As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to Spain, we've picked out a selection of places to stay across the country.
Contributing writers: Paul Bloomfield, Ginny Light, Richard Hammond
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to Spain:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Hospederia Valle Del Jerte, Extremadura
A converted former olive oil mill in the village of Jerte with 28 bedrooms, the best of which overlook the cobbled town square or terraces of cherry tree groves in the hillsides behind. Indulge the regional produce with the hotel’s four-course cherry menu with such imaginative uses of the fruit as creamy cherry rice with millefeuille of sea bass with Iberian ham or Jerte cherry semifreddo. The restaurant has glass windows floor to ceiling overlooking its gardens and infinity pool. hospederiasdeextremadura.es
Hotel Rural Abadia de Yuste, Extremadura
A 15-bedroom hotel in a 16th Century restored abbey in Yuste, a pretty town and best known for the Monastery of Yuste, where Charles V, Roman Emperor, retired and died. It starts from around £60 a night and has a sunny terrace, outdoor pool, courtyard and restaurant. There’s original features throughout and restored furniture from the abbey though it is best known for its food. All bread and pastries are made on site and the chef, Rubén Homero, celebrates sustainable cooking ‘the only part of the pig we don't eat is the grunt’ he told us and many of the dishes make use of leftovers - the region's most popular is migas extremeñas, which makes yesterday's bread into breadcrumbs to fry up with pieces of leftover ham and pimentón spice, which is like paprika and widely produced in the region. abadiadeyuste.com
El Jardin de Las Delizias, Extremadura
A Glorious glampsite on an ecologically cherry farm in the heart of the spectacular Jerte Valley. Each of the three Mongolian yurts (Sky, Fire and Earth) have a private garden – it's a place to disconnect from modern day life and reconnect with nature. Owners Leti and Jose have installed a charging point for electric cars, and there's a pool with wonderful views over the hills and valley. eljardindelasdelizias.com
Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, Extremadura
Housed in the splendid castle-palace of the 16th Century Counts of Oropesa, close to the Tiétar and Jerte rivers, this luxury Parador has preserved the original moat and towered walls as well as a two-storey Gothic gallery in the inner courtyard. No wonder Charles V chose this as his refuge after his abdication before settling permanently in the nearby Yuste monastery. The restaurant specialises in the region's food – expect acorn-fed Iberian ham from the Dehesa de Extremadura, as well as cheeses, vegetables and paprika from La Vera. Nearby are Casa de Don Luis de Quijada, the medieval Parral bridge, and the church of Santa María de la Torre, an old Templar fortress from the 12th century. www.parador.es
Hotel Dona Major, Frómista, Palencia, Castilla y León
In the historic centre of Frómista (Palencia) – in the heart of the French Camino de Santiago – the 12-room hotel is named after Queen Doña Mayor (Muniadona of Castile), founder of the Monastery of San Martin and its Romanesque church, circa 1066. There's a strong commitment to green energy throughout: the electricity for the pool, restaurant and smart, unfussy rooms comes via 26 solar panels on the roof and renewable green energy sources, there's solar thermal for the hotel's hot water, modern aerothermal equipment for air-conditioning, and wood pellet fire places. Cyclists can store bikes in a small bike storage house. hoteldonamayor.com
No Mad Green Hotel, Castilla y León
A 22-room eco boutique hotel in the town of Molinaseca on the Camino de Santiago (Bierzo region) 5 kilometres from Ponferrada. The emphasis is on 'noble' materials, such as wood, glass and iron, along with rattan and wicker, with lots of natural light flooding the rooms. There's a zero-waste policy for the restaurant area (expect filtered water in glass bottles) as well as plastic-free rooms. If you can stir from the relaxing environment, there's a range of local activities, such as wine-tasting and electric biking. no-mad-hotel.es
La Alquería de Valverde country house, Castile-La Mancha
