Sustainable Accommodations in Europe: How to Identify and Find Truly Sustainable Places to Stay

Sustainable lodging means staying at a property that demonstrably uses energy, water, and raw materials efficiently, sources supplies locally, treats its staff fairly, and protects the local natural environment and culture. The difference from a regular hotel isn’t a lack of comfort, but rather choices that you, as a guest, often don’t see. A certification or an independent audit makes those choices verifiable.

Why choose Nature Travel Lab?

• Nature Travel Lab features over 100 sustainable accommodations in 8 European countries, from Norway to Sicily.
• Each location is evaluated against its own list of 6 criteria, based on the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
• About one in five applications does not meet the requirements and is rejected.
• Profiles are reviewed and updated at least once a year.
• Almost all of them are small-scale accommodations: eco-lodges, family-run B&Bs, agriturismos, and nature hotels.

Updated on October 9, 2026, by Madelon Seignette

How can you tell if a place to stay is sustainable?

A sustainable accommodation can demonstrate exactly what it does. Vague terms like “green” or “eco” don’t mean much; measures, figures, and certifications do. Keep these five points in mind:

1. Energy. Electricity from the sun, wind, or water; a heat pump; good insulation. Ask whether the energy is purchased from green sources or generated on-site.
2. Water and Waste. Handdoeken en lakens alleen op verzoek, spaardouches, opvang van regenwater, geen wegwerpverpakkingen bij het ontbijt.
3. Food and Purchasing. Seizoensproducten uit de streek, een eigen moestuin, vegetarische opties, fairtrade voor wat van ver komt.
4. People. Personeel uit de regio met een eerlijk contract, samenwerking met lokale gidsen en boeren, steun aan projecten in de omgeving.
5. Nature and the Environment. Geen bestrijdingsmiddelen, inheemse beplanting, bereikbaar met trein of bus, fietsen of laadpalen voor gasten.

We also look for small-scale operations and character: eco-lodges, (family-run) B&Bs, and nature retreats with a compelling story. Two signs of greenwashing: using CO₂ offsetting as the sole sustainability claim, and implementing a single visible measure (no plastic straws) without further explanation. An honest business also admits what it hasn’t been able to achieve yet.

What certification programs are available for sustainable lodging?

In Europe, there are five names you come across most often. The GSTC does not issue its own certification mark, but sets the global standard and recognizes certification marks that meet it.

Note: The absence of a certification label does not automatically mean a business is not sustainable. For small family-owned businesses, certification is often too expensive; that is why Nature Travel Lab also evaluates businesses without a label. More about labels: Ecohotel: Tips and Labels.

Here’s how Nature Travel Lab selects sustainable accommodations

Of all the accommodations that apply, about 20 percent are rejected. The selection now includes more than 100 locations. Each accommodation goes through the same steps:

1. Registration. De eigenaar antwoordt vragen over energie, water, afval, inkoop, personeel en omgeving.
2. Evidence. We vragen om certificaten, foto’s en cijfers, zoals energieverbruik of het aandeel lokale producten.
3. Conversation. We spreken de eigenaar en bezoeken een deel van de adressen zelf.
4. Assessment. The property is evaluated based on the GSTC criteria from our own list. The threshold is at least 2 criteria.
5. Icons. Op de accommodatiepagina zie je in welke van de zes categorieën een adres sterk is.
6. Annual inspection. Profiles are updated at least once a year. Anyone who no longer meets the criteria is removed from the site.

The most common reasons for rejection: too large in scale and compensation only.

Six categories: What are the strengths of a lodging option?

Elke accommodatie krijgt iconen voor de categorieën waarin ze aantoonbaar goed scoort.

Sustainable Accommodations by Country: Examples from the Selection

At The Nest by Cooking & Nature Hotels in Alvados, Portugal, I noticed during my visit, for example, that the building is made entirely of wood, with natural temperature control, wellness and yoga facilities, a zero-waste policy in the kitchen, and no plastic.

How to Make an Impact with Your Booking

The biggest savings come from how you travel and where you book. Four steps:

1. Choose what matters most to you. Filter op de categorieën en vergelijk per verblijf welke maatregelen er echt zijn.
2. Book direct with the owner. With Nature Travel Lab, you book direct with the accommodation, without a booking platform in between. That way, more money stays in the region.
3. Travel by train whenever possible. Kies een adres dat met openbaar vervoer bereikbaar is en vraag naar korting bij aankomst per trein, waar die wordt aangeboden.
4. Stay a little longer. Minder wisselingen betekent minder vervoer en minder schoonmaak, en je leert de omgeving beter kennen.

View all sustainable accommodations in Europe

Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Accommodations

What is sustainable lodging? Sustainable lodging means staying at a property that demonstrably conserves energy, water, and raw materials, sources supplies locally, treats its staff fairly, and protects the environment. It’s about the entire business operation, not just a single measure. A certification mark or independent audit makes these claims verifiable.

