Enter the 2026 Campsite of the Year contest! HERE.
Enter the 2026 Campsite of the Year contest! HERE
Enter the 2026 Campsite of the Year contest! HERE.
Enter the 2026 Campsite of the Year contest! HERE
There is another way to travel. A way that is not simply about visiting a place, but about getting to know it, understanding it and respecting it.
The Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees are among the best places to enjoy ecotourism in Catalonia. Within just a few kilometres, you can go from walking along cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean to exploring ancient forests, volcanoes, rivers or Pyrenean peaks. All of this is surrounded by outstanding natural, scenic and cultural wealth.
Staying at a campsite in Girona is one of the best ways to discover this setting. Sleeping surrounded by nature allows you to begin your activities right where you are, reduce travel and enjoy every corner at a more relaxed pace.
If you are looking for ideas for enjoying ecotourism in Catalonia, these experiences will help you discover Girona in a more authentic and respectful way.
Ecotourism is a way of travelling that places nature and the local area at the heart of the experience. It is not simply about visiting natural spaces, but about doing so respectfully, minimising environmental impact and helping to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of each destination.
Choosing low-impact activities, consuming locally sourced products, respecting ecosystems and staying in accommodation committed to sustainability are some of the actions that form part of this way of understanding travel.
Girona offers all these conditions thanks to its extraordinary diversity of landscapes: natural parks, greenways, rivers, forests, charming villages and a unique coastline.
Few routes capture the essence of the Costa Brava better than the Camí de Ronda.
Walking beside the sea allows you to discover small coves, natural viewpoints and landscapes that can only be reached on foot. It is also a peaceful and sustainable way to explore the coastline.
Some of the most recommended sections include the Camí de Ronda from S’Agaró to Sa Conca, which is ideal for families, and the route from Roses to Cala Montjoi, which crosses part of Cap de Creus Natural Park and offers spectacular views of the coast.
The Girona greenways are one of the best options for enjoying ecotourism as a family.
Following former railway lines, these routes allow you to cycle through forests, farmland, villages and volcanic landscapes, with no major climbs and away from traffic.
One of the best known is the Carrilet Greenway, which connects Olot with Girona through the Vall d’en Bas and some of the Garrotxa’s most characteristic landscapes.
It is an ideal activity for both couples and families who want to discover the area in an active and sustainable way.
Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly activities.
On the Costa Brava, it allows you to discover sea caves, small coves and cliffs that are inaccessible from land, while inland rivers offer a completely different perspective on Girona’s landscapes.
Around the River Ter, particularly near Colomers, you can follow kayaking routes that reveal the landscape from a different perspective.
A perfect experience combining kayaking and nature.
The clear waters of the Costa Brava are home to exceptional biodiversity.
Going snorkelling on the Costa Brava is a simple way to discover it while always respecting the marine environment.
Places such as the coast of Cap de Creus and the area around Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and Baix Ter offer some of the finest seabeds in the Mediterranean.
To preserve them, it is important not to touch marine fauna or flora, avoid stepping on seagrass meadows and observe the ecosystem respectfully.
Much of the region’s natural heritage is protected as part of a natural park.
Essential places include:
These places allow you to discover some of the most beautiful natural parks in Girona while enjoying nature responsibly.
The Garrotxa is one of the most representative destinations for discovering ecotourism in Catalonia, thanks to its natural and volcanic heritage.
Walking through the forests of Fageda d’en Jordà, climbing the Croscat volcano or wandering through the medieval streets of Santa Pau is a way to discover an area where nature and history exist in perfect harmony.
The region is also known for its local cuisine and the many local producers who work with zero-kilometre products.
It is an ideal getaway for combining hiking, heritage and excellent food.
After dark, some places in the Girona Pyrenees offer excellent conditions for observing the night sky.
Far from light pollution, gazing at the stars is a peaceful way to connect with nature and discover the landscape from another perspective.
