Europe’s most popular destinations are struggling to cope with overwhelming tourist numbers, leading to strained resources and discontent among locals. To address this issue, UN Tourism has identified the Best Tourism Villages in Europe, where tourism is beneficial for both the community and visitors. A total of 16 European villages were recognized among the 53 global winners, and these villages were celebrated for preserving culture, tradition, biodiversity, and diversity. From Ordino, Andorra, with its high-mountain lakes and stone houses, to St Anton am Arlberg, Austria, known for adrenaline-filled skiing and sensory hiking trails, these villages offer a sustainable and authentic travel experience.
In Ordino, Andorra, visitors can explore a medieval town with picturesque stone houses and access outdoor adventures in the surrounding natural areas, including Tristaina Lakes and Sorteny National Park. St Anton am Arlberg, Austria, serves as a gateway to the Arlberg ski region and offers opportunities for snowsports enthusiasts to experience the ‘cradle of alpine skiing’. Other European villages like Slunj in Croatia, Tokaj in Hungary, and Lerici in Italy offer unique attractions such as cascading waterfalls, noble rot wine tasting, and sustainable tourism initiatives focusing on ocean conservation.
Portugal boasts hidden gems like Sortelha, an ancient walled town with medieval and Renaissance architecture, and Valeni, a village in Moldova where visitors can witness pelicans at Lake Belleau. Sigüenza in central Spain is working towards rural development through tourism, offering a medieval train journey that tells the story of the villages and towns along the way. Morcote in Switzerland, Şirince in Türkiye, and other recognized villages also provide opportunities for lakeside lounging, peaceful escapes, and historic exploration.
As Europe’s most popular destinations struggle with overtourism, travelers are encouraged to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Best Tourism Villages identified by UN Tourism. These villages offer sustainable and authentic experiences that benefit both locals and visitors, preserving culture, tradition, and biodiversity while celebrating diversity. From Andorra to Moldova, Hungary to Italy, these award-winning villages showcase the diverse offerings of rural Europe and provide unique opportunities for travelers to connect with nature, history, and local communities. By choosing to visit these lesser-known destinations, travelers can contribute to a more responsible and conscious approach to tourism while discovering hidden gems and supporting sustainable development in rural areas.
