October 20, 2025, 10:17 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced the best tourism villages for 2025. This year, 52 villages from all regions of the world were recognized. TRAVELBOOK reveals which villages made it onto the UNWTO list.
The recognition of the best villages is the flagship of the UNWTO’s “Tourism for Rural Development” program, launched in 2021. The goal of this program is to protect and sustainably promote rural destinations. “Tourism can be a powerful tool to promote shared prosperity, inclusive growth, and territorial cohesion in rural areas,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization, in a press release. The initiative honors communities that have successfully used tourism as a driver for their development and prosperity.
Overview
270 Applications for the Best Villages
In the fifth edition, the 52 villages from various regions were selected from over 270 applications. They were submitted by more than 65 member states of the UN World Tourism Organization. The recognition honors villages that are outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with recognized cultural and natural treasures, that preserve and promote rural values, products, and lifestyles, and that are clearly committed to innovation and sustainability.
In addition to greater recognition, the awarded villages benefit from global media campaigns initiated by the UN World Tourism Organization. The recognition also provides them with increased visibility and helps them position themselves more strongly in the international tourism industry. The countries with the most nominations–four each–this year are Turkey, Japan, and China.
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Three of the Best Villages 2025
Agaete, Spain
Only 43 meters above sea level, the village of Agaete is about half an hour from the island’s capital. Away from the major tourist centers, the place offers a quiet atmosphere with narrow streets, traditional architecture, seafood restaurants right by the sea, and hiking trails through the green Agaete Valley. According to the official tourism website of Gran Canaria, the valley is considered one of the most scenic regions of the island. Between orange groves, tropical fruits, and small coffee fields, there are wide views of the Tamadaba massif with its dense pine forests.
Akyaka, Turkey
Between pine forests, mountains, and the turquoise sea lies Akyaka, a small coastal village in western Turkey, about 30 kilometers from Marmaris. The former fishing village has developed into a quiet destination for nature and relaxation seekers. Akyaka is particularly known for the clear Azmak River, along whose banks cozy restaurants are located, from which passing boats can be observed.
Aldea San Cristóbal El Alto, Guatemala
Above the valley of Antigua Guatemala lies the small village of San Cristóbal El Alto at around 1,800 meters altitude. From here, there is an impressive view of the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes as well as the surrounding mountains. Due to its location, the place is a popular destination for hiking travelers. Because of its lush vegetation, San Cristóbal El Alto is also known as the “garden village in the mountains” and is characterized by terraces, community gardens, and numerous plants. At the same time, the community, with the cooperative “Senderos El Alto,” is committed to sustainable development and community tourism. Visitors can participate in workshops and hikes, learn about local crafts, and try traditional dishes in restaurants.
Complete List of the Best Villages 2025 According to UNWTO
- Agaete, Spain
- Akyaka, Turkey
- Aldea San Cristóbal El Alto, Guatemala
- Anıtlı, Turkey
- Antônio Prado, Brazil
- Arquà Petrarca, Italy
- Asolo, Italy
- Asuka, Japan
- Barbaros, Turkey
- Bellano, Italy
- Bled, Slovenia
- Carlos Pellegrini, Argentina
- Chamarel, Mauritius
- Digang, China
- Dongluo, China
- Ezcaray, Spain
- Flößerstadt Schiltach, Germany
- Grand River South East, Mauritius
- Hosszúhetény, Hungary
- Huanggang, China
- Jikayi, China
- Kale Üçağız, Turkey
- Kandelous, Iran
- Kaštelir Labinci, Croatia
- Khinalig, Azerbaijan
- Kolochava, Ukraine
- Koyasan, Japan
- Krupa na Vrbasu, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Loriga, Portugal
- Lô Lô Chải, Vietnam
- Maimará, Argentina
- Marktgemeinde Bad Hindelang, Germany
- Masfout, United Arab Emirates
- Mértola, Portugal
- Mórahalom, Hungary
- Muju Village, South Korea
- Murillo, Colombia
- Neot Semadar, Israel
- North Azraq, Jordan
- Pacto, Ecuador
- Pemuteran, Indonesia
- Plateliai, Lithuania
- Pont-Croix, France
- Quynh Son Community-based Tourism Village, Vietnam
- Shafiabad, Iran
- Shodoshima, Japan
- Soheili, Iran
- Synevyrska Polyana, Ukraine
- Tonosho, Japan
- Valendas, Switzerland
- Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Portugal
- Yangsuri, South Korea