In 2025, Iran proudly saw three of its most authentic rural gems Kandolus, Shafiabad, and Soheili recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as part of the Best Tourism Villages initiative.
These villages were chosen for their ability to preserve local traditions, protect natural heritage, and create meaningful cultural connections for travelers seeking genuine experiences.
To be recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages, destinations are assessed across several areas that reflect their long-term commitment to sustainable rural tourism. Some of the main evaluation criteria include:
Located in the heart of the Alborz Mountains in Mazandaran Province, Kandolus feels like a journey back in time. Its cobbled alleys, wooden balconies, and terraced gardens are framed by lush forests and crisp mountain air.
Beyond its postcard beauty, Kandolus stands out for the way its residents have preserved ancient traditions of herbal medicine, handicrafts, and music.
The Kandolus Museum one of Iran’s first rural ethnographic museums tells stories of a community that continues to live in harmony with nature. For visitors, it’s a place to slow down, breathe, and rediscover simplicity in a world rushing forward.
Located near Kerman, Shafiabad offers a completely different kind of magic. This desert village sits at the edge of the Lut Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and shines with its adobe houses, windcatchers, and age-old irrigation systems that turn the arid landscape into an oasis of life.
Walking through its narrow lanes, travelers are greeted by the soft golden hue of sunlit mud walls and the warmth of local hospitality.
Shafiabad’s sustainable lifestyle rooted in the intelligent use of limited water resources and traditional architecture embodies a timeless wisdom that modern travelers find both inspiring and humbling.
On the sun-drenched shores of the Persian Gulf, the village of Soheili captures the vibrant spirit of southern Iran. Known for its proximity to the mesmerizing Hara mangrove forests and its colorful local culture, Soheili is where tradition and the sea intertwine.
Fishermen mend their nets by the turquoise water, while women craft intricate embroidery known as khos duzi, reflecting the island’s artistic identity. Life in Soheili moves to the rhythm of tides, songs, and community gatherings.
It’s a place that celebrates harmony between people and nature a quality that earned it a spot among the world’s most sustainable and welcoming destinations.
Want to discover more breathtaking villages in Iran? Explore even more hidden gems in our guide to the Most Beautiful Villages in IRAN
The inclusion of these three villages in UNWTO’s global list is more than a recognition it’s an invitation. It calls on travelers to look beyond Iran’s cities and discover the stories written in its mountains, deserts, and islands.
Kandolus, Shafiabad, and Soheili remind the world that authenticity still thrives, and that true travel is about connection, not just movement. At LetsVisitPersia, we have spent years introducing travelers to authentic rural communities across Iran.
While these three villages have now gained international recognition, we believe hundreds of lesser-known villages across the country offer equally memorable experiences.
If you’re looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience in Iran, our fully customizable multi-day Iran tours can take you far beyond the country’s famous landmarks.
From centuries-old villages and traditional nomadic communities to hidden destinations rarely visited by international travelers, we’ll help you discover a side of Iran that few visitors ever get to see.
I’m an Iran travel writer, photographer, and tour guide with more than 15 years of experience in inbound tourism. Through firsthand travel across Iran and years of working with international visitors, I share practical travel advice, local insights, and authentic experiences to help you explore Iran with confidence.
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