Eco-Friendly Vacation Tips At The Beautiful Amalfi Coast

Some destinations are perfect for ecotourists. Their main attractions are natural and you don’t need to drive everywhere to enjoy everything they have to offer. You can spend whole days relaxing without draining electricity. Then you realize they’re packed with tourists and the facade crumbles. No matter how eco-friendly a region tries to be, millions of tourists will lay all protections to waste.

This is mostly the case with the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s most spectacular stretch of coastline. You can go there simply for the gorgeous views and you don’t have to leave any area to enjoy a revitalizing vacation. But while the ecology of the region is somewhat self-protecting (its mountains keep the climate stable and the air clear), and the region’s governance is doing its part to keep it green, the sheer number of tourists makes sustainability difficult.

This does not, however, mean you should avoid the Amalfi Coast. On the contrary, in terms of tourist-heavy destinations, it is one of the greenest vacation spots. You can find an eco-friendly villa when you stay with Luxury Retreats and practice the following strategies to improve rather than damage the environment.

Save water when possible

You shouldn’t just try to save water during a drought. When rain is scare, you need to be even more careful. When it is pouring throughout the year, you feel you don’t need to bother. Unfortunately, it is almost never this simple. Water preservation, as with preservation in general, is an important practice no matter the climate.

This is because while there may be plenty of water available, catchment and purification do take a toll on the environment. Furthermore, while there may be ample drinking water, there is still a high risk of a drought. Groundwater sounds like a great, sustainable idea, but when too much water is removed from the ground, soil loses nourishment and the ground may even start to sink.

When staying on the Amalfi Coast, you’re probably not going to hear too much about saving water. But the authorities are doing their best to promote healthy water practices in hotels and resorts and you should follow their lead. Drought-stricken regions are not the only ones that need us to be mindful of how much water we use.

Walking tours are ideal

One of the most fundamental ecotourism practices is to choose walking tours when you can. No matter where you go, this should be top of mind. The good news is that, at the Amalfi Coast, walking tours are actually the ideal option even for those who are not all that concerned about the environment.

There are many walking tours that are relatively easy and will only take three to four hours (and can be biked as well). These tours will take you through some incredible scenery and to villages that are only reachable by foot

Furthermore, you can hike through areas like the Vesuvius National Park, which is home to Mount Vesuvius, the famous volcano that destroyed Pompeii. There are many excellent trails you can take, all of which will show you different parts of the complex ecosystem around the volcano.

Find out where to avoid

No matter how much effort a government puts into preserving its natural resources, there will always be those on the lookout to exploit them. This is true along the Amalfi Coast where big businesses, funded by organized crime, have encroached on protected land using the finances at their disposal along with methods such as arson to prise away their own pieces of precious real estate.

You can do your part by avoiding dodgy hotels and restaurant complexes. Find out in advance which hotels and resorts are following recommended water preservation and sewage management guidelines. Try to learn more about the situation with organized crime and which areas have been targeted (and taken over).

Learning about the context of a place, including its political and socioeconomic realities, before visiting is key to ensuring you keep your trip as sustainable as possible.

Spend your money wisely

Of course, one of the most direct ways you can contribute to environmental protection is by spending money at establishments you can count on to use it responsibly. For example, you can start by visiting the various national parks throughout the Amalfi Coast region. The Vesuvius National Park will use the money you spend on upkeep of the area and to fight its threats. Nearby Cilento – Italy’s second largest national park – is the perfect area to spend a number of days.

Also, visit restaurants and resorts that function on sustainable principles. By supporting a restaurant that farms its own vegetables, you’re contributing to its success as an eco-friendly establishment.

Finally, consider supporting agriturismo farms, which make extra money by gearing themselves towards tourism (including accommodation and restaurants) during peak season. These establishments are protected by the government from exploitation by corporations and crime organizations.

Be yourself

Wherever you travel in the world, for whatever purpose, it is important that you continue your green living practices as usual. Simply acting on vacation like you do when you’re in your own home, you’re at the very least not worsening the situation.

It is all-too-easy to give your responsible side a break during a vacation. But it is exactly at these times when that side of you is most important. Travel to the Amalfi Coast, and when you do, make sure you contribute to the growing ecotourism culture.

Make Sustainability a Focus on Your Trip to Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast is a great place to visit if you are an eco-tourist. There are a lot of great things to do. The best part is that it is a good place to visit to show your support for the environment. However, you need to still need to be careful to keep your trip sustainable.