Greek Village on Crete Ranked Best in the World by United Nations

Anogia, the picturesque Greek village on the island of Crete has been voted among the 55 best villages in the world for 2024, according to the UN World Tourism Organization.

Specifically, Anogia was recognized and awarded as an Outstanding Destination in the field of Rural Tourism. At the same time, it is credited for the work municipal authorities have committed to regarding innovation and sustainability, as well as economy and environment.

This is the fourth edition of the award. Fifty-five villages from all regions received the recognition—among them the Greek village of Anogia—chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States.

Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development.

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative was launched in 2021 to advance the  role of tourism in rural areas, landscape preservation, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.

Criteria for best village

From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam and the Greek village of Anogia, the 55 best tourist villages are devoted to preserving their identity based on the characteristics and criteria as set forth by the UN World Tourism Organization.

These criteria include sustainable development, the connection of local communities with mild forms of tourism, and the promotion of environmental protection.

Specifically, the villages were evaluated under nine key areas: Cultural and Natural Resources; Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources; Economic Sustainability; Social Sustainability; Environmental Sustainability; Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration; Governance and Prioritization of Tourism; Infrastructure and Connectivity; and Health, Safety, and Security.

The UN Secretary-General for Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, referred to tourism as an essential tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development.

The 55 best villages

The list of the 55 best villages, including the Greek village Anogia, in alphabetical order are as follows:

1. Abo Noghta Castles and Historic Tabab (Saudi Arabia)
2. Abu Ghosoun (Egypt)
3. Aínsa (Spain)
4. Amagi (Japan)
5. Anogia (Greece)
6. Azheke (China)
7. Bo Suak (Thailand)
8. Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico)
9. Caviahue-Copahue (Argentina)
10. Cuatro Cienegas de Carranza (Mexico)
11. El Tambo (Ecuador)
12. Anton Valley (Panama)
13. Esfahak (Islamic Republic of Iran)
14. Gaiman (Argentina)
15. Gharb Suhayl (Egypt)
16. Grand Baie (Mauritius)
17. Guanyang (China)
18. Huancaya (Peru)
19. Garden (Colombia)
20. Jatiluwih (Indonesia)
21. Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus)
22. Leymebamba (Peru)
23. Mindo (Ecuador)
24. Mura (Spain)
25. Nishikawa (Japan)
26. Óbidos (Portugal)
27. Ormana (Turkey)
28. Palizada (Mexico)
29. Pissouri (Cyprus)
30. Portobello (Panama)
31. City of Maras (Peru)
32. Quinoa (Peru)
33. Ralco (Chile)
34. Roches Noires (Mauritius)
35. Romoos (Switzerland)
36. Ruboni (Uganda)
37. San Casciano dei Bagni (Italy)
38. San Juan del Obispo (Guatemala)
39. San Rafael de la Laguna (Ecuador)
40. Santa Cruz da Graciosa (Portugal)
41. Shibadong (China)
42. Simbayo (Peru)
43. Splügen (Switzerland)
44. St. John in Tyrol (Austria)
45. Taoping (China)
46. Tra Que Vegetable Village (Vietnam)
47. Trevelin (Argentina)
48. Uaxactún (Guatemala)
49. Urych (Ukraine)
50. Villa Tulumba (Argentina)
51. Vorokhta (Ukraine)
52. Wukirsari (Indonesia)
53. Xiaogang (China)
54. Xitou (China)
55. Yandunjiao (China)