The
EDEN program strives to recognize Europe’s little known destinations of particular value within a themed framework as well as to promote the sharing of best practices among them. Additionally, attracting visitors to these quiet corners of Europe highlights the rich diversity among its natural resources, historical heritage, traditional celebrations, and local gastronomy, not to mention relieving some of the crunch at the most visited attractions.
To date, winners in three categories have been awarded for:
• Best Emerging European Rural Destinations of Excellence (2007)
• Tourism and local intangible heritage' (2008)
• Tourism and protected areas' (2009)
• Aquatic Tourism (2010)
The destinations thus recognized have done a superlative job in showcasing their attractions in a sustainable way.
EDEN winners
What kind of places will you find if on this winners’ list? There’s not one among them that isn’t naturally stunning, so we’ll just say that once for all of them. Another characteristic that you’ll notice is common to many is utterly irresistible local cuisine and an active wine-making tradition. How could you possibly want to visit an untrammeled, beautiful corner of Europe with proud citizens doing it up right and responsibly, serving you food and wine you’ll never forget?
Whether it’s an environmentally disastrous mine that has been reclaimed and transformed into a fantastic park, such as Gravenrode in Holland, or the stunning ski area in Florina, Greece, (yes, Greece has more than mesmerizing islands), you’re in for some wonderful surprises. Troodos, Cyprus, offers you stunning Byzantine churches and plenty of opportunity for hiking and cycling. To recover from your exploratory exertions, partake of the delicious local food and wine. Delight in the springtime fruit tree blossoms in Pielachtal, Austria - or better yet, come a little later in the season to sample the luscious Dirndl cherries yourself.
If you’re keen on seeing animal life, consider a visit to the Dancing Bears Park in Belitsa, Bulgaria, where you’ll find Europe’s largest group of rescue bears being prepared to return to the wilderness. A marine wonderland awaits on the Italian island of Sardinia at the Protected Marine Area Penisola del Sinis; Malta offers more relaxed Mediterranean escapes at Mellieha and in two remote towns on the island of Gozo.
Handicrafts and
traditional ways of life are well represented Hungary at Hortobágy, where you can observe impressive horsemanship and the herdsmen’s way of life; weaving and textile arts are important in Kuldiga, Lativa, also the location of Europe’s
longest brick bridge. Solčavsko and the Soča Valley are Slovenia’s EDEN honorees, notable for their
heart stopping scenic beauty, traditional mountain dairy farming, and historic relics.
You may have to dig a little deeper to find these special sites, because they aren’t on the “Top 10” lists, and that’s their charm. Visit the EDEN website itself to search by country or by theme for European Destinations of Excellence of particular interest to you.