A characterful, rustic country house (with several double rooms and a separate self-catering apartment) in the village of Zarzuela de Galve in Valverde – an area of the Sierra Norte Natural Park renowned for its black architecture, near the mountains that separate this Guadalajara region from Segovia at the foot of Pico Ocejón. There's a commitment to sustainability throughout, will all cleaning products made with organic products, a comprehensive recycling system, and a breakfast packed with homemade pastries, jam, crushed tomato and oil. Pets can stay in the Rural Apartment El Cotorrito. laalqueriadevalverde.es
Al Viento del Ocejón country house, Castile-La Mancha
A charming rural house – built in black slate, that's close to Pico Ocejón and the Sierra Norte Natural Park, just 120 kilometres from Madrid. There are two floors with 6 simple double rooms (all with bathrooms), an independent kitchen (and outdoor charcoal barbecue), dining room with panoramic views, and a cosy living room with a fireplace for the winter. There's a range of outdoor activities nearby, including a well-signposted network of hiking trails and mountain bike routes through forests and across streams, as well as places to go canoeing. In winter there's cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. alvientodelocejon.com
Cantalojas campsite, Castile-La Mancha
A wonderful campsite at the gateway to the Sierra Norte National Park that's the only place allowed for camping in this area. There are pitches for tents and motorhomes with electricity plug-in plus four modern bungalows that sleep up to six, two of which welcome pets. It has a super restaurant on site, offering seasonal, fresh cooked food and a frequently changing menu under the friendly and efficient management of Maria. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers takeaway with dishes including salads, grilled meat and regional specialities. campinglosbonales.es
Casas Benali, Comunidad de Valencia
Owners Daniel and Martine have fused modern Scandinavian style with ancient Arabesque to create a remarkable rural retreat among 68 hectares of land just one hour southwest of Valencia. Three smart rustic houses (packed with wooden furniture, wool and leather) can be hired individually or by a group (of up to 28 people) with private pool, garden, retreat studio, and covered terrace and large multi-functional workspace for workshops. There is a range of organised activities, including wine tasting and cookery, while the adventurous can go talking up to castle Xátiva (a twin fortress high above Xátiva), hiking to waterfalls and canyoning. casasbenali.com
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Ecohotel Nos, Galicia
A bucolic farmhouse B&B on the shore of a lake 45 minutes' drive from Lugo. Owners Sietske and Tariq have lovingly restored the main house and five ensuite bedrooms in the building across the courtyard. Period features such as wooden beams and thick stone walls remain while each rooms is unique with striking artwork and furniture made by local craftsmen. Guests are invited to wander the organic gardens, laze in hammocks or star gaze thanks to the light pollution-free skies. A vegetarian breakfast of homemade and locally sourced produce includes Galician cheese, yoghurt and honey, while a an evening meals of tapas, or ‘pintxos’ can be prepared if ordered in advance. casacabaza.com
EcoFarm Asturias
This ‘glampsite’ may be off the grid but it is only 40 minutes drive from Oviedo and there’s no skimping on the luxury. There are three choices - the caravan that sleeps four overlooking wild woodland with a mini kitchen and composting loo and the yurt that sleeps five and has a simple field kitchen with a deck and hammock. Then, the cabana that sleeps up to six. It is a traditional rural building where animals would have slept below and the shepherd above. Water comes from a private spring and solar powered phone chargers and showers are available. Guests can self cater and order ahead for a veg box, eggs, potatoes, a fresh bunch of herbs, plus there’s barbecue facilities using home produced charcoal from the farm’s sweet chestnut coppice. Evening meals can be provided for €15 for adults, half price for kids, offering dishes such as chicken with olives, lemon, honey, ginger and coriander. ecofarmasturias.org
Casa Zalama, Cantabria
When Casa Zalama’s six bedrooms are full, its occupants increase the population of the village, San Pelayo, by 50%. This is countryside life in the slow and peaceful lane, yet Santander and Bilbao are just an hour’s drive away. The house is rustic and traditional and surrounded by a pretty garden with plenty of spots to unwind. There is also a self catering cottage that sleeps four with its own kitchen and garden area. Breakfast and dinner is home cooked and much of it homegrown including traditional rustic Spanish dishes, perfect for the surroundings - antique reclaimed furniture, baskets, woodwork hanging on thick stone walls. casazalama.es
