Every year, travel magazines publish their ‘Best Places to Go’ lists for the upcoming year, or in Fodor’s case, which we love, the ‘No List,’ which highlights the destinations to avoid because they are struggling with overtourism and other harmful impacts of tourism. Our favorite list, however, is the UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) list of Best Tourism Villages, highlighting underrated places that you (probably) haven’t heard of.
In its fourth edition this year, 55 rural villages from around the world were selected as the most promising communities where tourism can have the most positive impact. Chances are, you haven’t been to very many of them, which makes them some of the most promising (read: less touristy, less crowded) destinations to visit next.
What makes these the best underrated places to go?
To compile this list, the UNWTO reviews hundreds of applications
Each of the villages on the list must have a small population, under 15,000 inhabitants.
The location also needs to have a strong presence of traditional activities, whether they have to do with farming, forestry or fishing. There is no fee to apply, removing barriers to entry as the goal is to support these underrepresented destinations.
How is the list determined?
Each of the applicants are evaluated by a set of nine criteria that looks at things like commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability, promotion and conservation of natural and cultural resources as well as safety and security.
The UNWTO evaluates and scores all applicants annually, announcing the list of ‘Best’ villages as well as the ones with most potential. Think of it as the ultimate vetting tool for a destination.
You might not care to research the ins and outs of governmental infrastructure and economic opportunities when travel planning, but the UNWTO does the heavy lifting for you, creating a treasure trove of trip inspiration that doesn’t expire with shifting travel trends.
Medieval villages
If medieval villages appeal to you, this year’s list of underrated places includes Aínsa, a village nestled in Spain’s Huesca region. Enclosed by medieval walls, Aínsa is the perfect base to explore the nearby Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park.
On Cyprus, Kalopanayiotis is a charming, cobblestoned village in the lush Marathasa Valley. If learning how to make halloumi, wine tasting in high altitude vineyards and cycling through the islands lush forest trails and indulging in therapeutic sulfur sound like a dream to you, this is one of the best underrated places to put on your list as it’s a great year round destination with mild winters and cool summers. Check into Casale Panayiotis for a taste of authentic village life with a dose of adventure on the side.
Island life
Home to an annual marathon, Amagi is part of the Tokunoshima World Natural Heritage Site in Japan. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich biodiversity and traditional culture, the island has a lush rainforest and the small village is surrounded by mountains.
In Mauritius two villages, Grand Baie and Roches Noires were selected. Although the logistics of getting to Mauritius are less than ideal, opportunities to explore, and respect, nature abound. If you’re going to go all the way there, stay awhile and make every dollar count.
Roughly two hours from Le Morne, a highly visited spot on the island, Grand Baie focuses on marine tourism with sustainable diving and snorkelling practices aimed at protecting coral reefs.
As an island, the local communities are deeply concerned about environmental issues and sustainable development. In response, more and more recreational boats are equipped with electric engines and solar power.
The great outdoors
Located in the crater of an inactive volcano, El Valle de Antón, is a hotspot for biodiversity and ecotourism in Panama. Known as the birthplace of the Golden Frog, it is an idyllic spot for outdoor, ecotourism activities. Choose from many activity options in the valley, like hiking the 30km Caldera Route Trail, ziplining or chasing waterfalls.
Get your birdwatching in with a stay at Canopy Tower, The Canopy Lodge or Canopy Camp, all owned by a local family who has received praise for their commitment to ecotourism from guests such as Sir David Attenborough, Jimmy Carter and Angelina Jolie.
Schwesteregg family farm in romoos, Switzerland | unwto
Slow Down
In the heart of the lush UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, disconnect from daily life in Romoos, Switzerland. Book a stay in the charming ‘wooden igloos‘ located on the Roos family farm or at The Nature Lodge, where you can enjoy the views and hikes through the Napf mountain landscape.
The unexpected
As travelers, we always have to consider the ethics of visiting a destination, whether it’s post-disaster, during political unrest or worse, times of war.
Tourism is ever the double-edged sword that has the ability to help, yet also harm a destination. Following a disaster, the economy needs the economic support from tourism to get back on its feet, but only once infrastructure has been restored so tourists aren’t putting additional strain on an already struggling community.
On this year’s list, destinations in Ukraine are featured, Urych and Vorokhta, both unexpected and underrated places. The ongoing war in Ukraine has removed the country from most traveler itineraries, but inclusion on the Best Villages list is a powerful reminder of the potential of tourism to sustain and support communities socially and economically, and help them build back, when it is safe.
For unlimited inspiration, check out the full database of 254 (and counting) villages here. Whether highlighted in the inaugural list or the most current, these destinations are unlikely to become overcrowded any time soon, so bookmark the site and visit often.
MICHELLE ARELLANO MARTIN
