best tourism villages 2021

The Most Scenic Villages in the World, According to the UN Tourism Office

By Jessica Puckett

Good news for travelers who pride themselves on finding hidden gem destinations : The UN World Tourism Office has released its third annual list of the Best Tourism Villages in the World. Since 2021, the UNWTO has scoured the globe for the most outstanding rural tourism destinations, each with its own strong cultural and natural value. The list is also an incredible resource for travelers who prefer immersive trips and pastoral destinations with an under-the-radar vibe.

The annual roster highlights villages that are “nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions,” according to a UNWTO release . Much like UNESCO World Heritage Sites , each village must meet nine strict criteria, including environmental and social sustainability and the prioritization of tourism. “This initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being,” Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general of UNWTO said in a statement.

This year, 54 new villages across five continents were added to the ongoing list. All of the locales that made the cut are charming and historic destinations with breathtaking natural wonders like mountains, seaside cliffs, national parks, and more. Here’s a closer look at 11 new additions that caught our eye.

Lerici, Italy

This town on the Italian Riviera offers plenty of understated glamor and history. Castello di Lerici, a stone fortress dating back to medieval times, looms on a rocky promontory over the rest of the village. The brightly colored buildings, palm trees, and rolling hills that abut clear turquoise waters are reminiscent of the busier Cinque Terre . Lerici also hosts several literary festivals every year, earning it the nickname “Poet’s Gulf.”

Tân Hoá, Vietnam

The lush beauty of Tân Hoá includes incredible land formations like limestone mountains, primary forests ,and the burbling Rao Nan River. The surroundings are serene, but there’s plenty of adventure to uncover, including cave tours and jungle expeditions offered by the village’s official tour partner Oxalis Adventure . Or take it easy with a relaxing bike tour through the village and a traditional dinner in a local resident’s home.

Taquile Island, Peru

An island in Lake Titicaca that was mostly isolated until the 1950s, Taquile is today known for its ancient weaving tradition, which is taught to all residents from childhood as a way to honor ancestors and the island’s collective history. Tourists can see traditional terraced farms and walk along one of the island’s numerous trails to take in the views of the pristine blue lake and distant mountains on the horizon.

Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira began as a traditional Portuguese fishing village as far back as the 12th century. Today the seaside town is a popular destination for surfers —from beginners to professionals—thanks to a wide variety of quality waves that break just off of its rocky shoreline. When you’re done at the beach, head into the town’s historic center to admire its cobblestone streets and traditional buildings painted in iconic whites and blues. Don't miss the chance to dine on seafood dishes like sea urchin, which is ubiquitous in Ericeira’s waters.

Olivia Morelli

Caitlin Morton

Stacey Lastoe

Siwa, Egypt

One of Egypt's most beautiful oases, there’s no shortage of natural majesty to soak up in Siwa. The oasis itself has several bodies of water—the most famous of which are its photogenic salt lakes—which seem to spring up from the desert as if by magic. Visitors can take a dip in the bright turquoise waters lapping against the rugged border of white salt deposits or visit the ancient Egyptian ruins nearby, including the Mountain of the Dead and the Temple of the Oracle of Amun.

Tokaj, Hungary

This idyllic village in the foothills of Hungary’s Zemplén mountains is famous for its golden-colored wine production, an ancient tradition that spans more than a thousand years. Exploring the area reveals a patchwork of small vineyards and wineries, plus the historic rows of wine cellars with their quaint stone doors built directly into the hillsides.

Anton am Arlberg, Austria

Picturesque is the best way to describe this postcard-perfect town tucked away in a pristine region of the Austrian Alps . Miles of untouched nature surround this cozy village of just 2,400 inhabitants, which is known for its blend of tradition and modernity. In the wintertime, visitors come for the top-notch alpine skiing, but summer is also an ideal time to visit for hiking or mountain biking through the verdant hills.

Caleta Tortel, Chile

Wedged between Chile’s Northern and Southern Ice Fields at the mouth of the Baker river sits the unique village of Caleta Tortel. It’s a completely car-free town, with most of its structures built near the water and connected by almost 10 miles of boardwalks. Local families welcome tourists and offer immersive experiences like traditional beekeeping and rowboat tours of the cloudy blue river, which is surrounded by undulating green mountains.

