Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Spain, South Korea, Turkey, Vietnam, UAE, and More Unveil the Hidden Treasures of 2025 with UN Tourism’s Prestigious List of 52 Extraordinary Villages Offering Unmatched Cultural, Natural, and Sustainable Travel Wonders
Published on
November 3, 2025
In 2025, Spain, South Korea, Turkey, Vietnam, the UAE, and several other nations showcase their hidden gems as UN Tourism unveils its prestigious list of 52 Best Tourism Villages. These remarkable destinations have earned their place for offering travelers an unparalleled blend of authentic cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism. The recognition highlights villages that go beyond traditional travel experiences, focusing on community-driven initiatives and environmental preservation, offering visitors an escape into vibrant, yet lesser-known locales where sustainability and tradition coexist harmoniously. From the scenic landscapes of Agaete in Spain to the peaceful mountain retreats of Yangsuri in South Korea, these villages promise unforgettable journeys rooted in cultural immersion and eco-friendly travel.
UN Tourism Unveils Its 2025 ‘Best Tourism Villages’ List: A Celebration of Rural Treasures Across the Globe
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released its highly anticipated list of the Best Tourism Villages for 2025, highlighting 52 exceptional rural destinations from 29 countries that travelers should keep in mind for 2026. Unlike the bustling streets of major cities, these charming villages offer unique experiences, often hidden away in mountainous regions, island retreats, and tranquil countryside, where local traditions and community life thrive.
Now in its fifth year, the Best Tourism Villages (BTV) initiative recognizes rural destinations that exemplify authenticity, natural beauty, and a commitment to sustainable tourism practices. From Africa and the Americas to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the selected villages offer a refreshing escape from the conventional tourist trail, providing an opportunity to reconnect with local cultures and embrace eco-friendly travel.
The 52 winners were carefully chosen from over 270 applications submitted by 65 member states of UN Tourism. In addition to these winners, 20 more villages have been included in the Upgrade Programme, ensuring their future development towards full recognition. This expansion means the BTV Network now boasts a total of 319 villages worldwide, making it the largest network of rural destinations globally.
Exploring Japan’s Rich Rural Charm
Among the most notable inclusions are villages from Japan, such as the coastal towns of Kyoto and Okayama. These charming villages offer stunning views of the sea, combined with Japan’s deep cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient wooden houses, temples, and shrines that have stood for centuries. These destinations represent the timeless appeal of Japan’s rural life, far removed from the modernity of urban centers.
Japan’s villages, including those in Gifu, embody the nation’s rich history, with many featuring historic homes that have preserved traditional craftsmanship and ways of life, making them a must-see for those looking to dive into the nation’s roots.
Switzerland’s Hidden Alpine Gem
Also gracing the 2025 list is Corippo, a picturesque alpine village in Switzerland. Nestled among the stunning peaks of the Alps, Corippo stands out with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old stone houses. Its small, intimate community makes it a perfect destination for those seeking to experience a quiet and reflective corner of Europe, far removed from the crowds of larger Swiss cities.
The Vision Behind the Best Tourism Villages Initiative
The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021 under the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme, aims to spotlight and support rural villages that prioritize preserving their landscapes, biodiversity, cultural traditions, and sustainable ways of life. The overarching goal is to use tourism as a catalyst for local development, fostering economic growth while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of rural communities.
The programme is structured around three core pillars:
- Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: This category honors villages that stand out due to their cultural and natural resources, local governance, and innovation in sustainable tourism. These villages contribute significantly to their communities, using tourism as a tool for economic growth without compromising their cultural heritage.
- Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme: This initiative focuses on helping promising rural destinations meet the standards required for full recognition. By providing guidance and support, it helps villages develop into fully sustainable tourism hubs, enhancing their infrastructure and environmental practices.
- The BTV Network: A global platform where member villages can share best practices, network with experts, and collaborate with both public and private sector stakeholders. This exchange of knowledge helps to promote sustainable tourism across rural communities worldwide.
A Global Collection of Diverse Rural Destinations
While Japan and Switzerland have earned their place on the list, the BTV network is diverse, with villages from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East offering unique experiences. From the colorful villages of Peru’s Sacred Valley to the peaceful landscapes of Turkey’s Aegean coast, each location presents its own set of cultural treasures and natural beauty that attract discerning travelers in search of something beyond the ordinary.
The recognition process is rigorous, with an independent advisory board evaluating each village on a range of factors. These include the quality of cultural and natural resources, sustainability efforts, safety, infrastructure, and overall community involvement in tourism development. The program aims to ensure that every village on the list is a true representation of sustainable rural tourism.
In 2025, UN Tourism recognizes 52 Best Tourism Villages from countries like Spain, South Korea, Turkey, Vietnam, and the UAE, celebrating their unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and commitment to sustainable travel, offering travelers unforgettable, eco-friendly experiences.
A Growing Network with Future Potential
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is evolving rapidly, and each year brings new additions to the list, providing travelers with an expanding array of rural gems to explore. As the network continues to grow, it plays a crucial role in driving attention to the importance of preserving rural landscapes and fostering tourism that benefits local communities.
The next call for submissions for the Best Tourism Villages 2026 will open in the first quarter of 2026, and the program is set to continue recognizing villages that are making significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism practices while preserving their cultural heritage.
The 2025 list demonstrates the power of rural tourism to drive positive change. By honoring these villages, UN Tourism is not just promoting travel to these areas, but also highlighting the importance of rural destinations in contributing to global sustainability goals and community well-being. As travelers continue to seek more authentic and eco-conscious experiences, these Best Tourism Villages offer the perfect opportunity to explore the world in a more meaningful way.
The 2025 list of the Best Tourism Villages includes 52 exceptional destinations across the globe, highlighting the beauty and culture of rural communities. From Agaete in Spain to Yangsuri in South Korea, the list features a diverse range of villages like Akyaka in Türkiye, Lô Lô Chải in Vietnam, Masfout in the UAE, and Mórahalom in Hungary. Other notable entries include Koyasan in Japan, Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina, Chamarel in Mauritius, and Valendas in Switzerland. The list also showcases the charm of Ezcaray in Spain, Shodoshima in Japan, Neot Semadar in Israel, Pacto in Ecuador, and Kaštelir Labinci in Croatia, among many others. Additionally, explore the hidden gem of Chitkul Village in India’s Himachal Pradesh, famous for its snow-capped peaks and exhilarating treks.