You can also stay at a campsite with Starlight certification, a distinction that recognises places particularly well suited to astronomical observation. Currently, TAIGA Bassegoda Park, in Alta Garrotxa, and wecamp Cadaqués, in Cap de Creus Natural Park, hold this certification.
Staying at a campsite allows you to enjoy this experience without rushing: simply step outside and let the night do the rest.
Ecotourism is also about pausing to observe.
The Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park is one of Catalonia’s most important areas for birdwatching. Hundreds of resident and migratory species can be seen throughout the year from the designated hides or along the signposted trails.
It is a peaceful activity suitable for all ages and perfect for reconnecting with nature without disturbing it. All you need to do is walk, listen and let the rhythm of the landscape surprise you.
Ecotourism also extends to the table.
Choosing locally sourced products, visiting small producers and discovering local cuisine are ways to support the area’s economy and better understand its identity.
In the Garrotxa, for example, volcanic cuisine showcases seasonal ingredients and zero-kilometre products. In the Empordà, local markets, artisan cheeses, wines from the Empordà Designation of Origin and olive oil are part of a culinary experience deeply connected to the landscape.
If you enjoy discovering an area through its wine, you can stay at a campsite with the Land of Wines label. These establishments are an excellent starting point for visiting wineries, learning about the Empordà’s winemaking culture and enjoying wine tourism experiences connected to the landscape and local producers.
Travelling also means discovering the flavours that tell the story of a place.
When you stay at a campsite, nature stops being merely somewhere you visit and becomes part of your holiday.
Waking up surrounded by forests, having breakfast outdoors or setting off on foot or by bicycle along a route makes the experience much more authentic.
Girona’s campsites are the ideal starting point for discovering the Costa Brava, the Pyrenees and inland areas at your own pace. Many are located near natural parks, greenways, sections of the Camí de Ronda or charming villages, helping you reduce travel and enjoy the area more responsibly.
Whether you prefer to stay at a campsite in the Pyrenees or on the Costa Brava, you will find ideal options for discovering the area in a way that is more respectful of the environment.
Girona’s campsites work together to promote tourism that is increasingly respectful of the area and to preserve the natural environment around them.
As part of this commitment, some establishments hold the Green Life label, a distinction identifying campsites with sustainability certification that promote initiatives designed to use natural resources more efficiently, encourage good environmental practices and raise visitors’ awareness of the importance of caring for the environment.
These initiatives include measures related to the responsible use of water and energy, promoting recycling, introducing renewable energy and activities for discovering local flora and fauna.
To make your holiday even more closely aligned with the values of ecotourism, you can view the campsites that hold the Green Life label.
Ecotourism is much more than taking part in outdoor activities. It means walking along a Camí de Ronda without leaving a trace. It means kayaking while respecting the river. It means observing wildlife without disturbing it. It means buying from a small producer who keeps a traditional craft alive or choosing accommodation committed to the area.
The Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees offer countless opportunities to enjoy these kinds of experiences.
And campsites are the best starting point for discovering them.
Because the best holidays are not only those that allow you to switch off, but also those that connect you with nature, people and the place that welcomes you.
Ecotourism is a way of travelling based on respect for the natural environment and local communities. Its aim is to discover an area while minimising environmental impact and contributing to its conservation.
Recommended activities include hiking along the Camí de Ronda, cycling on the greenways, kayaking, snorkelling, birdwatching, excursions in natural parks and visits to local producers.
Yes. Many activities are ideal for families, including the greenways, easy sections of the Camí de Ronda, excursions in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, kayaking on calm waters and visiting the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà.
Campsites allow you to stay in the heart of nature, close to numerous natural spaces, routes and outdoor activities, making them an excellent option for discovering the area.
Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, cycling and observing nature. Even so, summer is also perfect for kayaking, snorkelling or walking the Camí de Ronda, while winter offers another perspective on the Girona Pyrenees.