travel Guide and 4-Day Eco-Friendly Itinerary

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Last updated on March 20th, 2023 at 11:42 am

A re you curious about how you can make your next trip to Rome more sustainable? Well, then read on for plenty of local sustainable travel tips for an eco-friendly itinerary in Rome!

Rome, Italy, also known as the Eternal City, sits at the top of the must-see list for many would-be travelers. However, some eco-conscious global trekkers might be wondering what the city is doing to curb its impacts on the environment.

Looking for more urban sustainable guides? Don’t miss:

• Munich sustainable guide and 4-day itinerary.
• Sustainable and slow 3-day itinerary to Venice, Italy.
• Alternative city guides that help diffuse mass tourism .

Green Transportation

Visit Off-Season

Urban Nature 

Explore Culture & History

Sustainable Shopping

Eating Green

Sample Itinerary

Share, Engage, Discuss

Eco Accommodation

• Rome Food Policy Project: Rome is joining the global fight against food waste. The project began in 2021 and encourages food system operators, from bakeries, butchers, supermarkets, and restaurants to donate surplus food to organizations that distribute meals to the homeless in the city.
• Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan: The city is hard at work addressing its mobility issues. Due to its unreliable public transportation systems the city is notorious for excess use of personal vehicles, leading to high levels of local pollution. However, Rome has lofty plans for improving mobility and reducing environmental impacts. By 2024, the city will   ban diesel vehicles from the city center and is in the process of constructing over 150km of bike lanes.
• Participatory Urban Garden Project: Fun fact: Rome has the widest urban agriculture area in Europe! To promote more resilient urban and peri-urban agriculture in the city, the URBACT project was started to fight social exclusion, poverty, and promote soil recovery in Rome’s green areas by teaching locals to use permaculture farming techniques.

Getting Around Rome: Green Transportation

Ask any Roman walking on the street what they think of the mezzi pubblici , they will scoff and shake their heads. Plagued by decades of disappointing reliability, Rome’s public transport is the bane of many motorless citizens. However, with the recent changes being made, the future of Rome’s urban mobility looks very green!

Electric Scooters and Bikes

In the midst of the 2020 Covid Pandemic, the public’s need for a safer form of transportation to avoid Covid caused an explosion of electric scooter and bicycle companies to pop up in Rome. Today, you can hop on a red Jump bike for €0.20/minute, a Helbiz bike for €0.07/minute, or take a scooter from Lime, Dott, or Wind for between €0.19-.25/minute.

Take one of these eco wheels for a spin on the new bike lanes along the Tevere River!

Public Transport

Though it is limited to only three lines, Rome’s metro system is impressively regular. Trains come every five minutes and can get you from top to tail in 20-30 minutes, where driving that distance would take over an hour.

Kill two birds with one stone while touring Rome! Experience the metro and learn some history and visit the “metro museum” in San Giovanni .

As for other forms of public transport, I recommend the trams. Though not as reliable as the metro, they’re a fun and quick way to get around. To experience some of Rome’s more modern history, catch one of the old trams on line 19 that go to Villa Borghese.

Lastly, to avoid creating waste with paper tickets, I recommend you use TicketAppy . Scan your QR code at end-cap metro terminals or just show the public transportations officers if they board your bus or tram to check tickets.

Walkability

You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Rome. Lucky for you, all the greatest sites in the city are well within walking distance. To stay hydrated, don’t forget your reusable water bottle at the hostel! Rome has free water fountains, called nasoni (for their nose-like appearance), all around the city. The fountains are fed by freshwater springs from outside the city so it’s very cold and tastes great. Better than any bottled water you can buy.

Travel Rome Off-Season

While most travelers are drawn to Italy in the summer for its beautiful weather and breathtaking views, travel during this season can be stressful, crowded, expensive, and uncomfortably hot. Traveling to Italy in the off-season can be a great way to avoid seasonal price spikes and contribute to a more steady stream of income for the tourism industry.

August should be avoided anyway since most Italians leave the city during this month. So when in Rome, do as the Romans do! Visit in the off-season instead.

Spring is one of the best times to visit Rome. The trees and flowers are blooming and the city feels vibrant and alive after enduring the cold and dreary winter. Prices will still be low as the weather can be a bit unpredictable at this time of year.

While Rome doesn’t experience the traditional four seasons, we do get a small window in autumn where the weather begins to chill and the leaves start to turn pretty colors. This is also the time of year for roasted chestnuts, which you’ll find street vendors cooking around random areas of the city.

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend the holidays in Europe, Rome is the place to go. While you won’t have a white Christmas in the capital (the photo above was taken on a rare snow day in 2018), Via del Corso, the main street of Rome, is decked out with lights for the holidays, and every year the city places a gigantic Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia. With the large marble Altare di Patria as the backdrop, it’s quite the view!

Rome’s Urban Green Spaces

One of the best things to do in Rome, besides visiting ancient monuments, is to spend some time wandering around the amazing parks and urban green spaces.

Villa Borghese Gardens

Take an afternoon to visit the most famous and well-visited of Rome’s parks, the Villa Borghese Gardens. Wander the park and visit the many little temples, fountains, and monuments as well as the Borghese Gallery and Museum, which houses some of the world’s most spectacular statues and art pieces.

Parco della Caffarella / Parco dell’Appia Antica

The park is so big it has not one but two names. Caffarella Park is a massive urban green space that spans 190 hectares and is used for a variety of outdoor activities including horseback riding, bicycling, yoga classes, and nature walks.

Villa Doria Pamphili

Want to feel like a Roman royal? Visit the Villa Doria Pamphili park, the former estate of ancient Roman nobles. Today the park is a beautifully landscaped green space, perfect for an afternoon picnic.

Roman Culture & History

Rome is considered an icon of Western culture. Luckily, Italians love to share their culture and Rome offers many activities for foreigners to learn about the local way of life and the city’s history.

Public Holidays & Events

One of the many interesting things about living in Italy is learning just how many minor holidays, in addition to the major holidays, Italians celebrate. If you’re lucky enough to be in Rome on one of these days you might even catch the Frecce Tricolori , the national acrobatic flying team. Check out this list of public holidays in Italy as well as 13 of the best events in Rome coming up in 2022.

You could spend years living in Rome and never run out of museums and archaeological sites to see. So to make it easier on you, here’s a shortlist:

• Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine Hill : If you didn’t go see the Colosseum, did you really go to Rome? This incredible trio of historical/archeological sites are a must-see on your first trip to the Eternal City.

• Museo di Roma : This museum exhibits an amazing collection of art essential to the story of Rome’s history and culture.
• Borghese Gallery and Museum : The Borghese Gallery and Museum houses some of Italy’s most famous and historically significant artwork and artists. Not only do you get to see some amazing art, but the building itself is a beauty to appreciate, too.