Morcote, Switzerland

Located on the sparkling Lake Lugano, the village of Morcote is one of the most breathtaking locales in all of Switzerland. Just across the border from Italy, Morcote has a similar aesthetic to nearby Lake Como , with historic villas built right on the lakeshore and a charming town center featuring Renaissance architecture. Duck into one of the town’s waterfront restaurants for a mix of Italian and Swiss cuisine with a side of stunning views.

Biei, Japan

Although its striking landscapes of flower fields, mountains, and a mineral pond that glows an otherworldly blue make it one of Japan’s dreamiest villages, Biei is still “a well-kept secret,” according to UNWTO. Tourists can bike through the area’s serene hills or walk trails to the various flower parks, where rows of multicolored blooms blanket the land. Don’t miss the Shirogane Blue Pond: its high mineral content tints it a vibrant cobalt that makes an enchanting contrast with the surrounding evergreen trees.

Dhordo, India

Located on a giant salt marsh that earned it the name “White Desert,” Dhordo is best known for its popular four-month festival, Rann Utsav. During the festivities, an elaborate and elegant tent city is constructed and the village highlights cultural dishes and dance performances. Visitors participate in activities like camel rides through the scenic salt marsh, ATV rides, and yoga.

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UNWTO announces list of Best Tourism Villages 2021

The best examples of villages embracing tourism to provide opportunity and drive sustainable development have been celebrated at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Madrid.

UNWTO has announced the list of “Best Tourism Villages” 2021 in Madrid. The list includes 44 villages from 32 countries across the five world regions.

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO  initiative was launched to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and their local values and activities, including local gastronomy. These villages stand out for their natural and cultural resources, besides their innovative and transformative actions and commitment to the development of tourism in line with the  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

The villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a set of criteria: cultural and natural resources; promotion and conservation of cultural resources; economic sustainability; social sustainability; environmental sustainability; tourism potential and development and value chain integration; governance and prioritization of tourism; infrastructure and connectivity; and health, safety and security.

All 44 villages scored a total of 80 or more points out of a possible 100. This initiative includes three pillars.

• The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ : It recognizes villages which are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental.
• The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Program : The Upgrade program will benefit a number of villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive the recognition. These villages will receive support from UNWTO and its Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.
• The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network:  The Network will provide a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It will include representatives of the villages recognized as the ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’, the villages participating in the Upgrade Program, as well as experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development.

A total 174 villages were proposed by 75 UNWTO Member States (each Member State could present a maximum of three villages) for the 2021 pilot initiative. Among these, 44 were recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO. Another 20 villages will enter the Upgrade Program of the initiative. All 64 villages enter to make part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The next edition will open in February 2022.

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Ethiopian Monitor

Daily News from Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s Wonchi named Best Tourism Village 2021

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s Wonchi, a site with a crater lake and picturesque landscape, has been selected as Best Tourism Villages 2021 by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The competition recognizes villages which are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, among others.

A total 174 villages were proposed by 75 countries for this year competition that allows each WTO Member State to present a maximum of three villages.

An independent Advisory Board evaluated the proposed villages against a set of criteria covering nine areas ​including Cultural and Natural Resources; Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources; and Tourism Potential and Development and Value Chain Integration.

During its General assembly in Spain’s capital Madrid, the UN agency announced 44 villages from 30 countries as winners of Best Tourism Villages 2021.

And Wonchi, a site located in Oromia region and endowed with a legacy of once powerful volcanoes, hot springs and a crater lake, is among the best villages, accorsing to the WTO.

Wonchi and its surrounding area is currently a subject of a mega preservstion and construction project that aims to make it one of the top tourist destinations in Ethiopia .

Apart from Wonchi, five African sites have made it to the ‘Best Tourism Villages 2021’ winners list.

They are Le Morne and Old Hrand Port of Mauritius, Nkotsi of Rwanda, Olergesailie of Kenya, and Sidi Kaouki of Morocco.

The UN agency launched the competition to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity.

“Tourism can be a driver of social cohesion and inclusion by promoting a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and empowering local communities,” says UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

“This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing”.

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CEO North America > CEO Life > Travel > UNWTO Announces List of ‘Best Tourism Villages’ 2021

UNWTO Announces List of ‘Best Tourism Villages’ 2021

The best examples of villages embracing tourism to provide opportunity and drive sustainable development have been celebrated at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Madrid.

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative was launched to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and their local values and activities, including local gastronomy.

