At first glance, Dublin and Grosseto appear to have little in common. One is a vibrant capital city renowned for its embrace of the arts, the other a serene, lesser-known gem nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Yet, despite their different architectures and atmospheres, both have been recognized for their forward-thinking approach to tourism, earning the prestigious titles of European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism. These awards celebrate cities that are redefining the travel experience, blending deep-rooted cultural heritage with cutting-edge environmental and social practices. Through a shared commitment to responsible travel, both cities are encouraging visitors to explore beyond their city centers, from the rugged coastline of Dublin Bay to the historic marshlands of the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve.
Dublin’s Coastal Revolution
According to Shane O’Doherty of Howth Adventures, Dublin has undergone a significant transformation in its tourism strategy, moving beyond its past reputation as an urban party hub. The city has shifted its focus to championing deeper connections with its natural surroundings, a change that has been most evident in the creation of the Dublin Coastal Trail. This initiative, which encourages travelers to journey beyond the city center, has been a “game-changer” by expanding the narrative of what Dublin offers. It celebrates not only the stunning coastal landscapes but also the rich biodiversity, unique habitats, and distinct cultures of the coastal towns that often go unnoticed by visitors who stick to the city’s core.
The trail is about more than just sightseeing; it’s about managing the influx of people drawn to the city center by encouraging a low-carbon, accessible exploration of Dublin’s shores. The designation of Dublin Bay as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015 has been instrumental in this effort. This prestigious title is a commitment to enhancing biodiversity, improving habitat quality, and celebrating the coexistence of people and nature. It serves as a powerful tool to engage both locals and visitors, making them realize they have a stake in preserving the incredible natural heritage on their doorstep.
A Journey Through Dublin’s Living History
Dublin’s coastline is a living museum, where the entire history of Ireland is “etched along its shores.” From prehistoric stone monuments to the mythical tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Celts, Vikings, Normans, and Elizabethans, the coast holds centuries of stories. One of the most fascinating places to explore is Ireland’s Eye, a small island just off the Howth headland. Here, the story of the Celtic Christians from the sixth century still resonates, and the island is home to the Martello Towers that stood as silent witnesses to the Napoleonic Wars.
These landmarks, located just a few miles from the city center, offer an extraordinary glimpse into Ireland’s past. The foresight in building pathways and networks along the coast means that these routes will remain as sustainable and accessible for years to come. Modern transport infrastructure, supported by digital tools like the Dublin Discovery Trails app, makes exploring these destinations as low-carbon as possible. The app uses augmented reality to immerse visitors in historical scenes, creating a rich, interactive experience that connects the past with the present.
Grosseto’s Slow Travel Ethos
Unlike Dublin’s urban hustle, the city of Grosseto has long championed a “slow travel” ethos. According to local guide Loriana Canton, the city’s approach focuses on preserving the area’s natural wonders, most notably the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve. This internationally significant marshland, a relic of the ancient Lake Prile, is a key landscape for both visitors and locals. It has been recognized as a Wetland of International Importance since 1971 under the Ramsar Convention and is also a Site of Community Importance, protected under the Natura 2000 Habitats Directive. These designations highlight its crucial role in the Maremma region of Italy, where it helps keep the surrounding ecosystem in balance.
The reserve is a testament to Grosseto’s dedication to conservation, with a focus on making the marshlands, nearby beaches, and green spaces accessible for all. This includes initiatives like creating accessible paths for the visually impaired, restoring bird-watching huts, and minimizing the visual impact of tourism. Canton notes that the locals take great pride in the area, and visitors will find the reserve to be “pristine nature” with no litter, a powerful sign of the community’s commitment to preservation.
A Haven for Wildlife and Local Culture
Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a true haven for wildlife, with over 200 species calling it home. One of the most significant conservation successes has been the reintroduction of the osprey, which had been absent from Italy for 42 years. By 2014, just eight years after the reintroduction, stable nesting pairs were once again present in the reserve. The reserve also provides a crucial habitat for migratory birds, with over 2,500 flamingos flocking to the area in winter. While their presence is a beautiful sight, it also hints at ongoing environmental issues, as flamingos are able to survive in water with a very high salt concentration. Visitors can also spot a variety of other avian species, from herons and geese to hawks and honey buzzards.
Beyond its biodiversity, the landscape is deeply rooted in local culture and history. The land has supported the livelihoods of hunters, shepherds, and fishermen for generations, and the community’s bond with the land remains strong even after it became a protected area in the 1970s. This connection is what drives the city’s new focus on responsible travel. Through projects like Reboot Med, visitors can have customized experiences with a naturalist photographer, or join a small group for sunset aperitifs, which include a visit to the medieval Abbey of San Pancrazio al Fango, offering a truly magical and educational experience.
Blueprint for a Sustainable Future
The success of Dublin and Grosseto in smart tourism offers a powerful blueprint for other cities. Both have found a way to balance tourism and conservation by creating intimate, educational experiences that educate visitors about the importance of preservation. Dublin’s use of digital platforms to encourage exploration beyond the city center and Grosseto’s customized tours led by local experts are prime examples of this innovative approach.
Shane O’Doherty’s optimism about Dublin’s future is palpable. He sees the Dublin Coastal Trail as more than just a map; it’s a “blueprint for the future,” built with the foresight to remain sustainable and accessible for decades to come. Similarly, Loriana Canton believes the beauty of places like Diaccia Botrona is a “powerful educator,” capable of shifting the mindset of visitors towards conservation. She also offers a key piece of advice for travelers: “Aim for the off-season.” By doing so, visitors can avoid crowds and witness the true magic of the landscape, like the winter influx of flamingos, while also helping to balance the impact of tourism. This shared vision of a responsible, sustainable, and deeply connected travel experience is what makes these two cities pioneers in a new era of tourism.