Eco Hotel Mundaka, Basque Country
Mundaka is a world famous surf destination thanks to its left-breaking wave, considered the finest in Europe in its category, and reaching up to four metres high. Mundaka also boasts a pretty harbour and is in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, which includes beaches, forests, rivers and islands. The Eco Hotel is in the centre of town and 300 metres from the beach. It has simple but bright ensuite 19 single, double or triple rooms and stands strongly by ecological principles including solar power, smart water use and minimal use of chemicals. It has a dining room offering a locally sourced breakfast, a surf school and gelateria in season. hotelmundaka.com
La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda, Costa Brava, Catalonia
There’s a touch of Scotland in this beautifully restored 12th-century former rectory in volcanic La Garrotxa Natural Park. The house itself is decidedly Catalan, albeit imbued with a contemporary flair, its wood beams, whitewashed walls and tiles augmented with clever design touches such as ancient doors repurposed as bed headboards. But tartan blankets, a range of single malt whiskies and events including a Burns Night supper reflect the Caledonian heritage of one half of the pair who own and run this wonderful guesthouse – Scot Roy Lawson and his Catalan wife Goretti. Seven homely bedrooms (doubles and twins that can be combined for families) have views across oak-wooded valleys and hills. Fine dinners are available, along with secure bike storage – the house sits alongside the Ruta del Carrilet greenway cycle trail between Olot and Girona. larectoriadesantmiquel.com
Mas Ardèvol, Falset, Costa Daurada, Catalonia
An idyllic rural house amid ten hectares of land in the green hills above Porrera. It specialises in traditional Priorat food, including fresh produce from their own vegetable garden, oil, and wine. There are two rooms inside the main house while outside there are three spacious thick-walled rooms and a natural swimming pool - perfect for a plunge on a hot day. Indulge in a variety of treatments, including a massage and body moisturising using natural ingredients, such as organic olives and hazelnuts. If you can tear yourself aware from the tranquility, nearby are the sundial route in Porrera and the Montsant mountain range. masardevol.net
Mas Garganta, La Garrotxa, Catalonia
A beautifully renovated 14th Century farmhouse on a hill overlooking the D'en Bas valley close to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park in the Catalan Pyrenees. Run by the affable Inis, it's about as homely as you could imagine, and in a ridiculously picturesque setting. There are 12 simple, comfortable bedrooms at the ‘casa rural’, a wonderful farmhouse kitchen with huge fireplace, a lovely pool, and mountain views from every angle. We visited in the winter, and despite the evening chill and the roaring fire indoors, we couldn’t tear ourselves away from the valley views and instead sat out on the terrace feasting late into the night. masgarganta.com
Casa Las Chimeneas, Las Alpujarras
Your hosts' enthusiasm and local knowledge really stands out - from walks and attractions to cookery courses, writing, painting and yoga retreats, and wildlife walks, they'll ensure you get the most out of your trip, leaving you free to soak up the relaxing atmosphere. The kitchen in this charming little restaurant attached to the guesthouse of the same name is the domain of Soledad and Conchita, who rustle up a choice of dishes for dinner each evening. Vegetarians aren’t short-changed, with at least one tempting option for each of the three dinner courses – perhaps ajo blanco (chilled almond and garlic soup) followed by stuffed aubergines with goats cheese and rounded off with a sinful fig cake produced by baking supremo Andrew. There’s a well-chosen selection of Alpujarran wines to wash it all down, and a terrace with sweeping views south towards the Med. laschimeneas.com
Viña y Rosales, Las Alpujarras
Tucked in the hillsides of Las Alpujarras, this mansion house is a haven of relaxation. There are four large guest rooms and a garden with several terraces packed with herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers (it's called after the beautiful roses and vines). Nothing is too much trouble for the lovely hosts; it's the perfect place to rest and enjoy some wonderful food after a day outdoors in the spectacular surroundings – it's on the scenic GR7 mountain route of the stunning Alpujarras. alpujarras.alojamiento.raya.org
