A European capital with wide boulevards, high buildings and large squares has been named the leading sustainable tourism destination.

Spain’s capital city Madrid is home to fantastic museums, immersive galleries, amazing restaurants and buzzing nightlife but it is leading the way in being Europe’s leading sustainable tourism destination. 

The Data Appeal Co evaluated nine major European cities – Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Rome, Dublin, London, Copenhagen and Berlin.

Madrid stood out for its comprehensive approach to sustainability. The Spanish city also scored well in destination management with 91 points, socio-cultural with 78 points and overtourism with 74 points

The ranking also looked at factors including cultural environment, green urban areas, quality of public transport and inclusiveness for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as any initiatives to reduce pollution. 

Over 55 percent of the city’s streets are tree lined contributing to improving Madrid’s air quality and making it the world’s second-leafiest city in terms of tree-lined streets, preceded only by Tokyo. Earlier this year Madrid won the prestigious title of ‘Tree City of the World 2023’ thanks not just to its trees, but also its green areas.

El Retiro Park is Madrid’s most famous park with magnificent buildings, statues, lakes and monuments. It is easy to see why so many people fall in love with the diverse city. You could easily spend all day walking around the park, El Retiro opens at 6am daily and closes at midnight, 10pm in the winter.

Hidden amongst the park is the enchanting rose garden which amazes visitors with its fragrant blooms and stunning colours. The garden was designed in 1955 by Ramón Ortiz, Madrid City Council’s head gardener.

The city introduced more sustainable travel with low emission area ‘Madrid Central’, which favours pedestrians, bikes, and public transport and some streets don’t allow vehicles to circulate. 

Madrid is also a perfect city to walk around, by walking you can encover the magnificent architecture, explore the beautiful landscapes and really get a feel for the city. Madrid’s public transportation system also connects the entire city and its surroundings.

Madrid also has an eye on sustainable and eco shopping. For the fashion lovers, whho love doing a spiot of clothes shoppung abroad then you will be pleased to hear there are a range of sustainable clothing stores in Madrid, such as Biocottoniers, Brava Fabrics, Ecoalf, and The Circular Project.

Open every Sunday in La Latina neighborhood is El Rastro’s Flea Market which is open every Sunday. As you walk around the market you will spot vintage furniture, antiques, second-hand goods, antique book, clothes, accessories and even electrical appliances.