A total of 44 villages from 32 countries across the five world regions were granted the recognition in 2021. All of them stand out for their natural and cultural resources as well as for their innovative and transformative actions and commitment to the development of tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing

The villages were evaluated by an independent Advisory Board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:

• Cultural and Natural Resources
• Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
• Economic Sustainability
• Social Sustainability
• Environmental Sustainability
• Tourism Potential and Development and Value Chain Integration
• Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
• Infrastructure and Connectivity
• Health, Safety and Security

All of the 44 chosen villages scored a total of 80 or more points or more out of a possible 100.

Tourism as a driver of rural development and inclusion

“Tourism can be a driver of social cohesion and inclusion by promoting a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and empowering local communities,” says UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing”.

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative includes three pillars: 

The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’: Recognizes villages which are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental.

The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme: The Upgrade programme will benefit a number of villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive the recognition. These villages will receive support from UNWTO and its Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.

The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network: The Network will provide a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It will include representatives of the villages recognized as the ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’ , the villages participating in the Upgrade Programme, as well as experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development.

A total 174 villages were proposed by 75 UNWTO Member States (each Member State could present a maximum of three villages) for the 2021 pilot initiative. Among which 44 were recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO. Another 20 villages will enter the Upgrade Programme of the Initiative. All 64 villages enter to make part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network.

The next edition will open in February 2022.

List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2021:

• Bekhovo, Russian Federation
• Bkassine, Lebanon
• Bojo, Philippineshe
• Caspalá, Argentina
• Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal
• Cuetzalan del Progreso, Mexico
• Cumeada, Portugal
• Gruyères, Switzerland
• Batu Puteh , Malaysia
• Kaunertal, Austria
• Le Morne, Mauritius
• Lekunberri, Spain
• Maní, Mexico
• Misfat Al Abriyeen, Oman
• Miyama, Japan
• Mokra Gora, Serbia
• Morella, Spain
• Mustafapaşa, Turkey
• Nglanggeran, Indonesia
• Niseko, Japan
• Nkotsi Village, Rwanda
• Old Grand Port, Mauritius
• Olergesailie, Kenya
• Ollantaytambo, Peru
• Pano Lefkara, Cyprus
• Pica, Chile
• Pochampally, India
• Puerto Williams, Chile
• Radovljica, Slovenia
• Rijal Alma’a, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Testo Alto, Brazil
• Saas Fee, Switzerland
• San Cosme y Damián, Paraguay
• San Ginesio, Italy
• Sidi Kaouki, Morocco
• Solčava, Slovenia
• Soufli, Greece
• Taraklı, Turkey
• The Purple Island, Republic of Korea
• Ungok Village, Republic of Korea
• Valposchiavo, Switzerland
• Wonchi, Ethiopia
• Xidi, China
• Yucun, China

Additionally, UNWTO will work with the following villages participating in the Upgrade Programme:

• Ordino, Andorra
• Khinalig, Azerbaijan
• Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria
• Kaštelir Labinci, Croatia
• Agros, Cyprus
• Fuwah, Egypt
• Western Samos, Greece
• Hollókő, Hungary
• Biei, Japan
• Capulálpam de Méndez, Mexico
• Godinje, Montenegro
• Gornja Lastva, Montenegro
• Oukaimeden, Morocco
• Barangay Tenani, Philippines
• Gasura, Rwanda
• Gostilje, Serbia
• Gorenja Vas, Slovenia
• Cantavieja, Spain
• Bo Suak, Thailand
• Ruboni, Uganda

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These villages are a good starting point for a journey that respects local culture

If meeting local populations and supporting communities through responsible tourism are among your priorities for choosing a destination, you'll want to read this. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recently created a list of 54 villages located around the globe for their ability to preserve cultural and natural resources while using tourism as a motor for advancement and sustainability.

Tokaj is not only the name of a Hungarian wine, but also that of a village.

(Copyright: Bence Bezeredy / Getty Images)

While you may have heard of Tokaj, a Hungarian wine with its golden hue, you may not know about the village that gave its name to the famous nectar and to this wine-growing region, whose landscapes have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the village of Hakuba in Nagano prefecture, in what are known as the Japanese Alps, has set itself the goal of becoming energy self-sufficient, in particular through the use of hydroelectric systems. These are two of the villages recognized in the latest list for maintaining their authenticity while embracing innovative and sustainable practices.