Local Life Off the Beaten Path

If you want to avoid paying high prices for mediocre food in the more touristy areas, or you just want to say you saw some unique corners of Rome, I definitely recommend a visit to the following neighborhoods.

• San Lorenzo: a little on the grungy side but chock full of unique character and incredible up-and-coming artists, and artisanal bars and eateries. Here’s a list of where to go for the best food in San Lorenzo (and Rome!).
• Quartiere Coppedè: Once you enter Quartiere Coppedde, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a weird Roman-Bavarian fairytale. It even has an entry in the Atlas Obscura !

• Ostiense: If you’re looking for a break from pizza and pasta, Ostiense is the place to go. This area is dominated by Asian restaurants as well as some super hip and trendy bars.

Hire a Local Guide

Another great way to engage in cultural education is by booking activities with a local guide. Meeting local guides in Rome and seeing the city through their eyes is a great way to embrace sustainable travel in Rome.  If you want a hassle-free way to find a local guide, check out the platform Withlocals. Withlocals is an easy way to find and book experiences with local guides. Rome has a great network of local guides excited to share their city with you. The best part is they are a B Corp and have a strong passion and commitment to sustainability!

One of the most fun and most sustainable ways to experience Rome like a Roman… is to go shopping!

Farmers Markets

The quintessential Italian experience, food shopping. Throughout Rome, you will find huge food markets that are a combination of indoor/outdoor wet markets. The best of these markets in Rome also happens to be the most sustainable: Campagna Amica . This market brings produce straight from farms in and around the city of Rome. The goods are sold at fair prices for farmers. Booths here also sell food products like fresh pasta, cured meats, cheese, jams, sauces, and even wine and olive oil!

Clothes Shopping

Stick to window shopping Via del Corso’s fast fashion stores. Rome has hundreds of little boutique shops where owners either hand make clothes or source items made in Italy. There are also tons of new shops popping up that are making vegan leather goods or creating clothes and other goods from RE(f)use !

Shopping Secondhand

The city of Rome has a number of places, small and large, where you can shop for secondhand or vintage clothing and other items. For a cheaper but more chaotic experience, check out Porta Portese (only on Sundays).

For more high-end options check out the MercatoMonti Urban Market which sells artisanal jewelry and clothing as well as high-end secondhand clothing. Monti also has tons of small vintage and secondhand clothing stores. My favorites are Fabrica and King Size Vintage !

Eating Green in Rome

In Rome, you will not just be eating more greens, but eating more sustainably, too. Many restaurants outside of tourist areas get their ingredients from local farms and food producers. There has also been an explosion of restaurants specializing in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, unheard of in the city just a decade ago.

Check out eateries like 100% Bio or Rumi Bottega Organica , which sells some great vegan desserts and organic products.

Sustainable Itinerary for Rome

Rome is one of those cities where you could spend three days and feel like you’ve been there a lifetime. This is not a rag on the city but rather a testament to how incredibly dense the city is with places to see and things to do!

While it’s generally good to aim for between 3-4 days in the capital, do consider extending your trip if you can and visit some of the areas surrounding Rome.

A good way to approach your travels to Rome is to check off the “big stuff” on Day 1 so you have more time to relax and enjoy the rest of your time in the city.

On day one, hit the big sites in the city center: you can see the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Campo de Fiori without even breaking a sweat. Get a spot of lunch in one of the piazzas and then take a walk down the Tevere river towards Trastevere.

Here you can meander the rest of the evening, soaking in the little neighborhood where it feels like you’re stepping back in time. Get dinner at Tonnarello for an amazing Cacio e Pepe and then walk next door to Piazza di Santa Maria Trastevere where you can find Romans and tourists alike enjoying a nice evening out.

Depending on what you’re more interested in, I would take day two to either:

• Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s basilica, explore the nearby Prati neighborhood, and visit Castel Sant’Angelo. Stop by Neve di Latte for a great cup or cone of gelato!
• Spend the day walking, biking, rollerblading, scootering, etc. around Villa Borghese. After you’re done with your walk, there’s a great pizza and pasta place called Al Forno della Soffita that can satisfy all your carbohydrate desires.

Use Day 3 to finally see the Colosseum. To be honest, you don’t need to even go inside the Colosseum, it’s really just as incredible from the outside. To get the best view, go to this bridge which offers the most optimal angle for photographs! Take the rest of the day to explore Monti and all its little vintage and second-hand shops, you will not be disappointed by the food in the area either, try Ce Stamo a Pensà .

Then, have a little rest at your accommodation if you need it and gear up for a fun night. Hop on the 3 tram or the green line metro and go to San Lorenzo to explore this quirky area and experience the unique nightlife.

If you want to go somewhere in Rome that’s truly unique, hop on the metro’s blue line and head south towards the EUR district in Rome . This district is considered Rome’s financial area but feels almost otherworldly. Its bold modern architecture, influenced by fascist ideology, is a complete 180 from Rome’s city center. The best way to explore this area is to wander around and google monuments, features, and buildings you find along the way.

When you head back to the city, take the same metro line and make a stop in Ostiense for some sushi at Issho Sushi Amazoniko , then head over to Taba Beat Ostiense for a coffee and admire the smog-eating mural .

Make sure to share and save this in-depth sustainable travel guide to Rome. Explore Rome with this eco-friendly itinerary for an authentic cultural experience that reduces your footprint. What was something you learned that you are excited to implement on your next trip to Rome? Let me know in the comments. Let’s get curious about reducing your impact and saving travel in Rome, Italy.

Thanks to Rome local, Lexi from Crossing Oceans for this awesome sustainable travel guide to Rome, Italy. Make sure you head over to her blog and check out her slow travel content.

Eco Hotels in Rome

Before you go, if you’re looking for an environmentally-conscious place to lay your head at night, consider these sustainable hotel options in Rome.

High-End Hotels

• Bio Hotel Raphaël is definitely a splurge, but their commitment to sustainability and great location makes them the best option for those with a bigger budget. The hotel serves seasonal, vegetarian, and organic food, they are locally owned and have a standing commitment to maintaining the building in an eco-friendly manner.
• Hotel Palazzo Manfredi is part of the small luxury hotels in the world. This family-owned local hotel has stunning views of the Colosseum. Housed in a building oozing with Roman history this is a great place for luxurious cultural connection.

Mid-Range Hotel

• Seven is a colorful boutique hotel. They have bike rentals and use renewable energy! Great location, highly-rated, and sustainable – win-win-win!

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Magic Guest House invests revenues back into the local community, works with local tour guides, and displays local art.
• Relais Roma Centro ask your front desk and they will share information about local environmental issues, tourist etiquette and they’ve ditched single-use plastics.

Remember to always look for Booking.com’s sustainable property award.

Booking.com

About the Author: Lexi Kassler

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10 comments.

