UN Hails Iranian Villages as Hidden Gems of Global Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations’ specialized agency for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. Working with 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, and over 500 Affiliate Members, UN Tourism positions tourism as a powerful engine for economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental stewardship.

One of its standout initiatives, the Best Tourism Villages program, celebrates rural destinations that preserve cultural and natural heritage, honor community values, and demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

This year, 52 villages from around the globe—Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—earned this recognition, chosen from more than 270 applications submitted by 65 UN Tourism Member States. Among them, three Iranian villages—Kandelous, Shafiabad, and Soheili—have been officially recognized as some of the world’s best tourism villages for 2025.

These awards honor destinations that deliver extraordinary experiences while safeguarding natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the spirit of local communities. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover these hidden gems of Iran.

Kandelous: Northern Iran’s Green Paradise

Nestled on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains and surrounded by ancient Hyrcanian forests, Kandelous, in northern Mazandaran province, is a verdant retreat. Step into this living painting, where centuries-old culture, traditional music, and unique architecture have been lovingly preserved.

What sets Kandelous apart is its seamless harmony with nature. Terraced gardens climb the hillsides, a fascinating Anthropology Museum showcases local life, and homes are built from natural, locally sourced materials. The village embodies sustainable living in its most beautiful form. Its international recognition celebrates the vibrant culture of Northern Iran.

Dubbed “The Lost Paradise”, Kandelous is famous for its rural architecture, featuring wooden-framed windows, stone alleyways, and gabled rooftops. Its museums highlight antiques and over 250 species of medicinal herbs. The Kandelous Anthropology Museum, founded by Aliasghar Jahangiri, houses more than 8,000 artifacts, including pottery, manuscripts, and agricultural tools, preserving the region’s rich traditions and knowledge of medicinal plants.

Soheili: Shining Star of the Persian Gulf

On the southern tip of Iran, along the Persian Gulf’s shores on Qeshm Island, lies Soheili—a coastal village that exemplifies sustainable rural tourism, where nature, culture, and community development thrive together.

Soheili is a gateway to tranquil mangrove forests, calm wetlands, and a community whose rhythms are shaped by the tides. Here, local residents—particularly women and youth—lead environmental stewardship efforts. They navigate the waters in eco-friendly boats, construct sustainable wooden homes, and run workshops for exquisite sea-inspired handicrafts.

Visiting Soheili is more than a scenic experience; it’s a lesson in responsible living and a window into the warm maritime culture of southern Iran.

Shafiabad: The Desert Jewel at Iran’s Heart

On the edge of the vast Lut Desert, near Kerman, Shafiabad rises like a golden treasure. With adobe houses and ancient underground water canals (qanats), this village showcases human ingenuity thriving in harsh desert conditions.

Shafiabad demonstrates how civilizations can flourish in harmony with nature. Local women have revitalized traditional crafts and local products, creating a stable economy for the community. For travelers, the village offers the magic of desert trekking beneath vast, open skies. Its global recognition reflects the extraordinary resilience and creativity of its people.

A Tapestry of Iran’s Diversity

The recognition of Kandelous, Soheili, and Shafiabad highlights Iran’s astonishing diversity—from misty northern forests to coastal mangroves and awe-inspiring desert landscapes. These villages prove that unforgettable, sustainable travel experiences await around every corner.

UN Tourism’s spotlight on these destinations underscores the power of community-led initiatives: anthropological preservation in Kandelous, women-driven eco-tourism in Soheili, and desert ingenuity in Shafiabad. Together, they build resilient local economies while respecting the environment.

For the conscious traveler, Iran is a destination where tourism promotes preservation, inclusivity, and cross-cultural connection—village by village.