Seven of Europe’s Best Eco-Friendly Hotels

These eco-friendly hotels are pushing design boundaries and using the latest sustainable technology with reusable energy, upcycled furnishings and locally sourced materials.

These are Europe's most sustainable hotels

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Monaci delle Terre Nere

Sicily, Italy

Delve into the Sicilian countryside at this 19th-century villa set amid 60 acres of farmland. Rustic interiors of wooden beams and antique furnishings are finished using chemical-free paints and plaster. Energy is sourced from solar panels while the hotel's restaurant runs on a zero-kilometre (100% local) ethos.

Address

Via Pietralunga Zafferana Etnea (CT) 95019 Italy

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The Lefay Resort

Gargnano, Italy

Perched on the side of a mountain overlooking Lake Garda, this Italian resort prides itself on its eco ethos. Built with biocompatible materials and decorated with natural fabrics, Lefay blends naturally into its surrounds - 11 hectares of rugged terrain. Rainwater is recycled for use in the spa (which boasts five different saunas, an infinity pool and a tea bar), electricity is sourced renewably on site and the restaurant uses seasonal produce from local farms.

Address

Via Angelo Feltrinelli 136 25084 Gargnano BS Italy

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Arima Hotel

San Sebastian, Spain

Just 15 minutes from San Sebastian, this design hotel is hidden in the depths of the Miramon Forest. Respecting the natural environment it's set within, the hotel places sustainability at the forefront of everything it does. Rainwater is collected and reused, interiors are insulated and 77 per cent of the hotel's energy comes from aerothermal and geothermal power. Once checked in, sip on biodynamic wine by the rooftop pool before dining on local, organic food at restaurant Misura.

Address

Paseo de Miramar 162 San Sebastian 20014 Spain

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Hotel ZOO Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Built in 1889 as a private residence, this Green Globe-awarded hotel has been renovated to marry old-world glamour with contemporary, sustainable design. Historical elements from soaring ceilings to exposed brick and steel work have been restored and environmentally friendly technologies have been introduced. While all new additions are made from sustainable materials, wander through decadently decorated halls to admire antique furnishings (from enormous fireplaces to Baxter leather club chairs) before heading to the rooftop terrace for views across Berlin's skyline.

Address

Kurfürstendamm 25, 10719 Berlin, Germany

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Areias do Seixo

Mexilhoeira, Portugal

Committed to reducing its environmental impact, this hotel is built with locally sourced, natural materials and uses geothermal heating and air conditioning systems. Spend days relaxing in the spa, where treatments use natural products and oils to create a relaxing, eco-friendly atmosphere, and evenings dining at the restaurant, where food is sourced from the hotel's own farmers and local suppliers.

This image is on holiday

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Hostal Grau

Barcelona, Spain

This boutique hotel offers a green stay in Barcelona's historic district. Hanging plants dangle from ceilings and walls, recycled furniture adorns communal areas, mattresses are made from coconut-fibre materials and bathrooms are equipped with automatic water-saving taps. Minimally decorated rooms include whitewashed walls and wooden furnishings, and affordable prices prove eco-friendly practices don't need to cost an arm and a leg.

Address

Carrer de les Ramelleres 27 08001 Barcelona Spain

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Coco-Mat Eco Residences

Vagia, Greece

Lining the Aegean shores of Serifos, 13 historic miners' houses have been converted into environmentally friendly apartments. Using sustainable practices, the houses are decorated with upcycled furnishings, natural materials and soothing pale tones, placing emphasis on the sun-drenched surroundings. Borrow electric bicycles from the hotel to explore nearby Cycladic neighbourhoods before returning to apartments to raid cupboards filled with local produce.

Address

Vagia Beach, 840 05 Serifos