Thank you so much for sharing these great insights. I enjoyed reading it.

I loved Rome. Also found that getting around was fairly doable. Walking was always an option, though not my girls’ favorite thing to do.

Great post, and your photos are so beautiful! I loved Rome when I visited a few years ago, and reading your post has made me want to go back.

I can’t wait to visit Rome & your tips for a more sustainable trip are very welcome. I’ll save this for later!

Great to see that Rome is really taking some positive steps towards the green movement. Loved reading about the urban green zones and gardens strewn all around this beautiful city, and I hope that this is something Rome can inspire other cities to think more seriously about. Thank you for this thoughtful post!

I have been to Rome a long time ago and would like to visit as an adult. I love your itinerary and all the things you have suggested. I love exploring the parks markets of places I visit. I always find that it’s a way of forgetting all things touristy.

Electric Scooters and Bikes are such a good alternative. Cycling, in general, is another option to slow travel. I prefer public transport during my travels as well. I didn’t know Rome receives snowfall too.

Thank you for this awesome post. Rome is undoubtedly a BEAUTIFUL, and thereby popular, place to visit. Sustainability, therefore, is particularly important. Walking is always my favorite way to explore Rome. I like your recommendation of visiting in the Spring.

I’ve never been to Rome but this guide has all the details I need to plan my trip! It’s good to learn the differences between the seasons and I think I would love to visit during Spring even if the weather turns out a bit unpredictable. Great guide!

This is a beautiful Itinerary, ad one I will be adding to our next trip to Italy, as much as the coast is lovely…the mountains call home for me…thank you for sharing…

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• Europe Tours
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Italy Eco Tours 2024/2025

The best eco tours in Italy. Below you will see 636 eco tours through Italy that are all carbon offset. Bookmundi offsets the CO2 footprint on behalf of all the multiday tour companies that we work in Italy by amongst others investing in wind, solar and tree planting projects around the world. In the future, we will continue to make our tours in Italy more sustainable and climate-friendly.

725 Eco trips in Italy

• Starts Venice, Italy
• Ends Rome, Italy

Highlights of Italy

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3759'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Hostel & Guest House
• Transport Train, Boat & Bus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,965
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 295
• Total Price from: US$ 1,670
• May 11 Only 7 seats left
• May 18 Only 5 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Rome, Italy
• Ends Amalfi Coast & Campania, Italy

Rome to Amalfi

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Volcanoes , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cruise 'data-more-tripid='3784'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Villa, Resort & Hut
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,750
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 412
• Total Price from: US$ 2,338
• May 08 Only 6 seats left
• May 12 Only 6 seats left

• Ends Florence, Italy

Gems Of Rome & Florence

• Activities Art and architecture & Food tours
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Coach & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,408
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 211
• Total Price from: US$ 1,197
• May 12 10+ seats left
• May 13 10+ seats left

Italian Express: The Best Of Italy

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Trekking and Hiking 'data-more-tripid='19728'>+2 more
• Transport Private Vehicle, Train, Boat, Ferry, Coach & Bullet Train
• Age Range 4-99 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish

• Ends Venice, Italy

Ultimate Italy

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Countryside and village visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits , Sailing, yachting and motor boating , Walking tours & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='4952'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Transport Train, Boat, Bus & Taxi
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,499
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 700
• Total Price from: US$ 2,799
• May 12 Only 1 seat left
• May 19 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Naples, Italy
• Ends Bomerano, Italy

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

• Activities Food tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Boat, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,323
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 148
• Total Price from: US$ 2,175
• May 18 Only 1 seat left
• May 25 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Catania, Italy
• Ends Palermo, Italy

Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

• Free cancellation
• Activities Food tours & Wine tasting tours Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='22521'>+3 more
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 1-89 yrs

Europe Escape

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat, Taxi & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,990
• Special Deal (28%): - US$ 846
• Total Price from: US$ 2,144
• May 19 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 02 Only 2 seats left

Italian Delights

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='37627'>+1 more
• Transport Coach, Taxi, Train & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,765
• Special Deal (33%): - US$ 908
• Total Price from: US$ 1,857
• May 21 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 04 Only 5 seats left

Jewels of Italy

• Activities Adventure
• Transport Coach
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,250
• Special Deal (14%): - US$ 170
• Total Price from: US$ 1,080
• May 19 10+ seats left

Best of Italy

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits , Cruise , Countryside and village visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3788'>+5 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,580
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 456
• Total Price from: US$ 4,124
• May 06 Only 4 seats left
• May 13 Only 6 seats left

European Highlights

• Activities Mountains & City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,560
• Special Deal (28%): - US$ 726
• Total Price from: US$ 1,834
• May 19 Only 4 seats left
• Jun 02 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Matera, Italy
• Ends Lecce, Italy

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

• Activities Food tours & Local culture Food tours , Local culture , Museum and gallery visits & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='7470'>+2 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,617
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 132
• Total Price from: US$ 2,485
• Jun 01 Only 3 seats left
• Jun 15 Only 7 seats left

Italian Discovery

• Activities Explorer
• Transport Bus, Coach, Boat & Ferry
• Age Range 6-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,100
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 186
• Total Price from: US$ 2,914
• May 05 10+ seats left

Italy Eco Tour Reviews

• Michael Fiaksel

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Ecotourism and sustainable tourism in Italy

As citizens, communities and countries around the world are becoming more and more aware of their environments, we as a global community are seeing more responses and efforts that recognise that we want and need to take better care of our planet. Most, if not all, aspects of life have an effect on the well-being of our environment, many industries, public and private, are now trying to reduce the damage that we leave on our planet. From improved infrastructures such as the expansion of recycling-bin systems to the ever-growing availability of electric cars. Every industry has their chance to make a difference, and that definitely doesn’t exclude the tourism industry. Ecotourism is the tourism industry’s response to being responsible for the planet with live on and the communities we live with. According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the definition of ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people” and this branch of tourism has hopes of “ mainstreaming sustainability ”

Ecotourism and sustainability in Italy?

Ecotourism aims to create positive changes in the world, especially those based around contributing to environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects of destinations and local communities. It further aims to protect the natural and cultural heritage of locations. Considering that, Italy has 54 UNESCO heritage sites , the most in the world, it seems as if ecotourism is needed in the country to preserve these locations for future generations. Ecobnb , an online travel community for sustainable tourism, explains some of the benefits that Italy has seen through sustainable and ecotourism. Firstly, economic advantages have been seen in Italy through sustainable tourism which has provided a boom in job opportunities in the country. Whereby locals have been able to work in customer service, in hotels or simply help with transport, working with taxi companies. But it’s not only economic advantages. Culturally, there has been work behind supporting the development and ultimately the preservation of tradition customs in the country. This not only helps these communities with funding for their cultural activities, but it protects them for future tourists, making them more sustainable. Finally, the social benefits of sustainable tourism. Through this revenue from tourism in the country, there has been an increase in the infrastructure, from renovated roads to improved sewage systems. This has, as a result, improved the quality of life in the country and only made it a more attractive place for tourists to visit. Ecobnb’s article sums up by stating that through sustainable tourism in the country it has seen quality growth that has allowed its heritage sites to remain pristine and well-preserved.

