<strong>Best tourism villages:</strong> Since 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized small towns around the globe, such as Shirakawa, Japan -- pictured here -- working to promote sustainable tourism.
Best tourism villages: Since 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized small towns around the globe, such as Shirakawa, Japan -- pictured here -- working to promote sustainable tourism.
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<strong>Caleta Tortel, Chile:</strong> In this small town, cars are not permitted and locals are famed for using local cypress wood to build bridges.
Caleta Tortel, Chile: In this small town, cars are not permitted and locals are famed for using local cypress wood to build bridges.
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<strong>Douma, Lebanon: </strong>Nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, this village has gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.
Douma, Lebanon: Nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, this village has gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.
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<strong>Ericeira, Portugal:</strong> This waterfront town began as a small fishing village; now, it's a World Surfing Reserve.
Ericeira, Portugal: This waterfront town began as a small fishing village; now, it's a World Surfing Reserve.
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<strong>Huangling, China:</strong> In this Jiangxi Province village, it's common to see local families drying chili peppers outside of their homes every autumn.
Huangling, China: In this Jiangxi Province village, it's common to see local families drying chili peppers outside of their homes every autumn.
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<strong>Lerici, Italy</strong>: On the waters of the Ligurian Sea, Lerici is a cultural hub, with music and book festivals and its own literary prize.
Lerici, Italy: On the waters of the Ligurian Sea, Lerici is a cultural hub, with music and book festivals and its own literary prize.
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<strong>Morcote, Switzerland:</strong> Already crowned "Most Beautiful Village of Switzerland" in a national poll, Morcote is now getting international recognition as well.
Morcote, Switzerland: Already crowned "Most Beautiful Village of Switzerland" in a national poll, Morcote is now getting international recognition as well.
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<strong>Ordino, Andorra: </strong>Andorra might be a microstate, but that doesn't mean it's an urban jungle. Ordino is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve of the same name.
Ordino, Andorra: Andorra might be a microstate, but that doesn't mean it's an urban jungle. Ordino is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve of the same name.
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<strong>Schladming, Austria:</strong> With a history dating back to the Medieval period, this village is home to a Romanesque church, a nickel museum, and some pretty incredible skiing.
Schladming, Austria: With a history dating back to the Medieval period, this village is home to a Romanesque church, a nickel museum, and some pretty incredible skiing.
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<strong>Tokaj, Hungary: </strong>The first Hungarian village to be added to the UNWTO list, Tokaj was cited for its winemaking history, which is an impressive 950 years old.
Tokaj, Hungary: The first Hungarian village to be added to the UNWTO list, Tokaj was cited for its winemaking history, which is an impressive 950 years old.
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