Traveling with an eco-friendly mindset has become a high priority for many globetrotters, who are
seeking to minimize their impact whilst enjoying new places. Luckily, Greece is the perfect place to
do just that. With its rich history, culture and vast expanses of natural beauty, there are numerous
opportunities for a sustainable and memorable travel experience. The mainland is a treasure trove of
historic wonders and breathtaking landscapes that are often overlooked in favor of its iconic
surrounding islands – but it has a lot to offer.
Here’s how to enjoy an eco-friendly trip to the Greek mainland.
Take life at a slower pace
With so many things to see, it can be tempting to hop in the car to cram in as many tourist
attractions as possible during your stay. However, the more sustainable – and relaxing – way is to
simply pick a few places and explore them at a slower pace. Hiking or cycling your way around is a
great way to truly immerse yourself in your surroundings, and will allow you to notice all the small
details that would simply go unnoticed if you were rushing.
If you want to make hiking the focal point of your break away, you have plenty of options. From the
there’s no chance of feeling like you’ve missed out by taking things down a notch and going at a
more leisurely pace.
Leave nothing but footprints
When you’re traveling, it can be hard to minimize your plastic waste. Unless you’ve thought about
it beforehand, you probably haven’t traveled with a reusable food box and cup in your luggage. As a
result, you’re often forced to buy plastic bottles, which you might not do at home.
However, you can still do your bit to make sure that the plastic you use on holiday doesn’t make its
way into the local ecosystem. As well as properly disposing of waste, you should also be cautious
about not dropping small bits of litter whilst you’re walking around.
nature. As tempting as it can be to walk into a field or to a certain point on a hilltop to capture the
perfect photo of this beautiful country, you’ll need to be sure you’re not disturbing wildlife or
crushing flowers as you go.
Buy local
Buying local is a great way to support the economy in the place that you’re visiting. However, it’s
also better from an eco perspective. Products that are made in Greece, particularly those made in the
specific region you’re visiting, will likely have a much lower carbon footprint than those imported
from abroad. Rather than buying mass-produced items in the supermarket, purposefully seek out
local bakeries and producers, as well as eating seasonal dishes in non-chain restaurants.
Not only will this mean you’re doing your bit for the planet, but the food will taste better, too.
taste dishes such as tzatziki, greek salad and souvlaki in the place they originated from. Take home
some local souvenirs like olive oil, honey or ouzo to let your loved ones delight in the local flavors
that define Greece’s culinary scene.
