From the beaches of Syros to the fir-covered slopes of the southern Pindus range, five Greek communities hope to join UN’s Best Tourism Villages network.
Following an evaluation of applications submitted by local municipalities, the Greek Tourism Ministry selected Galissas, Ermioni, Kefalovrysi, Elati, and Patrika as Greece’s five nominees for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages initiative. The program recognizes rural destinations that protect their cultural heritage, support local communities, and pursue sustainable tourism.
The network currently includes 319 destinations worldwide, among them the historic Cretan village of Anogeia. The five Greek candidates highlight the country’s geographic diversity, from popular seaside settlements to quiet mountain communities where traditional livelihoods still shape everyday life.
Galissas preserves the coastal heritage of Syros
Galissas sits on the western coast of Syros and draws visitors with its golden beach, tamarisk trees, and the hilltop chapel of Agia Pakou, which overlooks the Aegean Sea. Despite its popularity, the settlement has maintained close ties to the island’s fishing traditions and culinary heritage.
The Municipality of Syros-Ermoupolis submitted the candidacy and highlighted the qualities that define Galissas: natural beauty, history, local customs, rural life, gastronomy, accessibility, and strong community participation. Municipal officials also praised local residents for helping the community retain its identity while welcoming large numbers of summer visitors.
Ermioni combines seaside character with sustainable tourism
Ermioni, a coastal town in Argolida in the eastern Peloponnese, offers visitors the atmosphere of a Greek island without leaving the mainland. Green hills, sheltered bays, and picturesque coves frame its cobbled streets and elegant townhouses. Its long history and relaxed pace of life remain central to its appeal.
The town has pursued a tourism model that limits environmental and social pressure instead of encouraging uncontrolled development. Through this approach, Ermioni aims to balance visitor activity with the protection of its character and community life. Its nomination also supports a broader strategy by the Municipality of Ermionida to expand tourism and strengthen the local economy. The plan places particular emphasis on cultural heritage, productive traditions, and the area’s distinctive natural landscape.
Kefalovryso: A Greek village pursuing community-led revival and UN tourism recognition
Kefalovryso, a mountain settlement in Messinia in the western Peloponnese, takes its name from the stone spring in the village square. The approximately 120-year-old spring remains one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks. Until 1927, residents called the village Ripesi.
The nomination reflects a participatory model of rural revitalization that has taken shape in recent years. Residents have played a direct role in protecting the settlement’s historic identity and creating new opportunities for the community.
The Municipality of Trifylia has worked with the social cooperative enterprise Mali Mali Ripesi to support the initiative. The cooperative’s name means “Mountain Mountain” in the Arvanite dialect traditionally spoken in the village.
Rather than treating tourism as a separate commercial industry, the community has connected it with the revival of village life, local participation, and the preservation of cultural memory.
Elati balances winter tourism and mountain life
Elati sits at an altitude of approximately 950 meters on Mount Koziakas in the southern Pindus range. Dense fir forests surround the Trikala village, which has developed into one of Greece’s most popular winter destinations.
Its proximity to the Pertouli Ski Center and an extensive network of hiking trails attracts visitors during the colder months and throughout the outdoor tourism season. Even as visitor numbers have grown, Elati has retained the character of a traditional mountain settlement.
Small, family-run businesses continue to support the local economy, while livestock farming remains an important source of income. This balance between tourism and traditional economic activity has helped the village develop without losing its rural identity.
Patrika safeguards Chios’ mastic-growing traditions
On Chios, the medieval village of Patrika offers a quieter model of island tourism rooted in agriculture and community tradition.
Mastic growers make up most of the village’s population. For generations, cultivation of the aromatic resin has shaped the economy, landscape, and cultural identity of southern Chios.
Although Patrika suffered damage and periods of abandonment in the past, the village has preserved much of its medieval architecture and traditional character.
The community becomes much livelier in August, when residents and visitors return for the summer. During the rest of the year, life follows a far quieter rhythm. A single cafe-restaurant and only a handful of accommodations serve visitors outside the peak season.
Community President Dimitris Lardas said the candidacy honors the villagers who have kept Patrika’s history, traditions, and identity alive.
How Greek villages qualify for UN tourism recognition
To qualify for the UN Tourism initiative, a community must have no more than 15,000 residents and meet a wide range of social, cultural, environmental, and economic criteria.
UN Tourism initiative looks for destinations with an authentic local way of life, strong community values, and a clear commitment to protecting cultural heritage and local identity.
Evaluators also examine how communities preserve traditional occupations and productive activities. Tourism should support sustainable development and community well-being rather than replace existing livelihoods or place excessive pressure on the destination.
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