The European Commission’s sustainable tourism awards programme, EDEN, has brought some of Europe’s hidden treasures into the spotlight. These destinations are just perfect for the responsible traveler looking for a truly authentic experience – a chance to immerse yourself in unique cultures in some of the most extraordinary surroundings. Iris Coates tells us more about the initiative and what makes these destinations so special….
Europe is a continent of great history and glorious landscapes which draws tourists from around the world in search of adventure, paradise and culture. However, sadly, many European destinations have lost their allure due to expansive tourism and a lack of regard for the environment. The continent is still packed with undiscovered, authentic travel experiences; places where tourism has developed sustainably in a way that is better for the destinations and local communities. This is why the European Commission has launched the
European
Destinations of
Excelle
Nce (EDEN).
For the last three years, EDEN has been on a quest to re-discover and promote Europe’s hidden treasures from lush mountain meadows to small community fiestas. Across Europe there are many places and cultures that are cherished locally but are unknown globally, particularly to the travelling public. Yet these little known emerging tourist sites or natural areas that are off-the-beaten track represent some of the most stunning and pristine environments on the continent.
Each year, EDEN showcases a selection of the best destinations that Europe has to offer, with all European Union countries invited to participate. A theme for the awards is chosen every year. This year’s theme is around tourism in protected areas, with previous years championing rural tourism and Europe’s intangible heritage. In addition to being a unique visitor destination, each area also has to be sustainable in terms of preserving the local environment, culture and social fabric of the destination.
EDEN is about celebrating authentic European experiences. It is about endorsing the destinations that the continent is passionate about and sharing them with you, the responsible traveller, so that you can enjoy the best holidays.
There are 52 EDEN "hidden gems" which have all done their part in making their region a wonderful and memorable place to visit. Now it's up to you to decide which adventure you want to seek!
Which EDEN do you want to discover this year?
Here’s a taster of 2009’s winning destinations...
1. Austria's Remarkable Grosse Walsertal Biosphere Park Located in the heart of the Austrian Alps lies the remarkable Grosse Walsertal Biosphere Park. With such a rich landscape, Grosse Walsertal has it all, whether you’re a walking, gardening or food enthusiast. The Alps rise over 2,700 metres high, parted by fertile farming valleys where everything from herbs, berries and flowers are grown...
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Grosse Walsertal Biosphere Park 
2. Belgium's timeless Viroinval Nature Park Located south of Charleroi in Belgium's heartland is the Viroinval Nature Park. This regional jewel offers timeless landscapes and scenery, plant life and wildlife, along with tantalising local cuisine. Perfect for walking, mountain biking, family adventures, cultural festivals or romantic getaways. Marvel at the pristine meadows and farmlands, thick-green forests and rolling hillsides...
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Viroinval Nature Park 
3. Bulgaria's Town of Belitsa Bulgaria's town of Belitsa, is located in the south-west part of the country within the valley of Razlog. Since it rests on the foothills of the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes mountains, the town boasts stunning panoramic views, and is home to the largest bear rescue centre in Europe. History lovers can step back into Neolithic times...
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Belitsa 
4. Croatia's Northern Velebit National Park Situated in the north-western part of Croatia is the Northern Velebit National Park. Located just a few kilometres from the Adriatic Sea, the park unites two different locales, the coastal region and the mountainous zone. Predatory animals such as wildcats, bears and wolves, roam the mountainsides, while deep sinkholes and caves give the park an unparalleled sense of multiplicity...
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Northern Velebit National Park 
5. Cyprus' ancient Vouni Panagias Resting in the eastern boundaries of the Pafos District rises Cyrpus' Vouni Panagias. Ancient oak trees fill the dense and beautiful Pafos Forest in the mountainous regions, while closer to sea level age-old vineyards and water springs enhance the landscapes’ natural scenery. Extremely rare species of birds and wildlife inhabit the area, known for its walking and hiking trails...
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Vouni Panagias 
6. Czech Republic's Bohemian Switzerland, a land full of Secrets Resting near the German border just inside the Czech Republic is the Bohemian Switzerland Natural Park. Its unique beauty and unmatched landscapes have inspired many great minds such as Kafka, Dvorak and Fridich, to name a few. Rock towers rise from the Earth, while gorges cut and slash their way through valleys leading to ancient castles and ruins...
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Switzerland National Park 
7. Estonia's Dreamlike Soomaa National Park
Located in Transitional Estonia, the Soomaa National Park was established to protect the many large raised bogs, flood plains, forests and meandering rivers. The region is home to Siberian Irises, beavers, cranes, the Ural owl, lynx, wolves and bears. In winter there are snowshoe tours over the bogs and frozen rivers, while in other seasons nighttime canoe tours are available...
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Soomaa National Park 
8. France’s Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park
Surrounded by regions such as Alsace, Moselle/Lorraine and the Palatinate in Germany, the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park has sandstone, hot springs and many water passages. The region is also home to many of the finest glass and crystal makers in the world, while fine restaurants specializing in the region's unsurpassed tastes are plentiful...
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Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park 
9. Lesvos, Greece: An Island of Mystique Located in the Northeast Aegean Sea, Lesvos is Greece's prized possession. The Island combines natural beauty and history in a unique way. An island best known for its beaches, Lesvos is home to some of the most spectacular natural attractions in the world. See fossilized tree-trunks in Lesvos Petrified Forest or go birdwatching at the Gulf of Kalloni...