Top ecotourism stops in Italy?

One great example of ecotourism in Italy, is based in the already famous tourist destination of Cinque Terre in Liguria. Project Cinque Terre holds a “sustainable initiative” wherein tourists go to the beautiful location to learn about the impact of tourism on small towns like Cinque Terre. There are also activities such as helping locals build stone walls for the towns to help preservation their scenic homes. Moving just north of Liguria to the region piedmont there is a different and more luxurious end of sustainable tourism aiming to preserve a “slow food” culture in opposition to fast food. Vistaterra , a company dedicated to providing sustainable tourism with nature, cuisine and historic heritage at its heart, opened its resort last year. They provide luxury rooms for their visitors and they back the slow food movement, protecting traditional and regional cuisine, while working with local providers and businesses. At the other end of Italy, there is a similar story in Sicily. As Frommers calls it, there is a renaissance of eco and sustainable tourism in Sicily. The same local farming methods in the area have existed for centuries and now these farmers want to open the lands for tourist to understand and experience their ways of living off the rich land. There has also been many initiatives in the area dedicate to protecting the Sicilian marine life. Finally, a small story of a married couple in Tuscany which shows that this trend of ecotourism in Italy has really spread wide and far. Sadio and Donatella, a couple that combined their loves of animals and nature into a country house stay in Chianti, offer the lucky visitors that come, to take relaxing horseback rides through uncontaminated Tuscan countryside treks.

In conclusion to everything above, it seems that this relatively new and powerful trend in tourism fits perfectly with the FYI’s Mission to make every citizen of the world associate Italy with passion, culture, art, nature, food and wine.

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Italy’s 10 amazing eco-resorts

Dreamy swimming pools , gourmet restaurants , spas and luxurious bedrooms: for a relaxing holiday, there is nothing better than an eco-resort !

The eco-resort, like all the other eco-hotel, have everything that traditional resorts offer, but with one notable difference: thanks to the use of solar panels and eco-friendly cleaning products, water saving and recycling, an eco-resort reduce CO2 emissions , up to 90%, thus managing to respect the environment. The eco-resorts are usually also the most authentic places : they offer the opportunity to enjoy local food and learn about the traditions of the community. Let’s discover 10 most beautiful Italy’s eco-resorts, for a rejuvenating holiday from Trentino to Sicily.

An eco-resort overlooking the Ligurian Sea

20,000 square meters of botanical garden with a 180° view of sea: this luxury eco-resort looks like a paradise on earth. You can choose to sleep in a loft of 90 square meters, in the Orangerie or in the romantic suite. All spaces are full of charm, tastefully furnished with artistic details. Guests have access to a huge garden, barbecue, the organic garden, free parking, a spa and, on request, car, bike or boat for trips.

Eco-lodges on the snow in Piedmont

In Maira Valley a beautiful eco-hotel that consists of 13 separate housing units awaits you. The small mountain village has an unrivaled beauty and features a large common area, a wood-burning oven and a huge green area with games for children and outdoor tables. Around, a beautiful and pristine nature to explore.

Eco-friendly resort in the heart of Cilento

In Marina di Camerota, one of the most beautiful destinations of Cilento, a beautiful resort awaits you offering two and three room apartments, that can accommodate from 2 to 5 people, overlooking the garden. Here there’re the pool with Jacuzzi and a solarium. The resort is also the perfect spot to admire the beauties of Cilento, between its amazing beaches and archaeological sites.

Eco-lodges and chalets in the Dolomites of Trentino

Pineta Naturalmente   is a beautiful mountain eco-hotel, surrounded by the greenery of Trentino, within walking distance of Coredo and Tavon lakes. You can choose from a cozy chalet or a comfortable room in wood and natural materials. The Beauty Farm of the eco-resort offers beauty treatments, swimming pool, whirlpool, saunas, solarium and relaxation area with herbal teas, gym. In the restaurant you can taste the typical dishes of Trentino and many other flavors.

Eco-resort overlooking the crystal blue sea of ​​Sardinia

We move in Chia, ​​Sardinia, just a few meters from the beautiful beach of Sa Colonia. Here is Domus de Janas Beach Resort , an eco-resort that offers natural wood decorated rooms, a spa with turkish bath and sauna, hot tubs, swimming pool and lots of services such as rental of electric bikes, canoes, umbrellas and lounge chairs for the beach, baby sitting service and fresh bread to your room each morning.

Eco-resort with natural swimming pool in Tuscany

Surrounded by forests and meadows, Lebbiano Residence is a beautiful eco-hotel situated in the hills of Scandicci, at 300m above sea level, in a secluded and peaceful setting, only 7 km away from Florence. The Residence consists of exclusive apartments and a huge garden with gazebo, barbecue and a beautiful eco-friendly pool, free of chemicals.

An eco-hotel in Sicily perfect for a relaxing holiday

Viola Villa Resort is located in Gangi, a charming village in the heart of Sicily, and is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, almond trees, and the Mediterranean marquis that make the view unique. The rooms are warm and welcoming, the bedrooms are stylish and comfortable, the heated pool and outdoor solarium are perfectly integrated into the quiet scenery. Many possibilities of excursions and activities.

An ancient monastery in Umbria that is now an eco-resort

Eremito  is a special, magical place, dedicated to those seeking wellness holidays far from the chaos and pollution. The eco-hotel has single rooms modeled on those used by the hermit fathers, all with private bathroom and overlooking the stunning surrounding valley. The kitchen menu is exclusively vegetarian and organic. The relaxation area includes a swimming pool carved into the stone and a steam bath with stone benches and walls.

Yoga and meditation in an eco-resort in Apulia

The eco-resort Le Campine is an oasis of lush greenery just 10 minutes away from Lecce, in the Salento countryside, specialized in disciplines such as yoga, tai chi and meditation. Guests have access to a large park, a large swimming pool and a gazebo in the countryside.

You might also like:

Top 10 eco-friendly glamping in the world, digital detox, 10 perfect places to take a break.

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Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism in Italy

Each time you take a flight or drive a car, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere. You can help neutralize this danger to our planet through "carbon offsetting" -- paying someone to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by the same amount. Carbon offsets can be purchased from companies such as Carbonfund.org ( www.carbonfund.org ) or Climate Care ( www.climatecare.org ) among others.

