How do we know? Because they all have Biosphere certification, which is awarded for a commitment in line with the United Nations’ famous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This certificate guarantees that the places you visit respect the environment and take care of our natural resources for the future. If you want to be sustainable as well, carry on reading because all of the following plans are sure to be right up your street.

Some people think of tourism as a big set of visits and adventures bundled together and experienced in quick succession, but there are other ways of making the most of your free time, conscientiously, focusing on your wellbeing, paying attention to what you see, mixing with the local communities and concentrating on yourself rather than likes on social media. The sustainable options listed below are just a small selection of the extensive range on offer in Vallès Oriental. They are all projects designed with great care, focusing on all the details to ensure that you enjoy yourself through all five senses. Let’s get started.

The La Garriga Visitor Centre is a good starting point, as many great routes for walking or cycling through nature begin there. If you choose to get on your bike, just clip on your helmet and start pedalling. You’ll soon see that you’ll have no trouble at all to reach Figaró-Montmany, one of the entry points to the Montseny Nature Park and Biosphere Reserve. As well as the main track, to which access for motor vehicles is restricted, there are several trails offering walks suitable for beginners, such as the Tree route and the Vallcàrquera river route.

Before or after your walk or ride, it is a good option to spend a while strolling around  La Garriga to see the modernist houses in the Illa Raspall and, on Saturdays, head to the market to stock up on organic, seasonal produce from the stalls in the square.

After a bit of exercise, a good healthy lunch always goes down well. The team at the El Molí de la Torre in the town of Bigues i Riells del Fai know this only too well. This old mill converted into a small hotel and restaurant is full of charm and all designed with the utmost comfort and sustainability in mind. The owner, Carles, an engineer by trade, leaves nothing to chance and has restored the building to be energy efficient and preserving all the original features. Great care has also gone into the restaurant's cuisine and, every month, they offer a tasting menu made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that is sure to leave you licking your lips!

For an in-depth insight into the world of olive oil, we recommend visiting Masia Can Viver, one of the most historic landmarks in the old rural parish of Sant Mateu de Montbui. Since the 12^th century, generation after generation of the Viver family has lived off these lands, producing an internationally acclaimed olive oil. As well as running tasting sessions, to savour their meticulous and exquisite oils, the family opens their doors to you to offer you an experience that combines culture, history and gastronomy. Make sure you have plenty of time as one of the best parts is listening to the family’s stories as you discover all the secrets of the farmhouse.

It will be no surprise if you like the area so much that you decide to stay the night. Do you have a clear idea in your head of a typical Catalan farmhouse or masia? Well, that is precisely what you will find when you come to Can Burguès, an enchanting place surrounded by gardens and fields of hazelnut trees, exuding an atmosphere of absolute peace and tranquillity. Can Burguès is pure tradition and, since the 13^th century, it has been handed down from parents to children right up to the present day, all living off the land and taking care of it for future generations.

As well as agritourism and its crops, 100% organically produced, you will enjoy visiting the small farm with chickens, rabbits and a pig, which kids will love, before heading home with a basketful of delights because, as well as buying the eggs that you gathered yourself from the chicken coop, you won’t be able to resist the chocolate hazelnuts on sale in the farm shop.

Lastly, to round off the weekend and marvel at some fantastic views over the county, you should go up to the top of Puiggraciós, a great spot for sitting, breathing and, surrounded by the Bertí escarpments, calmly mull over everything that you are taking home with you from your visit. You will head home with your batteries recharged and a feeling of wellbeing that, when shared with your loved ones, is even better.

Check out all the sustainable tourism plans in Vallès Oriental that have been awarded Biosphere certification and embrace responsible tourism.