There's nothing better than pitching your tent under towering pine trees, waking up with sea views, exploring the beautiful coves of the Costa Brava or watching a sunrise. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable holiday? With summer just around the corner, holiday plans are well underway. But have you thought about how your travel habits impact on the environment? What are you doing to make your holidays sustainable?
Every year, the world celebrates several important environmental days. These days serve to remind us of the importance of protecting our planet and its natural resources: World Wildlife Day on 3 March, International Forest Day on 21 March, World Water Day on 22 March, International Mother Earth Day on 22 April... With so many causes coming together this month, it seems a good time to remind you of what we do at the Sènia Group to promote sustainable tourism, to have sustainable campsites, and to help you take action and plan your holidays in the most respectful way.
Sustainable destinations and respect for nature
"Nature is not a place to visit. It is our home.
This sentence makes a lot of sense for the Sènia campsites. They are all located in exceptional tourist destinations, where the environment and nature take centre stage. Therefore, before being places to visit, the destinations of our campsites are our home, and we give them all the love and respect they deserve.
For example, do you already know the Sènia Riu campsite? It is located in Sant Pere Pescador, in the heart of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park and on the banks of the Fluvià river. It has its own jetty so that you can also access one of the longest beaches on the Costa Brava by water. And... Did you know that...? 338 different species of birds have been observed, of which 82 are regular nesters in the park, so whether you are an amateur or expert ornithologist, it's a great place to see birds in their natural habitat! Here is a map of the park with some suggested routes. Here you have a clear example of a sustainable holiday, where sustainable camping and environmentally friendly activities come together. We can't think of a better way to enjoy and discover with children the importance of protecting wild animals and their habitat.
We also call on you to take care of the forests! Scattered throughout the campsites you can enjoy the shade of native trees such as pines or mulberry trees. Plants such as sage or oleanders help us to attract pollinators and maintain a balanced ecosystem. We are aware that water is a scarce resource, so to combat drought we plant species that do not require abundant irrigation, such as rosemary or lavender. Maintaining this balance is very important for the preservation of the place in which we are located and thus make our establishments sustainable campsites. Proof that we are doing it right is that in autumn, when the campsites are closed, in some of them we can find mushrooms, wild delicacies that the most gourmets crave. If you are interested in finding out more about the local flora and fauna, we invite you to visit the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board's Nature and Active Tourism website. Pay attention and you are sure to find plenty of flora and fauna around you!
Another way in which the Sènia Group campsites show our respect for the nature that surrounds us, is that we try to integrate the accommodation with the environment. Our bungalows and mobile homes are built in harmony with the natural environment, in order to have less impact on the landscape. For example, at Camping Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional you can stay in mobile homes such as the Vista, Vista Plus or for example the Safari Plus, which is a wonderful glamping, and you will be in the middle of a forest. These accommodations are built without affecting their environment, blending in with it. In the Internacional area of the campsite, you can find the new Talia accommodation, with its own design for greater adaptability. One of them even has a tree inside it, thus avoiding its felling and creating a unique accommodation.
Actions for sustainable tourism
"Water is the driving force of all nature".
Water is life and in Sènia we know it. The Costa Brava is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, with a rugged coastline, crystal clear waters and stunning beaches. The coastline is dotted with picturesque fishing villages, such as Tossa de Mar or S'Agaró, hidden coves and stunning rocky cliffs offering breathtaking sea views. The Costa Brava is also home to several areas for hiking and nature lovers, such as the Camino de Ronda, which you can access directly from Camping Sènia Cala Gogo Internacional.
In addition, the region is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and you can enjoy fresh seafood, local wines and traditional dishes made with fresh local ingredients. All in all, Catalonia is a true gem of natural beauty and biodiversity that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to all who visit.
The Sènia Group is committed to preserving this natural beauty and minimising our impact on the environment. We understand the importance of implementing good practices for sustainable tourism, to protect our ecosystem while supporting the local economy.
To this end, we have implemented a number of measures to reduce our environmental footprint. These are some of the actions we are taking:
Energy efficiency
Our campsites use renewable energy sources, such as solar energy. These panels allow the conversion of thermal energy (mostly generated by solar radiation and totally renewable) into electricity and thus reducing our impact on the environment.
Recycling
We use recycled paper for our toilets and most of our facilities. Working with the company Ambisist, Camping Sènia Caballo de Mar throughout the 2022 season managed to recover 64,627 1L cardboard containers, save 27 trees and avoided the emission of 1,689.90 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.
