04 Locanda della Valle Nuova
Where: near Urbino, Italy.
Fly to: Rimini from East Midlands and Stockholm (Skavsta), or to Ancona from Liverpool and London (Stansted).
Italy isn’t known for it’s value for money, but the Locanda, near the hilltop Unesco-listed town of Urbino in Le Marche region, goes against tradition and offers a beacon of green tourism with a reasonable price tag to boot. The 1920s farmhouse features solar heating, purified water and a wood-fired stove. Add to that the chance to go truffle hunting in winter, plus dinner from the owner’s 185-acre organic farm, and you’ll have a bella vacanza.
Doubles from €52 per person per night,including breakfast. Tel: +39 072 233 0303, www.vallenuova.it

05 Trelowarren
Where: Trelowarren, The Lizard, Cornwall, UK.
Fly to: Newquay from London (Stansted).
If you’re after something stylish, but don’t want to splash the cash, check out some of Cornwall’s finest. These eco-cottages, on a historic, 1,000-acre private country estate near the Helford river, form part of a new timeshare development, but can also be rented out throughout the year. They were built using locally sourced or recycled materials, and are heated by a woodchip boiler fuelled by coppicing from the estate. You can make use of the gorgeous heated outdoor pool – linked up to the same eco-friendly system – all-weather tennis court and bike hire. The renowned New Yard restaurant has two AA rosettes, uses locally sourced products and boasts an extensive wine list.
Self-catering cottage for four, from £425 (€624) a week. Tel: +44 (0)1326 222 105, www.trelowarren.co.uk

06 Cerro da Fontinha
Where: Brejão, Portugal.
Fly to: Faro from Brussels (Charleroi), Dublin, Frankfurt (Hahn), Madrid and Shannon.
Escape the tourist crowds by staying in this site in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. With Carvalhal beach a short bike ride away, a peaceful eucalyptus wood on your doorstep and a lake for swimming and fishing, these self-catering cottages offer an über-relaxing break. The rooms are simple, yet full of character and, as the buildings are made from locally sourced, natural materials, their eco-qualifications aren’t bad either.
From €50 per night for a minimum two-night stay. Tel: +351 282 949 083, www.cerrodafontinha.com

07 Huntingtower Lodge
Where: Druimarbin, Scotland.
Fly to: Glasgow (Prestwick) from across the Ryanair network.
This gem of a getaway in the West Highlands overlooks Loch Linnhe, under the watchful gaze of Ben Nevis. It’s perfect for seeing wildlife, from roe deer to pine martens. Plus, leave your car at home and they’ll let you use a hybrid model during your stay. There’s even a charging point for electric types. Not your usual B&B, Huntingtower Lodge offers a “very interesting breakfast”, so for just a bit extra you can tuck in to oatmeal smoothies and smoked salmon. It’s adults only, and they proudly state “no prejudice, pets, tartan or smoking”.
Doubles from £75 (€110) per night for a minimum two-night stay, including standard breakfast. Tel: +44 (0)1397 700 079, www.huntingtower.co.uk

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