And there are a host of other examples of villages around the world that are working to preserve their natural assets and implement strategies to maintain their cultural and culinary traditions. Since 2021, the World Tourism Organization has been dedicating an initiative to the development of tourism in rural areas that preserve and promote their customs and traditions. Based on several sources including information received directly from local tourist boards, the UNWTO selected 54 villages from the 260 applications received by 2023) on the basis of various criteria, including the conservation of their cultural resources and the implementation of programs for economic and social sustainability. There are now 74 villages in the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network.

While this distinction is a communication boon for these destinations, the label also is a useful tool for hikers, backpackers and other travelers in search of destinations that line up with their values in regard to respecting people and nature. At a time when more and more cities and regions areadopting restrictive measuresto regulate the number of tourists to allow the environment time to regenerate, these awards also reaffirm the important role that tourism can represent both for a local economy and for people's livelihoods. "Tourism can be a powerful force for inclusivity, empowering local communities and distributing benefits across regions," explained UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. He added, "this initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being."

This list includes a number of good ideas for future getaways, such as a visit to the Vietnamese village of Tân Hoá, located in the north between Hanoi and Hué. Sadly very familiar with repeated episodes of flooding, the destination is setting an example with its floating house project, designed to help the local population adapt to climatic conditions accented by the surrounding mountains and virgin forest. In concrete terms, the wooden buildings are supported by a system of plastic floats, so that the inhabitants can endure the rainy season without fearing for their lives or livelihoods. While agriculture has long been their main source of income, the integration of Tân Hoá into tourist circuits from 2011 has enabled the population to increase their income, by offering travelers visits to the Tu Làn cave and the Lim forest, for example.

Here is the list of the 54 best villages of the year designated by the UNWTO (in alphabetical order):

Al Sela, Jordan

Barrancas, Chile

Biei, Japan

Caleta Tortel, Chile

Cantavieja, Spain

Chacas, Peru

Chavín de Huántar, Peru

Dahshour, Egypt

Dhordo, India

Dongbaek, Republic of Korea

Douma, Lebanon

Ericeira, Portugal

Filandia, Colombia

Hakuba, Japan

Higueras, Mexico

Huangling, China

Jalpa de Canovas, Mexico

Kandovan, Iran

La Carolina, Argentina

Lephis Village, Ethiopia

Lerici, Italy

Manteigas, Portugal

Morcote, Switzerland

Mosan, Republic of Korea

Oku-Matsushima, Japan

Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico

Oñati, Spain

Ordino, Andorra

Oyacachi, Ecuador

Paucartambo, Peru

Penglipuran, Indonesia

Pisco Elqui, Chile

Pozuzo, Peru

Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland

Saty, Kazakhstan

Schladming, Austria

Sehwa, Republic of Korea

Sentob, Uzbekistan

Shirakawa, Japan

Sigüenza, Spain

Şirince, Turkiye

Siwa, Egypt

Slunj, Croatia

Sortelha, Portugal

St.Anton am Arlberg, Austria

Tân Hoá, Viet Nam

Taquile, Peru

Tokaj, Hungary

Văleni, Moldavia

Vila da Madalena, Portugal

Xiajiang, China

Zapatoca, Colombia

Jagana, China

Zhujiawan, China

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Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Maps of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

By Jonathan Corum

On April 8, the moon will slip between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across a swath of North America: a total solar eclipse.

By cosmic coincidence, the moon and the sun appear roughly the same size in the sky. When the moon blocks the glare of the sun, the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will be briefly visible.

Below are several maps of the eclipse’s path as well as images of what you might experience during the event.

Where Can I See the Total Eclipse?

The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, then cut through Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine. Most of North America will see a partial eclipse, but viewers within the deepest shadow — a band sliding from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada — will experience a total solar eclipse.

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers inside the path of the total eclipse may notice a drop in temperature , a lull or shift in the wind , the appearance of bright planets in the sky, and the quieting of birds and other wildlife.

Many cities lie inside the path of the total eclipse, as shown below, the width of which varies from 108 miles to 122 miles.