Responsible Travel ( www.responsibletravel.com ) contains a great source of sustainable travel ideas run by a spokesperson for responsible tourism in the travel industry. Ethical Traveler ( http://ethicaltraveler.org ) is another excellent resource promoting responsible tourism practices.

Here are a few simple ways you can help conserve fuel and energy when you travel:

• Whenever possible, choose nonstop flights; they generally require less fuel than indirect flights that stop and take off again. Try to fly during the day -- some scientists estimate that nighttime flights are twice as harmful to the environment. And pack light -- each 15 pounds of luggage on a 5,000-mile flight adds up to 50 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted.
• Where you stay during your travels can have a major environmental impact . To determine the green credentials of a property, ask about trash disposal and recycling, water conservation, and energy use; also question if sustainable materials were used in the construction of the property. The website www.greenhotels.com recommends green-rated member hotels around the world that fulfill the company's stringent environmental requirements.
• At hotels, request that your sheets and towels not be changed daily . (Many hotels already have programs like this in place.) Turn off the lights and air conditioner (or heater) when you leave your room.
• Use public transport where possible -- trains, buses, and even taxis are more energy-efficient forms of transport than driving. Even better is to walk or cycle; you'll produce zero emissions and stay fit and healthy on your travels.
• If renting a car is necessary, ask the rental agent for a hybrid , or rent the most fuel-efficient car available. You'll use less gas and save money at the tank.
• Eat at locally owned and operated restaurants that use produce grown in the area . This contributes to the local economy and cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions by supporting restaurants where the food is not flown or trucked in across long distances.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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5 Tips for Sustainable Travel in Italy

This article is intended to bring a little more awareness to the way we travel and to show you how, by taking small steps, we can all contribute to a way of traveling that is more sustainable, supportive of the local economy and the local people, and protective of the natural and cultural heritage.  

Use public transportation

Or even better, walk. Most city centers in Italy are small and compact. Exploring them on foot is the best way to absorb the atmosphere of the place and notice things you otherwise wouldn’t. Plus, it helps you stay fit and splurging on pasta won’t feel as guilty!

When you need to reach somewhere farther, or for travel within cities, use public transportation. The bus and rail system in Italy is very good in terms of connections (a bit less in terms of being on time, but that’s part of the cultural experience). I have recently signed up with a trekking organization, which favors public transport to get to the hike’s starting point and I’ve been very surprised to find out how many seemingly remote places you can reach by bus and train.  

If you need to use a car, opt for the most fuel-efficient car available, which will also save you money on gas (and gas isn’t cheap in Italy, especially compared to the U.S.). Or rent a hybrid.

Stay at eco-friendly hotels, B&B and agriturismi (farmhouses)

Many properties now pay more attention to environmental-friendly practices, for example they don’t change sheets and towels every day unless it’s requested and use refillable soaps and body wash. This isn’t a time when it’s difficult to do some research online to find out if the place where you’ll be staying is eco-friendly. Find out about trash disposal and recycling, water conservation, and energy use.

When you leave the room, don’t leave the lights or the air conditioning on (although many places now have those switched off automatically when you take out the key card from the wall slot).

Also, a great way to support the local economy and therefore be more sustainable is to stay at family-owned or locally-owned properties, rather than at chain hotels. I recently stayed at a family-run, eco-friendly hotel in Trentino which even offers tours of the property to show their environmentally-friendly practices. 

Legambiente, a major Italian environmental association, has a website with a list of eco-friendly properties . 

Another great way to support the local economy is to buy from artisans and independently-owned shops rather than chains, or, even worse, sidewalk vendors selling illegally fake handbags, sunglasses and the likes. Artisanal tradition is strong in Italy, but of course it is suffering from an economy that is based on mass production. By buying from local artisans, you will help keep alive centuries-old traditions that may otherwise be dying. During a trip to Romagna last year, I discovered the shop of a brother-sister team carrying on the tradition of hand printing on fabric, a decorative folk art typical of the region. Their workshop dates to the 17 th century! What a great experience it was to see them at work.  

As for souvenirs to take home, Venetian carnival masks and Florentine leather are some of Italy’s most iconic ones, but also some of the most counterfeited. Laura Morelli , the author of several guides about shopping for authentic artisanal goods in Italy (and there are plenty!) says that the best practice is to “buy directly from the maker whenever possible.” You may even get the chance to see the artisan at work, and that would be an invaluable experience. 

Eat at locally owned and operated restaurants favoring Italian products. You’ll be contributing to the local economy and to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions since local food doesn’t need to be transported by truck or plane over long distances.

Also, eat what’s in season! Eating something that is not in season means that the product is imported, therefore not even authentic. Produce that is in season is much tastier and more nutritious anyway.

Prefer local dishes . The variety of regional cuisine in Italy is outstanding and trying local delicacies will not only support the local agriculture, but also helps you get closer to the local culture since culinary traditions are such an important aspect of life in Italy.

Travel Slow

Last but not least, slow down! Our usually hurried pace of life doesn’t need to be replicated when we travel – so, rather than cramming an excessive number of  must-see sights and museums in a few days, which only contributes to make us feel stressed for time even on vacation, how about slowing down a bit and actually savor the scenery, the heritage, the lifestyle of a place.

The enrichment of travel isn’t about how many places you’ve seen, but what you’ve gotten out of the experience. Have you come across a place or a situation that you’re really loving? Linger on even if your travel schedule says otherwise.

Walking is a wonderful way to put slow travel in practice. It will help you get closer to the life and pulse of a place. Italy has wonderful natural landscapes steeped in history  that call for exploration on foot – say a long-distance walk such as the Way of St. Francis , or shorter walks, such as in the Lakes area (we’ll be writing about more walking experiences in our Walking Italy series).  

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The 14 Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in Italy

Going green has shed its hippy image. When it comes to holiday accommodation, making sustainable choices no longer means sleeping in a yurt or dining only on mung beans. Today’s sustainable hotels recycle, reuse and reduce without compromising on style. Check out our roundup of Italy ’s best eco-friendly hotels and find out where you could be staying next.

1. starhotels e.c.ho, milan.

Boutique Hotel, Eco Hotel

Just a few steps from Milano Centrale station, the Starhotels E.c.ho boasts both cutting-edge style and ethical substance. The 143 rooms are decked out in the best of taste regardless of any eco-credentials – which are extensive. Materials have been chosen with careful attention to their production process and come from certified sources. Thermo-insulation and intelligently designed heating and lighting systems mean minimal energy is used while keeping your room comfortable and cosy. The restaurant – in partnership with Italian marketplace chain, Eataly – serves seasonal organic food, sourced from Milan and the surrounding countryside.

