There is a new Alpine Pearl: the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza has become part of the network that brings together those tourist resorts in the Alps (between Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia) committed to promoting sustainable tourism and slow and eco-friendly mobility.

The town of San Martino di Castrozza
View of the town of San Martino di Castrozza and the Pale di San Martino. Photo by © Enrica Pallaver

The locality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza is certainly not new to these issues. The candidacy, pursued in the last year with great conviction and determination by the Municipality and by the Tourist Promotion Agency (Apt), is an important recognition for the commitment of this territory and its natural vocation for sustainability. A few weeks ago, therefore, the unanimous approval of Alpine Pearls arrived. The president of the association and Mayor of Werfenweng commented:

«We are very happy to welcome the Municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza into the Alpine Pearls network. In addition to the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomite landscapes, we were particularly impressed by the many beautiful initiatives already underway in terms of renewable energy, eco-friendly mobility, and sustainability. We are convinced that this entry can represent significant added value for our network».

Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, an ideal destination for us eco-travelers

Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, an ideal destination for us eco-travelers
Fir trees in the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Park. Photo by © Marcello Soffiati

Before joining the Alpine Pearls, the Municipality of Primiero San Marino di Castrozza obtained another important recognition that well explains its relationship with nature and its immense respect for the environment. Legambiente declared the municipality ‘Territory 100% renewable‘.

Biomass district heating plant in the Primiero valley
Biomass district heating plant in the Primiero valley. Photo Archive Apt

Clean energy power the hotels, all private houses, offices, and even the ski lifts. In the Primiero and Vanoi valleys, there are in fact 14 hydroelectric plants and two biomass district heating plants.

This means that when we decide to go to the new Alpine Pearl and we move with the electric car; but also when we recharge our smartphone, we go up to altitude with the lifts, we read a book with the light of our hotel room, we do it in full respect of the environment.

charging staions fo e-cars in Primiero San Martino di Castrozza
Public charging station for electric and hybrid vehicles. Photo by © Enrica Pallaver

Not only! Tourists arriving in this enchanted place with an electric car or hybrid vehicle can request a free parking pass from the municipality and have 8 hours of recharging thanks to the Trentino Guest Card, the card that allows you to use public transport in full freedom and to obtain many other concessions on services, museums, and tourist attractions.

Finding a column here is certainly not a problem, since there are about thirty: in addition to the public charging stations in the area, there are also those of the structures participating in the “The Dolomites you recharge” project, which offer free recharge directly in the hotel.

e-bike recharging station
Free charging station for e-bikes. Photo by © Tommaso Prugnola

Even for those traveling by e-bike, full is ensured, thanks to about twenty free recharging points located along with the network of cycle and pedestrian paths and in some strategic sites in the area.

Primiero San Martino di Castrozza by E-BIKE
By bike in the presence of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage. Photo by © Enrica Pallaver

Much of its territory is also part of Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Natural Park, which has always been attentive to the environment and a place of rare beauty. In this breathtaking natural amphitheater, you can practice all kinds of sports; stroll through suggestive villages, or simply admire extraordinary views. With the awareness of doing everything on your tiptoes.

Trekking to the Pale di San Martino plateau
On the Pale di San Martino plateau, a paradise for lovers of mountaineering and mountain sports. Photo by © CMP

Because sustainability for the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza is not only a lifestyle. It’s the only way of being.

Cover image: photo by © Alessadro Gruzza