Hotel Rural Almirez, Las Alpujarras
This small family-run hotel prides itself on being 'your' hotel, and you'll certainly feel at home here. Surrounded by almond groves and the owners' organic vineyard, tuck into traditional Alpujarran dishes lovingly prepared by 'grandma Teresa', and sip wines from the vineyard as you take in the stunning view. Choose from 15 trails that run the Sierra Nevada National Park, which is also a Biosphere Reserve (see Outdoor Adventure Activities in Spain). hotelalmirez.es
Can Marti, Ibiza, Balearic Islands
A beautiful, authentic and organic farmhouse in a quiet and idyllic spot in the unspoilt north of the island. This tiny oasis is a ten-minute walk from the nearest village, Sant Joan and located in the very heart of the Área Natural de Es Amunts, yet close to the fabulous beaches notched into the rugged coast line in tiny bays covered with white sands. In such a tranquil place you can’t quite believe you are in Ibiza if your impression of Ibiza is a really busy, noisy place – come here and see a completely alternative side to the island. Switch everything off and just be in the moment – pick some figs, commune with the ducks, geese and donkeys and relax by the pool, watching the dragonflies swoop across the glassy surface to the song sung by the native frogs. canmarti.com
Casbah Formentera, Formentera, Balearic Islands
The name may conjure the hustle and bustle of North Africa’s souks but all is calm and serene at this leafy hotel, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Migjorn beach. Set within a pine grove, Casbah Formentera’s beautifully landscaped gardens are home to a swimming pool, and a gazebo set up for outdoor massages, while sweeps of bougainvillea and hibiscus line the paths between its bedrooms. The restaurant is a destination in its own right; diners come to linger over octopus croquettes or expertly cooked steaks in its magical indoor-out setting. hotelcasbahformentera.com
Ecocirer, Majorca, Balearic Islands
Six rooms in an historic turn of the century family-run townhouse in the village of Sóller near the northwest coast of the island. Bike-friendly – Sóller is surrounded by world-famous cycling routes – there's storage for bikes and maintenance facilities, and the owners offer cycling packages with personalised routes. It's also a mecca for foodies: every Saturday morning, you can join a cookery lesson using the ingredients from the garden to then enjoy over a Mediterranean style lunch. The food is plant-based, seasonal – organic, vegan and vegetarian recipes change daily. using home-grown fruit and vegetables. Recycling is also top of the billing here – the owners says that "every element in our home is 100% recycled". Each piece "the result of a long process of research, restoration and creativity". https://ecocirer.com/
Lanzarote Retreats, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
A popular family-run eco retreat in the northeast of the island, offering a range of accommodation, either within its own eco village in Arrieta or at holiday villas, cottages and apartments elsewhere on the island. The eco village, designed to be an "off-grid eco-retreat" has stone cottages, large yurts, and villas catering for families, couples and groups. According to the owners, its solar energy powers its desalination plant which meets most of its energy needs, while the remainder is provided by wind energy and gas. There's a host of activities on offer from yoga and pilates to windsurfing, wine tasting and guided tours and hiking. https://lanzaroteretreats.com
Finca Casa de la Virgen, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Two country houses (the two-storey 19th Century main house sleeps 6, the single-storey cottage sleeps 4) within the floodplain of a 17,000 square metre country estate inland in the north of the island that's home to the Canary Island bellflower, a symbol of the island's endemic flora. Relax in the informal grounds – rich in biodiversity – then explore the area's mountains, gorges and laurel forests, great for day hikes and birdwatching in the Doramus Rural Park. fincacasadelavirgen.com
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For nearby places to eat, visitor attractions and activities, see our Green Traveller's Guide to Spain
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