2. Villa Crespi, Orta San Giulio

Boutique Hotel

Villa Crespi was built in 1879 by Cristoforo Benigno Crespi, a pioneer of the Italian cotton industry. Following a business trip to the Middle East, Crespi created his very own Moorish-style hideaway on the romantic shores of Lake Orta. Today, the gorgeous parquet flooring and period furniture are enjoyed by guests looking for a luxury stay in a hotel which keeps an eye on its environmental commitments. Energy usage is carefully monitored to help avoid waste, rooms are cleaned by steam only and the restaurant – whose patron chef is TV’s Antonino Cannavacciuolo – uses organic, local produce where possible.

3. Ville Sull'Arno, Florence

Spa Hotel, Independent Hotel

With an arresting location on the banks of the Arno, Ville sull’Arno is a hotel already deeply connected to nature – so it’s no surprise their policies are geared towards safeguarding the environment. The building itself is well insulated while waste is collected separately for recycling and the kitchen uses produce from the local area. Guests are also offered free bicycles to explore Florence.

5. Hotel Cristina Napoli

Independent Hotel, Eco Hotel

Hotel Cristina is an A-rated energy efficiency building – a rarity in Italy where historic palazzi are regularly given the lowest grade. This modern build was constructed with reduced energy consumption and environmental sustainability in mind and a host of simple but effective policies help it to achieve its goal. The hotel uses only green energy and has air conditioning that automatically switches off when windows are opened. Situated in the western suburbs of Naples, it’s a little way out from the main sights but easily accessible by metro.

6. Relais Bella Rosina, La Cassa

The Bella Rosina is an 18th-century farmhouse turned four-star hotel set in the verdant grounds of La Mandria Regional Park in Turin , northern Italy. From the comfortable and refined rooms to the organic restaurant, the hotel follows a number of ecological policies. Heating is partially solar powered, cleaning products chosen for their reduced impact on aquatic life and biodegradable pens and paper are used throughout the hotel.

7. NH Collection Venziia Palazzo Barocci, Venice

Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel

A former Venetian Palace, Palazzo Barocci is set right on the Grand Canal and offers guests stunning views of one of the world’s most romantic cities. This chain of hotels has a comprehensive sustainability strategy that includes choosing low impact amenities and materials, the reduction and reuse of water and reducing the carbon footprint of guests. Since 2007, NH Hotels has reduced its water consumption by 31% and energy consumption by 29%. Their hotels, including Palazzo Barocci, go green by avoiding plastic bottles, opting for Fairtrade and local produce and choosing biodegradable materials. Palazzo Barocci also takes part in a number of events throughout the year aimed at promoting sustainability, such as M’Illumino di Meno, when the hotel facade is plunged into darkness to highlight the importance of saving energy.

8. Hotel Milano Scala, Milan

Eco Hotel, Hotel

9. Eremito Hotelito Del Alma, Parrano

Despite its bucolic appearance, eco-hotel Eremito is a modern build carried out using contemporary materials – organic where possible – and traditional construction methods. Located on the site of a 14th-century monastery, the hotel generates its own electricity and is furnished with natural materials like hemp sheets and stone washbasins. The vegetarian dinners are prepared using organic fruits and vegetables from the garden – and are taken in silence. That’s because Eremito offers digital detox breaks that promote solitude and contemplation. There’s no TV, phone or wifi but there are nature walks, horse riding and Gregorian chant workshops.

10. Relais del Maro, Borgomaro

Relais del Maro is an albergo diffuso, a concept that sees the hotel dispersed across three historic buildings in the town of Borgomaro in the northwest region of Liguria. Aside from protecting the identity of the local area, this style of hotel development has a low environmental impact as it promotes the sustainable restoration and renovation of existing buildings instead of new construction. The swimming pool – always a big source of energy and water consumption – is heated using solar-thermal panels.

11. Theiner's Garten, Trentino-Alto Adige

Independent Hotel

Seemingly situated in a picture-postcard, the Bio Vitalhotel is run by the Theiner family from Gargazzone in the alpine region of South Tyrol. The family oversaw construction of the entire complex, choosing local timber that was pieced together without chemical glues or cements. Upon opening in 2009, the hotel was awarded “Climate Hotel” status in recognition of its holistic approach to sustainable holidays.

12. The Mortola Tower, Mortola Inferiore

The Mortola Tower sits 150m (490ft) above sea level on the most eastern stretch of Italy, just a few miles from the border with France. Surrounded by lush botanical gardens, this historic tower is now a luxury eco-resort. Getaway to this secluded spot and enjoy an incredible view of the Ligurian Sea, beauty treatments, nature walks and fine organic food and wines. The solar panels, energy saving initiatives, recycling of water and electric vehicle charging station ensure consumption is minimal.

13. Josephus Alpine Lodge, Madonna di Senales

Resort, Eco Hotel

Characterised by textured stone walls, tactile wood paneling and simple yet rustic design, Josephus is an elegant modern alpine lodge. This stunning hotel was refurbished by local craftsmen using natural plaster and regional larch and pine woods. A geothermal system helps provide energy while the gorgeous surrounding meadows are maintained as minimally as possible – it’s often left to hungry sheep to keep the grass trim.

14. Agiturismo L'Adagio, Badalucco

Boutique Hotel, Garden Hotel, Suite Hotel

Full of character and charm, the Agriturismo l’Adagio is an old Ligurian-stone olive mill that now comprises of five suites, four rooms and a luxurious beauty spa. Be sure to book an extra virgin olive oil treatment that highlight the hotel’s connection with the local area. The hotel produces its own brand of oil – the leftover olive stones are used in the hotel’s heating system and olive leaves help to fertilise the grounds.

For more options, check out the best hotels in Italy , bookable with Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Guided Tours in Florence

Ecotoursitalia is the first and only eco-friendly travel agency in florence. we offer a variety of tours with low or no carbon emissions whenever possible., accessing the historic centre.

We have access to restricted traffic zones. The innovative electric cars can be safely driven through the narrow streets and bridges of the old town.

Environmentally friendly

We have invested in the future of renewable energy and we are constantly improving. We are the first and only eco-friendly travel agency in Florence.

With a vehicle suitable for everyone

Our caddy is an easy-to-drive vehicle that is safe for customers and pedestrians. It is very comfortable and suitable for families, young and old.

We are a travel agency and tour operator based in Florence

We organize guided tours with professionalism, experience and friendliness.

If you like to explore the city up close our walking tours are just what you need, but if you prefer, instead, a panoramic view from the comfort of a vehicle, there are our tourist golf carts that will take you to the characteristic places of the city of Florence . With our authorized tourist guides , experts in art and culture, we will guide you through an exclusive itinerary that will make your stay in Florence unforgettable. We take care of booking museums as well as creating personalized services for families and groups.

Popular Tour Packages

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Exclusive Guided Golf Cart Tour: Unveiling Florence's Treasures

An exclusive experience.

