As a year of travel largely marked by protests against overtourism in Barcelona, Oaxaca and Venice draws to a close, the appeal of offbeat vacations continues to grow.
For example, think about these places you've probably never heard of: the remote island of Graciosa in the Azores, the isolated fishing village of Roches Noires in the northeast of Mauritius, or the mountainous Wukirsari, in Indonesia, 270 miles east of Jakarta. They are one of 55 small rural getaways around the world that have earned a place in the 2024 edition of UN Tourism's “Best Tourist Villages”. The list of winning destinations, presented exclusively by Bloomberg News, was released on November 14 during the organization's Executive Council meeting in Cartagena, Colombia.
The initiative, launched in 2021, aims to raise awareness of lesser-known places worth visiting and also to reward responsible tourism management. Simply put, these destinations use visitation funds in a way that boosts their cultural practices, preserves biodiversity, and improves the quality of life of locals. Each village also has fewer than 15,000 inhabitants and maintains traditional activities such as agriculture and fishing.
“The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages, but also highlights the transformative power of tourism,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Secretary-General for Tourism.
Among this year's worthy escapes are the rural villages of Panama and Guatemala, two countries making the list for the first time. The historic port of Portobelo in northern Panama, for example, attracts smaller crowds despite its quiet Caribbean beaches and significant colonial past. But it also stands out because tourism helps finance cultural heritage preservation activities for young people through the Bahía de Portobelo Foundation, as well as coral reef restoration projects.
Appearing on this coveted list can also lead to an increase in visits from high-spending travelers. For example, in Aragon, Spain, the village of Alquezar, where trekking, canyoning and mountain hiking, attracted mainly visitors from France and Spain, but since its victory in 2022, international visitors from Japan and China spent their vacations there, according to the mayor of Alquezar, Ana. Blasco Castillo. Sandra Carvao, who contributes to the development of rural tourism as a director at UN Tourism, sees this as one of the major advantages of the best tourist villages initiative, in addition to diverting travelers from the main hotspots. “It's really about making sure the sector can benefit places that you might not necessarily care about,” she says.
This year's winners were selected from 260 nominations received by UN Tourism from more than 60 member countries. We've highlighted five that are easily accessible.
Splugen, Switzerland
Splugen, in the Swiss Alps, near the Italian border, is smaller as a ski destination than, say, the busier and glitzier St. Moritz, just a scenic hour-and-a-half drive to the east. But that's exactly the appeal: it's a quieter winter sports holiday destination that doubles as a lesser-known spot in spring and summer, with access to crystal-clear lakes and the regional nature park. of Beverin. Splügen joined this protected area in 2020, joining more than 10 communities living here who have committed to playing a role in its preservation. Next year, the boutique Speluca Brewery Hotel is expected to open; its design uses formerly abandoned spaces on the outskirts of the village, including an old barn and a former hotel from the 1960s, as well as new structures that will reflect the traditional woodland aesthetic of the village. The municipalities of Splügen also want to attract more visitors throughout the year, which they expect once the future project by Rheinwald Resort AG, comprising a room combination and a campsite for long-term stays, is completed.
San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador
San Rafael de la Laguna is a reminder of the immense natural riches of Ecuador, located at the foot of the Andes, just under a two-hour drive north of Quito. It is near Imbakucha, or the Lake of the Gods, also known as Lago San Pablo. You can join guided tours to spot herons and ducks from traditional boats made from totora reeds, a local aquatic plant growing abundantly in the area. Cycling enthusiasts will find routes that pass through the Otavalo Valley, and the village also celebrates vibrant festivals with indigenous roots. Pawkar Raymi marks the start of the agricultural season in early March, in accordance with the spring equinox, and Inti Raymi celebrates the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. Expect plenty of community events for both, including traditional Andean music and dance. If you prefer hands-on experiences, craft workshops will teach you how to make baskets, trays and hats with totora reeds.
Gharb Suhayl, Egypt
If you're planning to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025, it might be worth making a stop in Aswan, south of Giza. From there, board a 30-minute boat ride south to the peaceful, ancient Nubian village of Gharb Suhayl, located on the banks of the Nile. Beyond its brightly colored houses painted blue, yellow, and ocher, you'll find striking art murals, meant to give the neighborhood the feel of a living, open-air museum. You will likely be invited into the home of a Nubian family to learn about the way of life, and you may also spend time shopping in the souks for crafts, jewelry, and spices. A handful of luxury tour operators, like Black Tomato, offer stops in Aswan and then sail down the Nile to Abu Simbel.
Pissouri, Cyprus
On Cyprus' rugged southwest coast, Pissouri offers a quieter alternative to the resort town of Limassol, just a 30-minute drive to the east. Choose from outdoor activities in Pissouri, including the Cap Astrot hiking trail, nestled alongside gigantic rock formations, for breathtaking views of a turquoise bay and its pebble-sand beach. The farming village's cobbled square is lined with local tavernas where you can dine on Cypriot meze: small plates of local cheeses, olives, seafood and grilled meats, plus dips. For a deeper dive into Pissouri's heritage, enjoy a guided tour of the G Theophamous winery on the history of the Sultanina grape and Pissouri winemaking traditions. To attract more visitors in the future, this small farming village is working on a hiking trail accessible to travelers with disabilities, as well as a Halloumi house museum, named after Cyprus' iconic cheese, which will showcase the dairy products of this region.
Uaxactún, Guatemala
Most people head to Tikal National Park and unknowingly bypass Uaxactún, an ancient Mayan historic site just a 30-minute drive north. But it has uncrowded forest trails where you can view the area's temples, including a ceremonial complex, steles, and an astronomy observatory that the Mayans once used to mark celestial events. Uaxactún reached its peak between 600 and 900 AD, when it was an important center for art and astronomy. In March, the eponymous village celebrates the spring equinox festival through sacred ceremonies on the site including singing, fires and drumming. Ask about a craft workshop with local women's group Brisas de la Selva Maya, where you'll learn how to make necklaces and bracelets from forest items such as seeds, mushrooms and flowers .
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