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Lesvos 
10. Hungary's Írottko Nature Park Situated in the West Transdanubian region of Hungary rests the Irottko Nature Park. Since the Irottko sits on the foothills of the Alps, the region is known for its varied landscapes and rich, fertile soil. The highest peak in the park, Irottko Mountain, rises 882 meters above sea level and overlooks quaint villages, historical landmarks and spectacular hillside vegetation...
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Írottko Nature Park 
11. Ireland's Sheep's Head Peninsula Located off Ireland's southwest coast is jagged Sheep's Head Peninsula. Despite its rugged terrain, Sheep's Head is rigged with unrivaled charm and a true hidden gem in Ireland's vast history. Take a walk on the Sheep's Head Way, visit forts and monuments such as Lord Bandon's Folly, and complete your trip by visiting some of the numerous pubs and restaurants...
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Sheep's Head Peninsula 
12. Protected Marine Area Penisola del Sinis, Italy - Isola di Mal di Ventre Located in the central western coast of Sardinia, the Protected Marine Area Penisola del Sinis is an area of contrasting landscapes ranging from spectacular coastlines to imposing cliff formations. With timeless scenery, a unique wildlife population, an effervescent local community and fine cuisine, the area offers a peek into an indigenous culture and setting steeped in tradition...
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Protected Marine Area Penisola del Sinis 
13. Latvia's Mystical Tervete Nature Park With a history that dates back to the first millennium BC, Latvia's Tervete Nature Park, about 75 kilometers to the south of the capital city Riga, is a mystical region filled with a heroic past. A visit to the three castle mounds offers a distinct glimpse into the area's proud past, and visiting the beautiful Swans Lake is a must...
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Tervete Nature Park 
14. Lithuania's Nemunas River Delta Regional Park Lithuania's natural wonder known as the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park was formed when massive glaciers melted to conclude the Ice Age. What the glaciers carved out and left behind were a series of flooded meadows, rivers, lakes, bogs and the Curonian Lagoon. In this vast region, covering nearly 2,000-square kilometers, water activities reign supreme...
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Nemunas River Delta Regional Park 
15. Luxembourg's Commune of Schengen Situated on the southeastern-most tip of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Commune of Schengen is comprised of three villages: Remerschen, Schengen and Wintrage. It is a region of tremendous wineries with a major attraction being the 42-kilometer long "Wine Road" which starts on the Luxembourg Moselle river, winding its way through gorgeous lands dotted by wineries...
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Schengen 
16. Malta's Locality of Mellieha Mellieha is a rural village situated in the north-western part of the island of Malta. Known for its wonderful sandy beaches, world-class hotels and restaurants, Mellieha is one of Malta's most pristine regions. The area is rich in important archaeological sites with the magnificent church being one of Malta's most-prized pieces...
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Mellieha 
17. The Netherland's Park Gravenrode Nestled in the southern part of the Netherlands adjacent to the German border in the province of Limburg is the fully transformed Park Gravenrode. Once a dilapidated mining region with little or no nature, the region is quite a contrast to the rest of Holland with rolling hills and rising landscapes and its beauty is just beginning to be untapped...
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Park Gravenrode 
18. Poland's Bird Republic Nestled away in the Warta Mouth National Park lies Poland's Bird Republic. This special bird sanctuary draws visitors throughout the year due to the great number of birds that make the park their home at various times throughout the year. The park itself is vast, with wetlands, rolling meadows, grasslands and the Warta River carving its way through...
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Bird Republic 
19. Romania's Apuseni Natural Park Tucked away in western Romania, in the Apuseni Mountains, lies the amazing Apuseni Natural Park. The region boasts green forests, blue waters and white limestone as well as ravines, caves, underground lakes and unique carnivorous wildlife. The remarkable sunsets that this region is named after, along with timeless local charm, make Apuseni a mystical place to visit...
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Apuseni Natural Park 
20. Slovenia, Solcavsko: Mountain, man and valley
The Solcava district lies at the upper end of the Savinja River and has some of the most beautiful sceneries in the whole of Slovenia. The Alpine scenery is peppered with sites of breathtaking natural beauty, and the three mighty glacial valleys are the highlight of any stay. Hike in Alpine meadows, misty beech forests or banks of wild strawberries...
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Solcavsko 
21. Spain's enchanted Ebro Delta Nature Park In the Southern Districts of Cataluńa lies Spain's Ebro Delta Nature Park. Tucked away in the hinterland of three major cities (Barcelona, Valencia and Zaragoza), this region boasts the splendid Terres de L'Ebre, an area of stunning scenery and ecosystems. Hear the wind whistle through the rice paddies, watch rare birds fly by and escape into the tranquility of nature...
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Ebro Delta Nature Park 
22. Turkey’s Kars, Where History and Nature Meet In the northeastern corner of Turkey, at an altitude of 1,750 meters lies the region of Kars. This historical area, which dates back to the Lithic Ages (13,000-10,000 BC), sits below the Castle of Kars, a magnificent fortress built in the 12th century. Visit Lake Kuyucuk for a spot of stargazing, or enjoy incredible panoramic views from Satan’s Castle...
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Kars 
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