During your holiday, do you want to experience real emotions, be in contact with nature, discover sustainable tourism events? Here are some of the best events that take place throughout the year in sustainable tourism destinations labelled "EDEN" by the European Commission. Travel less, travel better by supporting sustainable tourism.

EDEN, the acronym for "European Destinations of Excellence" is the largest European network of destinations rewarded by the European Commission for the quality of their tourist offers and their respect for the environment. EDEN is the promise of real experiences, real discoveries, real encounters.

1. Santa Croce - Monte Isola

Italy

Live an unforgettable experience in Monte Isola during the Santa Croce Festival.

During this event unique in the world, thousands of hand-made paper flowers decorate the streets and alleys of Monte-Isola, one of the most beautiful sustainable tourism destinations in Italy.

The Santa Croce Festival takes place in Carzano, in the south east of the island of Monte Isola. This incredible festival that involves the entire island of Monte Isola is organized every 5 years. The next editions of this festival will take place in September 2020, September 2025, and September 2030. More information here. 

How to get there: book your flights to Milan (1h20) and cross Lake Iseo by boat and join Peschiera from Sulzano (several crossings per day).

Where to stay: “La Foresta Monteisola” is located on the peaceful shores of Monte Isola.

2. Spring procession of Kraljice

Gorjani - Dakovo - Croatia

"The first Đakovački Vezovi Festival was held on July 2 and 3 July in 1967 as a touristic and cultural event marking the International Year of Tourism. It is now held annually in July and mainly focuses on the original folklore of Slavonia, Baranja and Western Syrmia as well as other parts of Croatia.

Many events are held during the festival: exhibitions, equestrian shows and cultural and tourist events. Every summer the Đakovački Vezovi Festival gathers tens of thousands of participants, making it the most important Croatian folklore pageant."

Discover the best cultural events in Croatia and Croatian traditions and book your flights for Zagreb.

How to get there: book your flights to Zagreb (2h by car - 4h by train).

Where to stay:  the “Hotel Dakovo” features 2 restaurants.

3. Beer and flower festival 

Lasko - Slovenia

The very first Beer and Flower festival was organised in 1963. Since then, they have hosted several million visitors, featured almost 1,000 music bands and individual performers, invited numerous local brass bands, florists, flower professionals and enthusiasts and many other exceptional artists and… altogether drunk over 10 million litres of Zlatorog beer!

Every third weekend in July, Laško becomes the centre of Slovenia and the capital of an increasingly popular and lively summer happening. 

Come and experience a moment of folklore and sustainable tourism in one of the most beautiful eco-friendly destinations in Slovenia.

How to get there: book your flights to Ljubjana (1h30 by car).

Where to stay:  the "Vila Monet” set on the bank of Savinja River. 

4. Romantic night

Nin - Croatia

Maybe you have already enjoyed the best moments of your life in Nin, so why not reliving them again? For those haven’t, it’s time to experience magic of the royal town of Nin.

On the wall of memories, you can share your most beautiful life moments: photos, drawings, notes… Kiss your loved one on the marked “kiss point” places, dance on the concert of romance and catch a place on the romantic “kissing bench”.

Look for historical figures of Nin’s history in the old town streets and take photos. Buy a rose from the magical fairies, win valuable prizes and do much more. Come to a romantic night – romantic memorable experiences await you here. Explore why Nin has been granted official label “European Best Romantic Destination”. Be part of the story of the memorable romantic night in Nin – the first metropolis of the Croats.

How to get there: book your flights to Zadar (30 min by car).

Where to stay:  'Zaton Holiday Resort' is perfect for a stay in Nin. 

5. Chocolate Festival in Radolca

Slovenia

Every April the streets and squares of Radovljica are flooded with all-things chocolate when the biggest chocolate event in Slovenia takes place.

Chocolatiers from Slovenia, as well as from neighbouring countries take part in the festival to showcase and display their chocolate-based products to taste or purchase. More than 50,000 visitors attend the festival which has rapidly grown in size and popularity since it started in 2012. Live a sustainable tourism experience in Radovljica and taste chocolate made in Slovenia.

How to get there: book your flights to Ljubljana (20 min by car – 1h by public transport).

Where to stay:  the "Linhart Hotel”. Guests love the friendly staff and great breakfast

6. Sommelo Ethno music festival

Wild Taiga - Finland

The Sommelo Ethno Music Festival is organized in Kainuu and Viena Karelia annually at the beginning of July. Having established its unique position among Finland’s music festivals, Sommelo offers audiences a versatile selection of traditional and modern folk music on both sides of the eastern border. As well as concerts, the abundantly rich festival programme also offers music courses and seminars. 

Stay in the heart of the Finnish forest in a sustainable tourism destination rewarded by the European Commission.

How to get there: book your flights to Kaajani (direct flights or via Helsinki + 1h).

Where to stay: “Hotel Kalevala”. This hotel offers 4 saunas, 2 hot tubs and various massage facilities.   

7. Hiking Festival

Soca Valley - Slovenia

"The Soča Valley Hiking Festival is held every year in September and October, the best hiking months. We invite you to discover the beauties of nature and monuments of the past under the guidance of experienced guides.

The festival includes organized hiking trips which are suitable for families as well as for demanding mountain enthusiasts."

Live a sustainable tourism experience in one of the most beautiful eco-friendly destinations in Slovenia.

How to get there: book your flights to Ljubljana (1h30 by car).

Where to stay: the "Hotel Sanje ob Soci” is located 3km from the Soča river.