Travelling without polluting is possible

Given the growing concern about environmental issues and climate change, more and more people prefer to travel without polluting at all or as little as possible. Proponents of sustainable tourism try to avoid using cars, buses, planes and cruise ships, and when they can choose between different means of transport they choose the one with the smallest carbon footprint. Are you one of them? 

1. Ride on the tram

Did you know that the tram is the most sustainable means of public transport? Well, it is! The tram has become a clean, safe, fast, cheap and comfortable way to travel that takes you to your destination without you having to worry about calculating your carbon footprint. So before you start moving around the regions of Barcelona, study the TRAM lines in the area, since they connect various municipalities in the Barcelonès and Baix Llobregat regions, using 100% green energy. And if in addition to getting from “A” to “B” without generating greenhouse gases you’re also interested in discovering unique places, join the “TRAM Route” tourism promotion campaign. Among other highly recommended activities, you can enjoy a guided tour of the work of the Catalan modernist architect Josep Maria Jujol... and with a discount too!

2. Travel by train

Getting around by train is an excellent way to cut back considerably on the generation of CO2 emissions: according to experts, travelling by train produces on average four times fewer greenhouse gas emissions than travelling by car. So leave your car safely parked and make the most of the modern metro and railway networks of the regions of Barcelona: Metro de Barcelona, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya and Rodalies de Catalunya. Is a vintage train more your thing? Travel in style on the “Cement Train” between La Pobla de Lillet and Castellar de n’Hug, stopping off to visit special sites such as the Artigas Gardens, designed by Antoni Gaudí.

3. Sail along the coast

Do you prefer sailing, enjoying the smell of the salty sea and feeling the caress of the sea breeze on your face? Head to one of the many marinas and sailing clubs on the Costa Barcelona and you’ll find plenty of options for sailing along more than 100 kilometres of coastline. Wondering where to start? The Aiguadolç Port in Sitges has been awarded the international Biosphere seal in recognition of its commitment to sustainable tourism. You’re sure to find a boat to rent there, with or without a skipper. The most unspoiled coves of the Garraf region are just half an hour away, sailing north, but if you’d rather sail south you’ll reach Vilanova i la Geltrú, a perfect city for enjoying the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle.

4. Ride in a hot-air balloon

Do you see yourself as a fairly intrepid traveller? Ride in a hot-air balloon! You may be surprised to read that hot-air ballooning is a sustainable activity that generates a tiny carbon footprint. What’s more, it gives you the chance to enjoy nature from a different perspective. Would you like to see for yourself? Book an introductory flight and fly like a bird over the sea of vineyards in the Bages area, over the Vic Plain or over the crop fields of Anoia, to name just three truly unforgettable experiences to which you can treat yourself in the regions of Barcelona.


More information:

Barcelona Tourist Board
Baix Llobregat Tourist Board
Berguedà Tourist Board
Sitges Tourist Board
Vilanova i la Geltrú Tourist Board
Bages Tourist Board
Osona Tourist Board
Anoia Tourist Board