As tempting as the idea of ​​jetting off to Hawaii to climb Haleakalā or soaking up the Caribbean sun on a luxury floating palace is, long-distance travel isn't eco-friendly. A single long-haul flight causes around 3 tons of CO2 emissions per person. Air traffic is even responsible for almost 5% of the global man-made climate effect.

That doesn't mean, however, that travelers have to endure their wanderlust. Those who love to travel can do so without putting a heavy burden on the planet. It depends on the “how” and the “where to”: which means of transport will take you to which place? The car, the bus or the train offer a wonderful and comfortable way to travel Europe in an environmentally friendly way.

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The WWF proves that the choice of a means of transport on land makes a relevant difference. According to a study by the environmental organization, air travel generates 153% more CO2 emissions than traveling by car and between 900 and 1.900% more CO2 than traveling by bus or train.

Sustainable tourism: enjoy unforgettable moments with a clear conscience

In addition, not only the destination but also the accommodation defines how sustainable the holiday really is. Still not enough hotels - including many large chains - pay too little attention to enabling slow travel. Rather, they harm the environment through mass processing, energy consumption, waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

However, there is a great choice of hotels and alternative accommodation that operate in harmony with nature and enable travelers to practice sustainable tourism with ease. Some of them are launching new initiatives and adapting their structures to the new rules of success - ecological, social and ethical sustainability. Others have acted consciously from the start because their foundation is based on a clear value system.

From authentic agriturismos to stylish boutique hotels to traditional luxury hotels - there is a suitable eco accommodation for every taste. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento joins the high-end portfolio of this type. Guests enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius as the 5-star property is perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. The ruins of Emperor Augustus' villa are said to lie beneath the property. Nowadays, a modern elevator takes guests directly from the port to the hotel.

About the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria: A story full of superlatives

The Excelsior Vittoria has been a family success story for five generations: since it was founded by the Fiorentino family in 1834, it has advanced to become one of the Leading Hotels of the World. During this time, legends such as Richard Wagner, Oscar Wilde, Marilyn Monroe, Luciano Pavarotti and Sophia Loren resided here to be inspired by the unique view.

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The exclusive style of the house combines authentic Italian interiors with cosmopolitan grand flair. Details such as 18th-century columns, frescoed ceilings and traditional antiques delight guests. And let them forget everyday life for the Dolce Vita. There are 80 rooms in total, including 49 suites, in three adjacent buildings: La Vittoria, La Favorita and La Rivale. 6 of the suites not only impress with spacious living and sleeping areas or an enchanting view, but also because they are named after celebrities who have already lived there. Among them Caruso and Lucio Dalla.

Travel sustainably, enjoy discerningly

The three neoclassical buildings are surrounded by a Mediterranean garden that houses the pool and spa area. The air here smells of citrus fruits, jacaranda trees and roses. Inner peace sets in even before entering the boutique spa La Serra. This is located in a converted greenhouse and follows the Feng Shui teachings holistically. It is therefore the ideal place for beauty and well-being experiences that invigorate body, mind and soul with exclusive rituals, treatments and massages.

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The swimming pool, which is heated from April to October, is also an oasis of well-being. Decorated in ancient Roman style with natural marble and wood, it features a hydromassage area, a snack bar and the L'Orangerie restaurant. In the three restaurants, including the Michelin-star restaurant Terazza Bosquet, only the most exclusive regional ingredients are chosen. These are sourced locally - some even from the hotel's own orange grove.

Centuries-old olive and orange trees surrounding the property testify to the Fiorentino family's passion for Italian flora. In the middle of the lush gardens with plants, citrus trees and olive groves lies the children's paradise. In addition to official activities such as pizza cooking courses or snorkeling lessons in the pool for the little ones, they can play safely here.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria: gentle tourism with exclusive standards

To this day, the management not only attaches great importance to the Italian origin and tradition of the house, but also to ecologically sustainable management. From the use of renewable energies to electric transportation for employees and guests, to LED lighting, water saving offers and recycling programs to the elimination of plastic - the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is not only green. The structures and working methods are also environmentally friendly. It is not for nothing that the team around the Fiorentino family is proud to have been officially certified according to ISO 14001 for years.

Although the hotel has been convincing guests with its unique location and closeness to nature for more than 150 years, this facet is even more important today. Running a hotel in nature and constantly launching new initiatives to protect the environment shows great commitment, attractiveness and sustainability. More and more guests are looking for exquisite addresses that combine sustainable tourism and luxury. And the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is guaranteed to be one of the pioneers in this area.

About the region 

The Sorrento Peninsula lies in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Its mild climate, spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, and the beautiful islands of Ischia and Procida make it not only a popular tourist destination, but an authentic oasis that allows tourism in harmony with nature.

In addition to green hills full of citrus fruits and olive groves, idyllic hiking trails lead through the Mediterranean landscape to the coast of Positano. Not only the natural beauty of the area inspires, but also its cultural heritage. Roman ruins, museums, churches and the works of local artists enchant generations of guests.