{"id":18383,"date":"2026-07-28T14:10:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T14:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/28\/five-greek-villages-seek-un-best-tourism-villages-distinction-greek-city-times\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T14:10:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T14:10:39","slug":"five-greek-villages-seek-un-best-tourism-villages-distinction-greek-city-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/28\/five-greek-villages-seek-un-best-tourism-villages-distinction-greek-city-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Greek villages seek UN \u2018Best Tourism Villages\u2019 distinction \u2013 Greek City Times"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Five Greek rural communities are competing for a place in the UN Tourism network<\/a> of Best Tourism Villages, which recognises destinations that preserve cultural heritage, support local communities and promote sustainable tourism.<\/h4>\n

The network currently includes more than 300 destinations worldwide, among them Anogeia in Crete. To qualify, communities must have no more than 15,000 residents and demonstrate an authentic way of life, strong community values, traditional livelihoods and the protection of local identity.<\/p>\n

Galissas, Syros<\/h3>\n

Known for its golden beach and tamarisk trees beneath the chapel of Agia Pakou, Galissas on the western coast of Syros has maintained its fishing traditions and culinary heritage despite growing popularity. The municipal authority described it as a place that \u201ccombines natural beauty, history, a beach, local traditions, rural life, gastronomy, accessibility and residents who genuinely care for their community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Galissas, <\/source><\/picture>
Galissas, Syros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ermioni, Argolida<\/h3>\n

This seaside town in the Argolid has the feel of an island, with cobbled streets, elegant townhouses, verdant hills and picturesque coves. Ermioni has preserved a relaxed pace of life based on low-impact, sustainable tourism. Its nomination forms part of a wider municipal strategy to highlight cultural heritage and local productive traditions.<\/p>\n

\"Ermioni, <\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n

Kefalovrysi, Messinia<\/h3>\n

The mountain village in the western Peloponnese takes its name from a 120-year-old stone spring on the square. Formerly known as Ripesi until 1927, the community has adopted a participatory model of rural revitalisation. Residents work closely with the Municipality of Trifylia and the social cooperative Mali Mali Ripesi (meaning \u201cMountain Mountain\u201d in the local Arvanite dialect) to protect the settlement\u2019s historic identity.<\/p>\n

\"Kefalovrysi, <\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n

Elati, Trikala<\/h3>\n

Nestled in a fir forest at 950 metres on Mount Koziakas in the southern Pindus, Elati is one of Greece\u2019s leading winter destinations thanks to its proximity to the Pertouli Ski Centre and extensive hiking trails. Despite its popularity, the village has retained the character of a traditional mountain community, with the local economy still based on small family businesses and livestock farming.<\/p>\n

\"Elati, <\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n

Patrika, Chios<\/h3>\n

This medieval fortified village is home mainly to mastic growers. Despite past damage and periods of abandonment, it has preserved much of its historic architecture and traditions. Life is quiet for most of the year, with only a single caf\u00e9-restaurant and a handful of accommodations, though the village comes alive in August.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n

\u201cThis distinction belongs to the people of our village, who have kept its identity, traditions and history alive,\u201d said community president Dimitris Lardas.<\/p>\n

The five communities now await the outcome of their bids to join the growing international network of Best Tourism Villages.<\/p>\n