How can you tell if a hotel is sustainable? A sustainable hotel can demonstrate concrete actions it takes: green energy, water conservation, local sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental stewardship. Look for a recognized certification such as Green Key, the EU Ecolabel, or Travelife, or for a program that evaluates properties itself. Vague terms like “eco” without further explanation are a red flag.

What sustainability certifications are available for accommodations in Europe? The best-known ones are Green Key, the EU Ecolabel, Travelife, and Biosphere. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sets the international criteria and recognizes certification programs that meet them. Small family-run businesses often do not have a certification because it is expensive; that does not necessarily say anything about their commitment.

Is sustainable lodging more expensive? No, not necessarily. Many sustainable measures, such as solar panels and water conservation, actually lower costs. Price differences are more often due to small scale, location, and service than to sustainability. The Nature Travel Lab selection includes accommodations ranging from simple to luxurious, from 1- to 5-star categories.

Is sustainable lodging less luxurious? No. The sustainable choices are mainly made behind the scenes: in energy, procurement, and construction. In fact, many sustainable accommodations are boutique hotels or designer lodgings with saunas, excellent cuisine, and plenty of space.

How can you spot greenwashing at accommodations? You can spot greenwashing by grandiose claims without evidence. Signs include: claiming only CO₂ offsets, a single, eye-catching measure without further explanation, or a self-invented “eco” label. An honest accommodation lists specific measures and also explains what hasn’t worked yet.

What is the difference between an eco-hotel, an eco-lodge, and an agriturismo? An eco-hotel is a hotel with an active sustainability policy. An eco-lodge is usually smaller, located in the heart of nature, and built with natural or local materials. An agriturismo is a working farm in Italy where you stay overnight and eat food grown on the farm; it isn’t necessarily sustainable, but it’s often small-scale and locally operated.

Where can you find sustainable accommodations in Europe? Nature Travel Lab offers a selection of over 100 sustainable accommodations in Europe, including in Italy, Portugal, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, and Finland. Each property has been assessed against the GSTC criteria and features icons that highlight its strengths. You book direct with the owner.

How does Nature Travel Lab determine whether an accommodation is sustainable? Each listing provides supporting documentation, such as certificates, photos, and ratings, and is evaluated against the GSTC criteria and a set of proprietary criteria. Approximately 20 percent of applications are rejected. Profiles are reviewed at least once a year.

Can you reach sustainable accommodations by train? Yes, some of the accommodations are located near a train station or are accessible by train and bus, such as the Oasi Eco Boutique Hotel in Levanto in the Cinque Terre. Some properties offer a discount for guests arriving by train. Be sure to ask about this when booking.

Does Nature Travel Lab engage in CO₂ offsetting? Nature Travel Lab focuses first on avoiding and reducing emissions. Offsetting is a supplementary measure, never the primary solution. Nature Travel Lab contributes financially to the Delta Plan for Biodiversity Restoration for nature restoration in the Netherlands.

Inspiration: What a Unique and Sustainable Stay Looks Like

Here are a few more examples from our selection.

• Sagna Rotonda, Piedmont, Italy: a restored historic village on a mountain, built with local materials, featuring its own vegetable garden and serving local cuisine.
• The Vagar, Central Portugal: mountain shelters and rooms in inland Portugal. Built with sustainable, eco-friendly materials, featuring a charging station, local products, and mindful nature experiences.
• Drumlerhof in South Tyrol, Italy: Philosophy of the Economy for the Common Good, organic cuisine, products from the farm, biomass heating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Accommodations

Is sustainable lodging less luxurious?
No. Comfort is the top priority; the difference lies in the conscious choices made behind the scenes (energy, water, procurement, well-being).

How do you verify claims?
We request proof (certificates, photos, data), speak with owners, and update profiles at least once a year.

What if I’m coming by train?
Filter by locations within public transit reach and ask for the train arrival bonus (where offered).

Can I let you know about my dietary preferences?
Yes. Select ” Food ” and check the listed options (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/lactose-free/detox).

What is an eco-hotel?

Ecohotel is a general term for a hotel that is committed to sustainability.

Do you practice CO₂ offsetting?
We focus on avoidance and reduction. Offsetting is supplementary and never the primary solution. We contribute (financially) to the Dutch Delta Plan for Biodiversity, thereby helping to restore nature in the Netherlands.

How to Make an Impact with Your Booking

1. Choose filters that align with your values.
2. Compare the icons for each stay and read about the specific actions.
3. Book small-scale & local: your money stays in the region.
4. Travel lighter: take the train whenever possible, or use an EV or car-sharing service, and bring a refillable bottle.

Check out all our sustainable accommodations here and plan your green getaway!