Explore Florence in an eco-friendly way with our Golf Cart Tour. Discover the main attractions with a professional guide and an ...

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Accademia Gallery Private

Private tour with guide.

Join us for an exclusive small group tour with express entrance at the Accademia Gallery. Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpieces with ...

Private Golf Cart Tour

Tailored private golf cart tour .

Discover the city on your terms with our Private Golf Cart Tour. Tailor your exploration to your interests, from shopping to culinary ...

Golf Cart Tour Extended

Small groups.

Explore Florence with an ecological 1.5-hour tour in an electric golf cart. Guide without making any noise between Santa Croce, ...

Sightseeing Bike Tour of Florence

Private sightseeing tour by bike.

A bike tour to discover the most authentic Florence! Thanks to our bicycles you can also reach fantastic panoramic points.

Golf Cart Tour Standard

Small groups with guide.

Ecological tour with golf cart in Florence: an eco-friendly tour that will allow you to discover various parts of the city and its ...

Uffizi Gallery

Skip the line ticket.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery with a certified tour guide: explore the Uffizi Gallery, the world's largest collection of Renaissance art. ...

Private Walking Tour

Private with guide.

Walking tour Florence: explore with a local guide the main points of interest of the Cradle of the Renaissance. Book your walking ...

ecotoursitalia, travel agency and tour operator.

Strictly green guided tours.

Environmental protection, care for people and accessibility are at the heart of our philosophy. Our electrically driven vehicles recharged with sustainable energy sources, brochures made of recycled paper, online vouchers to eliminate waste. We have chosen this path because we believe that small gestures can make big changes.

Contact us every day from 10am to 6pm

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Photographer, writer & environmental advocate.

I’m Lucie, a UK-based content creator. I love exploring and being constantly inspired by new things. Photography and writing have always been a way for me to express myself. Today, they help me share my adventures and inspire others to enjoy the outdoors whilst caring for our beautiful planet.

A vibrant blend of historic charm and eco-conscious living, nestled among picturesque canals and bike-friendly streets.

A sunny coastal paradise with golden beaches and charming villages set against a backdrop of azure waters.

A timeless marvel of romance and history, where labyrinthine canals wind between breathtaking architecture.

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Extraordinary ways to explore Italy

We are local.

Our team will open the door to an Italy that is experienced only by locals

We offer a curated experience

Enjoy Italy’s most important sights with a curated experience from start to end

We are loved

It doesn’t get much better than a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor

Our most loved tours

First Access Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + St. Peter's Basilica Access

138 reviews

Gain first access to the Vatican Museums and skip the lines. Immerse yourself in the wonders within these walls in a more intimate setting. Your experience will be elevated by an expert Vatican guide and an exclusive small group of 10 or fewer.This is no ordinary Vatican tour. Your itinerary is meticulously designed to unravel the stories, history, legends, and even secrets behind the Museum's most treasured works. Guided by an expert English-speaking Vatican guide, you'll fully appreciate the marvels the Vatican Museums offer. Cap off your visit with a special entrance to the Sistine Chapel, where your guide will prepare you to admire Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece.Your insider guide will optimize your visit on the day of your tour ensuring you witness the Vatican Museum's most important highlights.Ideal for first-timers to the Vatican, this tour covers the Vatican Museums; Sistine Chapel, including, but not limited to, the Pinecone Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, Room of the Muses, the Round Room, Greek Cross Room, Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps.At the conclusion of your tour, you will enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica, excluding Wednesdays and special events.

€ 159.00

Suggested by:

“It's worth it to wake up early and take advantage of the first access of the day into the Vatican - you are always a few steps ahead of the daytime crowds.”

San Clemente Underground Tour

Just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, you will find one of Rome’s hidden gems, the 12th-century Basilica and the archeological site of San Clemente. Visit this incredible place and navigate three underground levels which uncover over 2,000 years of history. The Basilica reveals a sparkling gold mosaic in the central nave. What lies beneath the Basilica remained a secret until 1860 when a flood led an Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist to discover the levels beneath.Today, the excavations are still not complete but you can descend 100 feet underground. At the first level is a 4th-century Basilica, which was long forgotten after the construction of the 12th-century Basilica above. Further down are the remains of an ancient pagan Mithraic temple, complete with an altar. Past the temple are the ruins of ancient Roman homes. All of this is incredibly preserved and was painstakingly excavated. At the lowest level, discover the underground spring which caused the chaos that led to the underground discovery.

€ 49.00

Kimberly Ann

“I love this tour because it's such a great example of the many-layered lasagna that is Rome, it is so cool to descend underground through history.”

Small Group: Stories of the Vatican Tour + St. Peter's Basilica Access

322 reviews

Uncover the captivating stories behind every masterpiece on our small group, Skip-the-Line Vatican Tour. With groups of 10 or fewer, breeze through the entrance, getting to know your fellow explorers before delving into the Vatican Museums.This isn't an average Vatican tour. Your personalized itinerary unveils the stories, history, legends, and secrets behind the Museum's most cherished works. Guided by an expert English-speaking Vatican guide, you'll fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Vatican Museums. Cap off your visit with a special entrance to the Sistine Chapel, where your guide will prepare you to marvel at Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece.Your insider guide ensures an optimized visit on the day of your tour, guaranteeing you witness the Vatican Museum's most significant highlights. Perfect for first-timers, the tour covers key destinations like the Pinecone Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, Room of the Muses, Round Room, Greek Cross Room, Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps during a typical Vatican tour.At the conclusion of your tour, you will enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica, excluding Wednesdays and special events.

€ 149.00

“The absolute best way to see the Vatican. The smaller group size makes it easy to connect with your guide and enriches the experience.”

Explore like a local

Our mission is to bridge the gap between travelers and the real Italy. Not only will you see Italy’s most important sights in the best possible way, but, with us, you can travel beyond that and experience Italy like a local.

Ponza Island Day Trip from Rome with Boat Excursion

139 reviews

Explore Rome's secret island, Ponza, on a day trip departing from central Rome. Avoid crowded, lacklustre beaches...

€ 169.00

Ponza from Anzio Day Trip

Planning a trip to Ponza? Meet us directly at Anzio Port and we'll take care of all of the tickets details for you. You...

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Endless changes & full-refund cancellation up to 24H

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The destinations we visit

Local guides lead the way

Each place has its own story to tell. Our team will open the door to an Italy that is often experienced only by locals

Professional Living in the city Friendly

7,500+ reviews on Tripadvisor

Caring A click away Expert

Our COO, leader of the pack! Cosimo boasts over a decade of events and tours expertise. Spearheading EcoArt Travel's operations, he embeds a people-centric approach into our tours, guiding our team of 15+ to consistently earn five-star reviews.

