The Top 10 UNESCO Sites in the World to Visit

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites are places that have been designated as protected because they are of particular cultural, historical or scientific importance to humanity. Countries nominate a place for consideration, at which point the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will evaluate if it meets the criteria for approval. The aim of providing a site with World Heritage status is to preserve it for now and for generations to come, with these locations benefiting from extra legal protections as well as funding opportunities.

There are currently 1,223 UNESCO sites worldwide, spanning everything from the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal in India. Sites are split into three categories: cultural, natural and mixed. Cultural heritage sites are buildings, monuments or areas related to creative human expression; natural sites are geographical formations, protected habitats and areas of outstanding natural beauty; and mixed sites are places that are a combination of both.

Italy holds the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites overall, with a total of 54 cultural sites and six natural sites. Outside of Europe and North America, China has the highest number, with 40 cultural, 15 natural and four mixed sites.

Other top countries outside Europe include:

• India (43 sites)
• Mexico (35)
• Russia (32)
• Iran (28)
• Japan (26)
• Brazil (24)
• Australia (20)
• South Korea (16)

By UNESCO designated regions, Europe and North America have the most (573 sites), followed by Asia and the Pacific (296), Latin America and the Caribbean (150), Africa (108) and then the Arab states (96).

Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

First up on the list is Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil. This national park is located on the country’s north coast and is made up of towering sand dunes that shape the landscape. While it may look and feel like a desert, for half of the year, the dunes undergo a dramatic change: the rains arrive and form lagoons, completely changing the scenery and creating a sharp contrast between the dry, arid desert and the cool, inviting water. It’s almost like a series of interconnecting freshwater beaches.

Tourism is gradually increasing here but it’s still a relatively quiet area, so you can enjoy a relaxed, authentic visit without the crowds.

Katla Geopark, Iceland

As the first geopark in Iceland to receive designated status, Katla should definitely be on your must-visit list. Covering 9% of the country, this stunning landscape is characterised by the waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, black sand beaches and even active volcanoes that the ‘land of ice and fire’ is famous for.

This is a great destination for outdoor activities, so if you’re keen on an active holiday, then this might be the perfect UNESCO site for you. Choose between ziplining, hiking across the icy landscape, jeep tours, skiing, canyoning, stand-up paddleboarding and other epic experiences – or, if you want to learn more about the landscape, opt for a specific ‘citizen science’ excursion to learn about the geography of this fantastic place.

Near Katla Geopark is Torfhús Retreat, a hotel rooted in both authentic Icelandic style and relaxed eco-luxury. Surrounded by natural beauty, the suites here are crafted from local stone and reclaimed wood and turf, and benefit from a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living room, private basalt stone hot pool and verandah.

Ancient City of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Dominating the surrounding jungle landscape at 180m high, a rocky outcrop is all that remains of Sri Lanka’s Ancient City of Sigiriya, built by King Kapassa I in the 5th century. Known as the ‘Lion’s Rock’, thanks to the carved lion gateway halfway up, it’s a wonder of architecture and urban planning that humans have been able to live on top of this imposing structure.

Once, an impressive citadel perched on the rock, but since the age of Sigiriya, all that remains today are ruins of the palace, fortress and the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Nonetheless, it is still a breathtaking and impressive sight and well worth visiting as part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Bear in mind that you will have to climb 1,270 steps to reach the top, so getting up early can save you from both the heat and the worst of the crowds.

In the Cultural Triangle is the Water Garden Sigiriya hotel, a set of luxury villas secluded within a lush environment. With private plunge pools and traditional Sri Lankan touches, this contemporary base is a delightful retreat from the day’s activities.

Kyoto, Japan

The land of the rising sun is a destination that is on many travellers’ bucket lists, with the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo usually attracting the majority of the attention. While the city certainly has a modern charm, travelling south to the more traditional Kyoto will give you more of a sense of the temples that the country is famous for. This city was the capital of Japan until the mid-19th century and boasts all the historic and cultural buildings that go with this status.

Overall, there are actually 17 UNESCO sites in Kyoto: 13 temples, three shrines and Nijo Castle. As well as the buildings themselves, Kyoto is particularly famed for its landscapes and is considered one of the most influential locations with regards to making the Japanese style of garden famous around the world.

After exploring the wealth of UNESCO sites in Kyoto, rest and recover in the Six Senses hotel, a serene sanctuary rooted in tradition, which has a focus on wellness and sustainability.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Covering a total of 32,092 hectares, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the largest areas of lowland forest in East Africa. Hidden away in the trees is approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population who value the dense tree cover for protection as well as the huge variety of flora and fauna that live alongside them and allow them to survive.

Despite this, the forest is open to hikers and the best way to see this magical place (and hopefully see the gorillas themselves) is to book onto a guided trek. It’s important that the environment that allows the gorillas to thrive is protected, so in some cases, you may need to wear a face mask to keep these majestic creatures safe from human germs.

