The Most Scenic Villages in the World, According to the UN Tourism Office
Good news for travelers who pride themselves on finding hidden gem destinations: The UN World Tourism Office has released its third annual list of the Best Tourism Villages in the World. Since 2021, the UNWTO has scoured the globe for the most outstanding rural tourism destinations, each with its own strong cultural and natural value. The list is also an incredible resource for travelers who prefer immersive trips and pastoral destinations with an under-the-radar vibe.
The annual roster highlights villages that are “nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions,” according to a UNWTO release. Much like UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each village must meet nine strict criteria, including environmental and social sustainability and the prioritization of tourism. “This initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being,” Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general of UNWTO said in a statement.
This year, 54 new villages across five continents were added to the ongoing list. All of the locales that made the cut are charming and historic destinations with breathtaking natural wonders like mountains, seaside cliffs, national parks, and more. Here’s a closer look at 11 new additions that caught our eye.
carlo alberto conti/GettyLerici, Italy
This town on the Italian Riviera offers plenty of understated glamor and history. Castello di Lerici, a stone fortress dating back to medieval times, looms on a rocky promontory over the rest of the village. The brightly colored buildings, palm trees, and rolling hills that abut clear turquoise waters are reminiscent of the busier Cinque Terre. Lerici also hosts several literary festivals every year, earning it the nickname “Poet’s Gulf.”
Ahmad Malulein /GettyTân Hoá, Vietnam
The lush beauty of Tân Hoá includes incredible land formations like limestone mountains, primary forests ,and the burbling Rao Nan River. The surroundings are serene, but there’s plenty of adventure to uncover, including cave tours and jungle expeditions offered by the village’s official tour partner Oxalis Adventure. Or take it easy with a relaxing bike tour through the village and a traditional dinner in a local resident’s home.
Cinar Yilancioglu/GettyTaquile Island, Peru
An island in Lake Titicaca that was mostly isolated until the 1950s, Taquile is today known for its ancient weaving tradition, which is taught to all residents from childhood as a way to honor ancestors and the island’s collective history. Tourists can see traditional terraced farms and walk along one of the island’s numerous trails to take in the views of the pristine blue lake and distant mountains on the horizon.
BrasilNut1/Getty ImagesEriceira, Portugal
Ericeira began as a traditional Portuguese fishing village as far back as the 12th century. Today the seaside town is a popular destination for surfers—from beginners to professionals—thanks to a wide variety of quality waves that break just off of its rocky shoreline. When you’re done at the beach, head into the town’s historic center to admire its cobblestone streets and traditional buildings painted in iconic whites and blues. Don't miss the chance to dine on seafood dishes like sea urchin, which is ubiquitous in Ericeira’s waters.
Oleh_Slobodeniuk/GettySiwa, Egypt
One of Egypt's most beautiful oases, there’s no shortage of natural majesty to soak up in Siwa. The oasis itself has several bodies of water—the most famous of which are its photogenic salt lakes—which seem to spring up from the desert as if by magic. Visitors can take a dip in the bright turquoise waters lapping against the rugged border of white salt deposits or visit the ancient Egyptian ruins nearby, including the Mountain of the Dead and the Temple of the Oracle of Amun.
gehringj/GettyTokaj, Hungary
This idyllic village in the foothills of Hungary’s Zemplén mountains is famous for its golden-colored wine production, an ancient tradition that spans more than a thousand years. Exploring the area reveals a patchwork of small vineyards and wineries, plus the historic rows of wine cellars with their quaint stone doors built directly into the hillsides.
Westend61/GettyAnton am Arlberg, Austria
Picturesque is the best way to describe this postcard-perfect town tucked away in a pristine region of the Austrian Alps. Miles of untouched nature surround this cozy village of just 2,400 inhabitants, which is known for its blend of tradition and modernity. In the wintertime, visitors come for the top-notch alpine skiing, but summer is also an ideal time to visit for hiking or mountain biking through the verdant hills.
Jens Otte/GettyCaleta Tortel, Chile
Wedged between Chile’s Northern and Southern Ice Fields at the mouth of the Baker river sits the unique village of Caleta Tortel. It’s a completely car-free town, with most of its structures built near the water and connected by almost 10 miles of boardwalks. Local families welcome tourists and offer immersive experiences like traditional beekeeping and rowboat tours of the cloudy blue river, which is surrounded by undulating green mountains.
Lepretre Pierre/GettyMorcote, Switzerland
Located on the sparkling Lake Lugano, the village of Morcote is one of the most breathtaking locales in all of Switzerland. Just across the border from Italy, Morcote has a similar aesthetic to nearby Lake Como, with historic villas built right on the lakeshore and a charming town center featuring Renaissance architecture. Duck into one of the town’s waterfront restaurants for a mix of Italian and Swiss cuisine with a side of stunning views.
DoctorEgg/GettyBiei, Japan
Although its striking landscapes of flower fields, mountains, and a mineral pond that glows an otherworldly blue make it one of Japan’s dreamiest villages, Biei is still “a well-kept secret,” according to UNWTO. Tourists can bike through the area’s serene hills or walk trails to the various flower parks, where rows of multicolored blooms blanket the land. Don’t miss the Shirogane Blue Pond: its high mineral content tints it a vibrant cobalt that makes an enchanting contrast with the surrounding evergreen trees.
MadKruben/GettyDhordo, India
Located on a giant salt marsh that earned it the name “White Desert,” Dhordo is best known for its popular four-month festival, Rann Utsav. During the festivities, an elaborate and elegant tent city is constructed and the village highlights cultural dishes and dance performances. Visitors participate in activities like camel rides through the scenic salt marsh, ATV rides, and yoga.
