Five Ukrainian pearls claim the title of the best tourist villages in the world

Ukraine continues to confidently assert itself on the world tourist map. In 2026, five Ukrainian settlements were included in the national application for the prestigious international competition “The Best Tourism Villages” by UN Tourism, which recognizes the best tourist villages in the world.

This year, Ukraine presented unique communities that combine cultural heritage, history, traditions and modern tourism development.

Among the contenders is Opishnya in Poltava region, which is considered the capital of Ukrainian pottery and one of the most famous centers of folk crafts. Ivano-Frankivsk region is represented by two settlements at once: the legendary Kryvorivnya, which is called the cultural capital of the Hutsul region, and the village of Vyhoda, known for the tourist route “Carpathian Tram”.

The list also includes Kitaygorod in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, which attracts tourists with its picturesque canyon of the Ternava River and unique natural landscapes, as well as historical Medzhybizh with its famous fortress and rich cultural heritage.

The international UN Tourism program is aimed at supporting rural communities that preserve their authenticity, develop eco-tourism and create new opportunities for the local economy.

The State Agency for Tourism Development emphasizes that participation in the competition allows not only to popularize Ukrainian communities in the world, but also to attract investments, develop local businesses and open new tourist routes.

The application period ended on June 9. Over the coming months, international experts will evaluate applicants from different countries of the world, and the winners will be announced at the end of 2026.

Last year, Ukrainian communities already attracted the attention of the international tourism community, and this year Ukraine has every chance of once again entering the list of the best tourist villages on the planet.