The organization’s initiative aims to promote “responsible, sustainable and globally accessible tourism”.
When we talk about travel, our minds turn to big famous cities and regions, but in reality it’s more than the busy streets of ultra-modern metropolises – sometimes everyone is just looking for a little scenic tranquility.
Fortunately, every year UN Tourismpublishes a list of the world’s “best tourist villages”, which is selected based on destinations that do the most outstanding work in preserving their culture, community and traditions through tourism projects.
The organization earlier this year announced the open call for villages, but now the list of the best villages to visit in 2025 has been revealed. (although they are not ranked – they are listed in alphabetical order). One Greek village is not missing from this list, namely Anogeia in Crete.
The most exciting thing is that the list includes corners from all over the planet. Three villages in Mexico were highlighted: Capulálpam de Méndez, which is nestled in the mountains of the state of Oaxaca, Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, known for its springs and marshes, and Palizada, which is filled with painted colonial-era architecture.
Splügen, a small but stunningly picturesque mountain village, was also included, as was Azheke, a Hani Chinese village inhabited by thatched houses.
Read on for the full list of 55 lovely villages to visit next year.
These are the 55 best UN tourist villages for 2025
- Abo Nogta and historic Tabab Castles, Saudi Arabia
- Abu Gosun, Egypt
- Ainsa, Spain
- Amagi, Japan (center photo)
- Anogia, Greece
- Azek, China
- Bo Suak, Thailand
- Capulalpam de Mendez, Mexico
- Caviahue-Copahue, Argentina
- Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, Mexico City
- El Tambo, Ecuador
- El Valle de Anton, Panama
- Esfahak, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Gaiman, Argentina
- Garb Suhail, Egypt
- Grand Bay, Mauritius
- Guangyang, China
- Huancaya, Peru
- Jardin, Colombia
- Jatiluwih, Indonesia
- Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus
- Leymebamba, Peru
- Mindo, Ecuador
- Mura, Spain
- Nishikawa, Japan
- Óbidos, Portugal
- Ormana, Turkey
- Palisade, Mexico
- Pissouri, Cyprus
- Portobello, Panama
- Pueblo de Maras, Peru
- Quinoa, Peru
- Ralco, Chile
- Roches Noires, Mauritius
- Romoos, Switzerland
- Ruboni, Uganda
- San Casciano dei Bani, Italy
- San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala
- San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador
- Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Portugal
- Shibadong, China
- Simbayo, Peru
- Schplügen, Switzerland
- St. Johann in Tyrol, Austria
- Taoping, China
- Tra Que Vegetable Village, Vietnam
- Trevelin, Argentina
- Waxactun, Guatemala
- Urych, Ukraine
- Villa Tulumba, Argentina
- Vorokhta, Ukraine
- Ukirsari, Indonesia
- Xiaogang, China
- Situ, China
- Yandongjiao, China
