UN recognizes Iranian villages as global tourism gems
TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (MNA) – From a northern green paradise to a coastal mangrove haven and a desert jewel, three Iranian villages have gained global recognition.
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.
In partnership with 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, and over 500 Affiliate Members, UN Tourism aims to position tourism as a vital driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability.
One of its initiatives, the Best Tourism Villages program, recognizes rural tourism destinations that have accredited cultural and natural assets, uphold community-based values, and demonstrate a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Recently, 52 villages from all regions—Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—were honored with this recognition. These villages were selected from over 270 applications submitted by 65 UN Tourism Member States.
In an exciting announcement from Beijing, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has officially recognized three Iranian villages—Kandelous, Shafiabad, and Soheili—as some of the world’s best tourism villages for 2025.
This prestigious award celebrates places that offer amazing experiences while preserving their natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local community spirit.
Let’s take a journey across Iran to discover these three hidden gems.
Kandelous: Green paradise in northern Iran
Nestled on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains and surrounded by ancient Hyrcanian forests, the village of Kandelous, in northern Mazandaran province, is a lush, green escape.
Imagine stepping into a living painting where vibrant culture, traditional music, and unique architecture have been cherished for centuries.
What makes Kandelous so special is its beautiful harmony with nature. You’ll see terraced gardens climbing the hillsides, a fascinating museum of anthropology showcasing local life, and houses built with natural, local materials.
This village is a perfect model of how people can live in a sustainable and beautiful relationship with their environment. Its global recognition is a testament to the vibrant and living culture of Northern Iran.
Kandelous, dubbed "The Lost Paradise," is renowned for its well-preserved rural architecture, featuring wooden-framed windows, stone alleyways, and gabled rooftops.
The village boasts museums dedicated to antiques and medicinal plants, cultivating over 250 rare herb species.
The Kandelous Anthropology Museum, founded by Aliasghar Jahangiri, is a highlight, showcasing over 8,000 artifacts, including pottery, manuscripts, and agricultural tools.
This museum documents rural traditions and has been instrumental in preserving knowledge of the region's traditional medicinal plants.
Soheili: Shining Star of the Persian Gulf
Nestled along the Persian Gulf, Soheili is not just another coastal village--it is rather a living showcase of sustainable rural tourism, where nature, culture, and community-led development come together in a rare harmony.
At the southernmost tip of Iran, on Qeshm Island, lies the village of Soheili. This is a world defined by the sea. Soheili is a gateway to serene mangrove forests, calm wetlands, and a community whose life rhythm is set by the tides.Here, the local people, especially women and youth, are pioneers in protecting their environment. They use silent, eco-friendly boats, build nature-friendly wooden houses, and run workshops for beautiful sea-inspired handicrafts.
A visit to Soheili is not just about witnessing the wonders of the Persian Gulf; it’s an inspiring lesson in responsible living and the warm, maritime culture of Southern Iran.
Shafiabad: Desert jewel in Iran’s heart
On the edge of the vast Lut Desert, near Kerman, the village of Shafiabad emerges like a golden treasure. With its adobe (mud-brick) houses and ancient underground water canals (known as qanats), this village is a stunning example of human ingenuity thriving in a harsh climate.
Shafiabad shows the world how to build a civilization in harmony with the desert. The local women have played a key role in reviving traditional crafts and local products, creating a stable economy for their community.
For travelers, it offers the magic of desert trekking under vast skies. Its global recognition symbolizes the incredible ability of people to create a rich life, perfectly balanced with nature, in the heart of the arid land.
The inclusion of these three distinct villages highlights Iran's remarkable diversity—from misty northern forests and coastal mangrove gems to awe-inspiring desert landscapes—and proves that unforgettable, sustainable travel experiences can be found in every corner of the country.
UN Tourism's recognition of Kandelous, Soheili, and Shafiabad highlights Iran's diverse appeal as a destination for meaningful travel.
These villages showcase Iran's tapestry of ecosystems and cultural heritage, from Hyrcanian forests to the Persian Gulf and Lut Desert.
Their success demonstrates how community-led initiatives—anthropological preservation in Kandelous, women-led eco-tourism in Soheili, and desert ingenuity in Shafiabad—build resilient local economies that harmonize with the environment.
This endorsement places Iran on the conscious traveler's itinerary, proving that authentic, sustainable experiences thrive in its rural communities. The world is invited to discover a country where tourism fosters preservation, inclusivity, and cross-cultural connection, village by village.