Favourite Saying

Today is just another day of all the days to come. But what happens in all the other days to come may depend on what you do today " Ernest Hemingway "

CFO & CTO, anything product & technology is under Kimberly's umbrella. With nearly two decades of experience growing tour companies, Kimberly is always on the hunt for the next adventure, ensuring travelers experience the best of Italy.

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde

Luigi, the CEO and founder of EcoArt, is a driving force in Italian tourism. With his deep local connections, Luigi has dedicated his career to sustaining initiatives that reimagine travel experiences,

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer." - Anonymous

Eddy is an archaeologist and speleologist, always passionate about paleontology and prehistoric civilizations. He loves art, traveling to mysterious destinations and above all everything about the 80s!

And when I squinted the world seemed rose-tinted. With half closed eyes things looked even better than when they were open (Depeche Mode)

Gina has lived in Rome for nearly half of her life. She speaks English, Italian, Russian, and Portuguese. She has a passion for history and the stories of people. Rome is not only eternal but also infinite.

Much of what we use today comes from ancient Rome. Discovering the past helps us better understand the present.

Stefano has worked in tourism since 1997, first as a Tour Leader, then as a City Guide for 12 years. He studied Tourism in high school and Languages and Literature at the University of Rome. He enjoys meeting people, traveling, and making connections.

Μεράκι : to do something with soul, passion, love and creativity and to put yourself in to whatever you do

Since 2015, Riccardo has been guiding tours at the Vatican Museums. He finds joy in photography, cinema, traveling, and martial arts. His favorite author is Haruki Murakami.

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe." Roy Batty in the science fiction film Blade Runner, 1982.

Sarah is an art historian and tour guide based in Rome. She sees her role as a mission to immerse people in the profound beauty and stories of Rome. It's not just a tour she offers, but an unforgettable experience of the city!

Art is not what we see but what you make others see

Lindy pursued her studies in Museology and Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands before relocating to Rome. With over 10 years of dedicated guiding experience, she possesses extensive knowledge of Rome and the Vatican Museums, navigating both expertly.

Nothing’s changed!

Oscar is an expert storyteller unraveling the layers of Rome's ancient past and modern charm.

My vocation is more in composition really than anything else - building up harmonies using the guitar, orchestrating the guitar like an army a guitar army.

Rosalba is a friendly guide sharing insider tips and captivating tales of Rome's timeless beauty.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso

Maria Laura

Maria Laura loves challenges and winning. Passionate about art, history, and fashion, her bedside table essentials include an archaeology manual, a novel, and Vogue.

Take life lightly, because the lightness is not superficiality, but gliding over things from above, without letting things weigh on your heart. Italo Calvino (Six Memos for the Next Millennium)

Hi! My name is Ilaria and I have been a tour guide since 2009. My job is my biggest passion and I am an incurable enthusiastic about Rome and is treaseures.

“One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things” (Henry Miller)

Friendly guide sharing insider tips and captivating tales of Rome's timeless beauty.

"Fammi Volare Capitano"

I'm Polina, a passionate guide from Rome. Every day during my tours as a historian and archeologist I strive to bring the past to life uncovering curious facts about this city where every cobblestone has a story waiting to be told!

"To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false titles, they call empire, and where they make a desert, they call it peace." Tacitus

Professional tour guide delivering memorable experiences amidst Rome's historical grandeur.

"What an artist dies in me". Emperor Nero

A passionate and enthusiastic tour guide with a sparkling touch. I like to lead a relaxing, informative and fun tour. I enjoy sharing my passion with people from other cultures and making sure you discover the best of Rome in order to bring back home me

Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller

Ciao a Tutti sono nata e cresciuta a Roma, amo l'arte e le persone, mi sono laureata è ho fatto del mio lavoro la mia passione.

"non si finisce mai di imparare, in arte. Ci sono sempre nuove cose da scoprire" di E.H.Gombrich).

Knowledgeable Rome tour guide blending history, art, and local insights for an immersive experience.

I can't change the world, but I can change the world in me (U2)

Hi everybody! My name is Adriano and I am a tour guide. I have been working in the world of tourism since 2006. I love to take people through the wonders of the Eternal City.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page” (St. Augustine)

The difference our guides make

26 Apr, 2024

Great experience

Great tour and Tour guide Mariarosaria was magnifico Sweet friendly and great guide Thank you My sister and I learned so much and enjoyed our time with you

TripAdvisor

Recommended tour

Federica of EcoArt is a great guide Our entrance was smooth and she is patient and friendly We have been to all the points of interest in the Vatican and ended our tour at the main square where you can stay as long as you want Recommended

Dream65661884043

Skip the line Vatican tour

The tour was amazing I would highly recommend anyone who wants to go to the Vatican museum to take this tour Martina was a fantastic guide and a wealth of information She was able to give us the history about many different sculptures and paintings This tour was worth every penny that it cost and more Martinez English is excellent She has a wonderful sense of humor and made sure everyone was ready to move onto the next area before we left

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© 2015 EcoArt srl - P. IVA 09935281007 - Iscrizione REA 1198809 - Licenza Agenzia Viaggi lettere A e B Determinazione R.U. 2232 del 24/04/2014 rilasciata dalla Provincia di Roma

Adventurer embarking on 'eco-triathlon' from Italy to England

ADVENTURER and TV personality Jordan Wylie has embarked on an eco-friendly expedition to travel from Italy to Blackpool.

The Whitchurch resident, who formerly lived in Alresford , is making the journey by cycling a wooden bicycle, paddling a kayak made from recycled plastic bottles, and running up to 3,000km.

He departed from the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy on Wednesday, April 17, travelling via the Eiffel Tower in France, before finishing at Blackpool Tower.

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The adventurer will make the journey to raise funds for the Army Cadet Charitable Trust (ACCT UK) which works to help young people learn new skills, build confidence, and earn experience in the Army Cadets.

Jordan has served as the national ambassador of the Army Cadets since 2018, one of the UK's largest youth organisations.

Part of the proceeds raised will also go towards a memorial wall in Blackpool, in memory of Jordan Banks who died aged nine after being struck by lightning during a football training session on May 11, 2021.

The triathlon will see Jordan cycle from The Tower of Pisa to the French Channel coast, before kayaking across the English Channel from Calais to Dover, and finally running from Dover to Blackpool Tower.

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He aims to arrive in his birthplace of Blackpool between May 11 and May 14, which will mark the third anniversary of Jordan Banks' death, and the 130th anniversary of the opening of the iconic tower.

Jordan's diet, route, and kit for the journey were designed by primary school children from the University of Winchester Academy Trust, with his bike sourced from coppice wood in Hampshire, and a kayak from plastic bottles collected by children across the county.

All funds raised will be donated to Army Cadet Charitable Trust, of which £3,500 will be distributed to pay for a memorial wall for Jordan Banks in Blackpool.

For more information, or to donate, visit: towerpower2024.com .