Stay right in the heart of this incredible national park at the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, a conservation-centric lodge with luxurious tented accommodation, en-suite bathrooms and private verandahs. As well as the amazing forest views, this is the perfect base for trekking expeditions to follow the gorillas’ trails.

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Meaning ‘at the brim of the well where the wise men of the water live’, this ancient Mayan capital was inhabited between 750 and 1000 AD. Once a vibrant city, all that remains of it in Mexico today are 26 ruins but the uninhabited state doesn’t make them any less impressive.

At the centre towers El Castillo, a gigantic pyramid that reaches 24m high, with exactly 365 steps – one for each day in the solar year. What’s even more fascinating is that the pyramid is placed so that during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow that appears similar to a snake slithering down the stairway, complete with the head of the creature carved in stone at the base.

Chichén Itzá has been designated one of the seven new Wonders of the World, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, with multiple areas of interest across the site, including the iconic El Castillo, Sacred Cenote and El Caracol.

Stay at the nearby Chablé Maroma on the Mayan Riviera, which has its own secluded, pristine beach and villas with their own plunge pools, indoor-outdoor living areas and private garden showers. Designed with nature and wellness in mind, this is a beautiful spot to unwind in after exploring ancient ruins.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

If wildlife is something you’re looking for on your holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere with more than Tanzania’s Serengeti. Home to 2 million hooved animals, 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 550 cheetahs and 500 different bird species, this national park is a masterclass in all creatures in the animal kingdom living together. Despite being popular with safari enthusiasts, it remains very much a wild space, so a visit here is truly awe-inspiring.

As well as being home to the animals, several indigenous tribes also live here, including the world-famous Maasai, who still follow a very traditional way of life. First proposed as a UNESCO site in 1972 and accepted in 1981, it was one of the first places to make the list, showcasing just how special it is.

Stay in the Serengeti National Park at Lamai, a luxury safari lodge with just eight spacious rooms. Each room has its own private verandah, which offers beautiful views of the plains, and the whole hotel focuses on conservation and sustainability to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Located on the Indonesian island of Java, Borobudur Temple is the world’s largest Buddhist monument, so it’s no surprise that it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Covering 2,500m² in total, the intricate architecture includes 2,672 carved relief panels, 1,460 of which tell the story of Prince Sudhana and Manohara, a half-woman, half-bird who was captured and brought to his kingdom. In addition to these narrative panels, there are 1,212 that are simply decorative.

Once a magnificent temple, Borobudur fell into disrepair before being pulled from ruin by the Indonesian government and UNESCO in the 1970s. They launched a restoration project that took eight years to complete, creating the stunning temple you can explore today.

Take a different approach to your accommodation by staying aboard a luxury yacht; the Aqua Blu is a former British Naval Explorer that has been transformed into an opulent cruiser. With a portable residence, explore not only the Borobudur Temple but also remote islands and vibrant coral reefs on the Indonesian archipelago.

Medina of Fez, Morocco

The bustling medinas (walled parts of the city) of Morocco are a lure for many travellers. They’re a great place to experience local life, whether it’s admiring the architecture, enjoying the car-free roads or visiting a souk (market). When it comes to the latter, you can try your hand at bartering or simply take in all the sights and smells of the bright colours, detailed hand-crafted items and the aroma of spices in the marketplace.

The Medina of Fez is particularly significant due to its age – it was founded in the 9th century – but also because it’s been incredibly well-preserved. A visit here allows you to step back in time and experience the city as it was in the past, while still enjoying all the comfort, luxury and convenience of the present.

After a day at the Medina, unwind with the gourmet dining and world-class spa of the Four Seasons, Casablanca, which is located right on the beach.

Coiba National Park, Panama

The final UNESCO site on our list isn’t just on land but underwater as well. Coiba National Park is a marine reserve situated on Panama’s Pacific coast, consisting of 38 islands and the water surrounding them. Historically, Coiba island was used as a colony for prisoners and, as a result, the area has been left relatively untouched, leading to a thriving community of wildlife. Even today, access is managed on a permit-only basis, restricting the impact that human activity can have on this amazing habitat.

As well as exploring this area by boat or on a hiking tour, the more adventurous can go below the waves and experience the action first-hand on a diving trip. Look out for the manta rays, whales, sharks and multiple species of fish that call these waters home.

Cala Mia Boutique Resort is a great spot to base yourself if you are planning a boat trip to Coiba National Park. Nestled in a lush, tropical paradise and with stunning ocean views, the hotel’s spa and private villas exude comfort.

Some of the sites can be quite busy, but with our knowledge and expertise, we can help clients to book relatively quieter periods. If any of these locations have sparked some wanderlust, then get in touch with us. With personalised trips spanning seven regions of the world – Africa + the Indian Ocean, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, the Caribbean and the Polar Regions – we can help make your UNESCO bucket list trip a reality.