The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has included two Ukrainian villages — Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana — in its prestigious list of the Best Tourism Villages 2025.
Launched by the United Nations in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative celebrates and supports rural destinations that preserve their unique landscapes, cultural heritage, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge. This year, 52 villages from around the world were selected from a pool of 270 applications across 65 countries.
Both Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana are located in the Khust district of Zakarpattia region, within the Synevyr National Nature Park — a pristine area known for its mountain scenery, wooden architecture, and deep-rooted folk traditions.
Kolochava – The Village of Ten Museums
Kolochava has earned the nickname “the village of ten museums”, reflecting its commitment to preserving local culture and history. Among its attractions is “Stare Selo” (Old Village), Ukraine’s first open-air rural museum of architecture and everyday life. The museum is one of the region’s top cultural landmarks, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the traditions of the Carpathians.
Synevyrska Polyana – Gateway to Ukraine’s Natural Wonder
Just a short drive away lies Synevyrska Polyana, the gateway to Lake Synevyr, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine. Nestled high in the Carpathian Mountains, the lake is famed for its mirror-like waters and mystical beauty, surrounded by dense spruce forests that make it one of the country’s most photographed natural landmarks.
The UNWTO assessed candidate villages based on a series of rigorous criteria, including cultural and natural resources, sustainability, tourism development, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.
Last year, two other Ukrainian villages — Vorokhta and Urych — made the global list, highlighting Ukraine’s growing recognition for its rural and sustainable tourism potential.
The inclusion of Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana in the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages 2025 underscores the international appeal of Ukraine’s Carpathian region — where centuries-old traditions, untouched nature, and heartfelt hospitality continue to thrive.