We use reusable, biodegradable and recyclable bags. At Sènia campsites we have eliminated plastic bags and containers and have opted for the use of materials that can be reused.
We have selective waste collection containers at various points in all our campsites, so that our customers can sort their waste and recycle it later.
In addition, the animation team also runs workshops with the children using recycled materials and promotes environmental education. When organising recreational activities we always take into account that they are sustainable and have the least environmental impact.
Responsible water use
We work carefully on the separation of grey and black water in multiple of our sanitary blocks, so that our customers have a place to empty their water, and avoid contamination.
We have also implemented water-saving measures, such as low-flow showers and toilets, to conserve water resources. In addition, we promote responsible tourism practices among our guests, such as waste reduction and recycling.
As you can see, at Sènia, we are committed to preserving the environment so that future generations can also enjoy our surroundings. We believe that responsible tourism practices are essential to protect the environment, and we are proud to be doing our part to reduce our footprint and make it a positive one.
What to consider for a sustainable holiday
"Be the change you want to see in the world".
As the impact of tourism on the environment becomes more apparent, it is more important than ever to take steps to be a more responsible traveller. Whether you're planning a beach holiday or a mountain getaway, there are many ways to reduce your impact and support local communities. Here are some simple steps you can take to become a more sustainable traveller:
- Choose accommodation that has implemented environmentally friendly practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing water consumption or recycling.
- Reduce your water consumption. Take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and reuse towels instead of asking for new ones every day.
- Renting bikes at the campsite is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the destination. It's a great way to make the most of your holiday while being physically active and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
- Say no to single-use plastics. Bring your own water bottle, reusable utensils, and cloth shopping bags to avoid using single-use plastic items.
- Support local artisans and businesses by buying souvenirs and goods from local shops.
- Choose restaurants that use local, seasonal and organic food to support the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Reduce your energy consumption. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Leave no trace. Dispose of waste responsibly, including food scraps and plastics. Try not to damage wildlife and local ecosystems, and always follow the "leave no trace" principle. Always carry a rubbish bag and gloves with you to pick up litter along the way to help protect ecosystems.
- Use eco-friendly sunscreens or anti-UV T-shirts. This is important because traditional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals (titanium dioxide, preservatives, additives...) that can damage coral reefs and harm marine life, while eco-friendly sunscreens use natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for the environment.
Involving children in sustainable activities
"What affects one, affects all indirectly".
There are many activities you can do with children to teach them the importance of biodiversity, sustainability and environmental protection. With small hands but big ideas, they are the generations of change, for a more respectful society and a more sustainable world. Here are some ideas of activities to discover and talk about sustainability with children, related to the surroundings of Campings Sènia:
- Tavertet: Take a guided hike through the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park to explore the diversity of the landscape, which includes volcanic cones, lava flows and beech forests. Along the way, tell your children about the importance of conserving natural habitats and protecting endangered species.
- Medes Islands: Visit the Medes Islands Marine Reserve and take a boat trip to see its diverse marine life, such as octopus, barracudas and moray eels.
- Beaches and coves: Organise a beach clean-up with your children to teach them about the impact of plastic pollution on the environment. You can also talk to them about the importance of reducing waste, recycling and using eco-friendly products.
- Camino de Ronda: Take a walk along the coastal path of the Camino de Ronda and explore the diverse landscapes and their ecosystems, which include rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and Mediterranean scrub.
- Rupit: Visit the historic village of Rupit and learn about traditional ways of life in rural Catalonia. Share with your children the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
- Butterfly Farm: Visit the Butterfly Farm in Empuriabrava and learn about the life cycle and habitat of these delicate insects. Butterflies are important pollinators and protecting their habitat is essential to maintain biodiversity.
- Aiguamolls Natural Park: Take a guided tour of the Aiguamolls Natural Park and learn about the diverse wetland ecosystem, including birds, amphibians and insects.
- Montnegre Natural Park: Explore the Montnegre Natural Park on foot or by bike and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that live in the Mediterranean forests and scrublands. And if you want to stay near the park, check out Camping Sènia Caballo de Mar, right on the beach.
You can also take the children to the market and ask the local producers questions about their work and products. They can ask the same questions when you return home to see if there are geographical differences. In addition, sharing stories about local legends, folklore and traditions related to nature and the environment can be a fun way to teach children about local biodiversity and cultural values related to sustainability. There are thousands of possibilities!
These are just a few examples of activities you can do with your children to share precious moments with them this holiday season. Remember that the best way to instil a love of nature and a commitment to conservation is to lead by example and show your children how to make environmentally responsible choices in your daily life.
We are waiting for you!
