Italy is a beautiful country no doubt, both the natural wonders and the cultural heritage makes Italy one of the most travelled place on Earth.

But we all know that mass tourism is very harmful for the host places and so we all need to be more mindful when it comes to travel. In fact green travel practices should become mainstream.

Why Green Travel Practices Should Become Mainstream?

One of the primary reasons for adopting green travel practices is the reduction of carbon emissions. Transportation accounts for a significant percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, and by choosing eco-friendly options like trains, buses, or biking over flights or car rentals, travelers can contribute to climate change mitigation. Then, the use of sustainable accommodations that implement energy-saving measures, greatly reduces the consumption of natural resources. In addition to environmental benefits, embracing green travel promotes the preservation of local cultures and ecosystems. Travelers who engage in sustainable practices often seek authentic experiences, supporting local economies and helping to ensure that communities thrive without compromising their environment. This leads to a more responsible approach to tourism, whereby travelers respect local traditions, wildlife, and natural landscapes.

Looks like as if though, in Italy it’s already happening. Launched by Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio during the Green Pride of 2017, in Italy responsible tourism means not only respecting the environment, but also the promotion of local activities and services.

So here are a few tips how to make your Italy holiday more sustainable.

Buy local, eat local, be more Italian

Become an Italian and stop being a tourist for the time of your stay! Eat at locally owned and operated trattorias that use Italian products. Not only Italian, but LOCAL Italian! It will help to the local economy to strive and you won’t add to greenhouse gas emissions.

When buying souvenirs, make sure you buy from artisans and independently-owned shops – you will help keep alive centuries-old traditions. Pick out the artisan shops from the mass produced, made in China souvenir shops. The artisan items will stand out as one of a kind, plus the price is always telling.

Learn basic Italian phrases too. Making an effort to speak the local language, even just a few basic phrases, can go a long way. Italians appreciate when visitors try to communicate in Italian, and it often leads to more positive interactions. Simple phrases like “Grazie” (Thank you), “Per favore” (Please), and “Scusi” (Excuse me) can help break the ice and show your respect for the local culture.

Travel by train

Italy has a fantastic rail system. All interconnected with the wider, EU system too. Train journeys generate about 10 times less carbon dioxide per passenger than flying plus you’ll get to see all those spectacular views from the window. If you’re travel light and accept that timetables can change is any minute (especially on the minor routes), this is a perfect way to experience slow tourism. The coastlines, especially the southern coast and Cinque Terre is can be discovered on this very romantic way.

Visit National Parks

Italy has 24 national parks throughout the country, covering 5% of its total land. These are protected natural lands so there are set rules on how can we visit them. These rules are to ensure that the environmental values of national parks are protected and preserved while being enjoyed.

Some of the best National Parks in Italy are:

• Cinque Terre National Park
• Stelvio National Park
• Gargano National Park
• National Park of Abruzzo
• Belluno Dolomites National Park

Generally, like everywhere else, respect the environments. Stick to designated paths while hiking, don’t litter, and never disturb wildlife. If you’re visiting coastal areas, be mindful of marine life, especially during peak seasons when over-tourism can put pressure on local ecosystems.

Astrotourism

New to this? Astrotourism is getting big in Italy. An Italian project, Astronomitaly, has collected a list of the perfect destinations to look at the stars in HD, including Tuscany, Abruzzi, Sicily and Umbria. As you know, for being able to see the stars you need the sky to be clear, free from light and air pollution. This is a fun and very eco-friendly way of discovering special places in Italy.

Go off the beaten path

Whilst it’s great to visit the most famous places and sites like the Colosseum and Capri – these places are already suffering from the continuous, large number of visitors. So visiting smaller, lesser known places will help to alleviate the strain on overwhelmed tourist hotspots. Also, often less visited places and hidden gems are more likely to make you feel less of a tourist but more of a local – this way you can really experience of being an Italian for a week or two. A few ideas for this:

• San Fruttosa
• Matera
• Trieste
• Lecce
• Lenno
• Ovieto

The phenomenon of over-tourism affects many popular destinations in Italy. Aim to travel during off-peak seasons, such as early spring or late fall, to enjoy a more authentic experience and ease the burden on local infrastructure. Consider traveling to less-trafficked areas to discover Italy’s hidden treasures while sharing the experience with fewer individuals.

Learn About and Participate in Local Sustainability Efforts

Many cities and communities in Italy are actively working towards sustainable tourism practices. Engage with local initiatives, attend workshops or events focused on sustainability, or participate in eco-friendly tours. This can offer you unique experiences while contributing positively to the destination.