Lagos now is firmly planted on the green map of Europe for sustainable holiday destinations according to an exhaustive study carried out by greendestinations.info
The western Algarve’s council area now is rubbing shoulders with the Azores, Cascais/Estoril, Oeste Zone*, Serra do Socorro Archeira, and Sintra which all reached the top 100 ranking of Europe’s best green destinations.
greendestinations.info director Albert Salman, said that the goal is to "recognise the tourist destinations that take sustainability seriously and have endeavored to make a difference."
Salman also admitted that "measuring sustainability is not simple” and that the list recognises those destinations that are on track, taking into account assessments by independent experts using objective criteria."
Of Portugal’s six destinations in the top 100, the Azores was not only the top destination in Portugal but was number one in Europe-wide list with a score of 8.9 from a possible 10 points.
Cascais/Estoril and Lagos were not far behind with 8 points each.
According to the organisation, the scores are derived from 40-60 indicators, such as the quality of nature (landscapes and wildlife experience), quality and environmental care (air, water and bathing water), cultural heritage (local identity and traditions ), social issues (hospitality of the people and respect for human rights), green economy (sustainable economic development, green energy, climate adaptation and issues related to waste and water consumption management) and green tourism policies.
The ranking has been created to recognise management efforts in these destinations and widespread social media exposure results.
*Oeste Zone, comprising the municipalities of Alcobaça, Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinhã, Nazaré, Óbidos, Peniche, Sobral de Monte Agraço and Torres Vedras.
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