5:13 p.m. NDT

20% partial eclipse

NEWFOUNDLAND

SASKATCHEWAN

Fredericton

4:33 p.m. ADT

3:26 p.m. EDT

3:20 p.m. EDT

Minneapolis

3:18 p.m. EDT

3:13 p.m. EDT

San Francisco

90% partial eclipse

3:05 p.m. EDT

Los Angeles

1:51 p.m. CDT

1:40 p.m. CDT

1:33 p.m. CDT

12:16 p.m. CST

12:12 p.m. CST

11:07 a.m. MST

Mexico City

EL SALVADOR

12:23 p.m. CST

1:36 p.m. CDT

3:09 p.m. EDT

3:27 p.m. EDT

Explore our interactive cloud outlook for eclipse viewing times and average cloud data at your location.

What Will I See?

A composite image of the 2017 solar eclipse over Madras, Ore.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

If the sky is clear, viewers in the path of the total eclipse should see a “diamond ring” effect a few seconds before and after the total eclipse, as the edge of the sun slips in and out of view.

The “diamond ring” effect during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Rami Daud/NASA, Alcyon Technical Services

The sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, is normally hidden by the sun’s glare. These tendrils and sheets of gas, heated to a million degrees Fahrenheit or more, are in constant motion and shaped by the sun’s swirling magnetic field.

The sun’s corona during the 2017 solar eclipse.

The sun is relatively active this year and is nearing the expected peak of its 11-year solar cycle . Researchers at Predictive Science are using data about the sun’s magnetic field to predict and model a dramatic corona for the April eclipse.

A prediction of how the sun’s corona might appear during the April 8 total eclipse.

Predictive Science

What Colors Should I Wear?

As the sky darkens, light-sensitive cells in human eyes become more sensitive to blue and green hues than to reds and oranges. This shift in color perception is known as the Purkinje effect , after a 19th-century Czech scientist, and is typically seen at twilight.

Watching the 2017 total eclipse at Southern Illinois University.

Andrea Morales for The New York Times

To take advantage of the Purkinje effect, wear green clothes or a contrasting combination of greens and reds. Blue-green colors (shorter wavelengths) will appear brighter, while red colors (longer wavelengths) will appear to recede into the darkness.

What If I Miss It?

The next two total solar eclipses in the United States won’t occur until 2044 and 2045 . But eclipse chasers might catch one in 2026 in Greenland, Iceland and Spain; 2027 along the coast of Northern Africa; 2028 in Australia and New Zealand; or 2030 across Southern Africa and Australia.

A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

By Katrina Miller

What’s the Cloud Forecast for Eclipse Day? See if the Weather Is on Your Side.

April 8 could be your best opportunity to see a total solar eclipse for decades. But if clouds fill the sky, you may miss the spectacle.

By Josh Katz, K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

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Our Coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse

Hearing the Eclipse:  A device called LightSound is being distributed to help the blind and visually impaired experience what they can’t see .

Maine Brac es Itself :  Businesses and planning committees are eager for visitors, but some in remote Aroostook County are not sure how they feel  about lying smack in the path of totality.

A Dark Day for Buffalo:  When the sky above Buffalo briefly goes dark  on the afternoon of April 8, the city will transcend its dreary place in the public consciousness — measured as it so often is by snowstorms — if only for about three minutes. The city can’t wait.

Under the Moon’s Shadow:  The late Jay Pasachoff, who spent a lifetime chasing eclipses , inspired generations of students to become astronomers by dragging them to the ends of the Earth for a few precarious moments of ecstasy.

A Rare Return:  It is rare for a total solar eclipse to hit the same place twice — once every 366 years on average. People in certain areas will encounter April 8’s eclipse  about seven years after they were near the middle of the path of the “Great American Eclipse.”

A Small City’s Big Plans:  Let the big cities have their eclipse mega-events. In Plattsburgh, N.Y., success looks different  for everyone stopping to look up.

 No Power Outages:  When the sky darkens during the eclipse, electricity production in some parts of the country will drop so sharply that it could theoretically leave tens of millions of homes in the dark. In practice, hardly anyone will notice  a sudden loss of energy.

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UNWTO Names its Best Tourism Villages 2023

• All Regions
• 19 Oct 2023

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. The accolate recogonizes villages that are leading in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.

In this third edition 54 villages from all regions were selected from almost 260 applications. A further 20 villages have joined the Upgrade Programme, and all 74 villages are now part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The villages were named during the UNWTO General Assembly, taking place this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Tourism can be a powerful force for inclusivity, empowering local communities and distributing benefits across regions

"Tourism can be a powerful force for inclusivity, empowering local communities and distributing benefits across regions," emphasizes UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. "This initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being."

A global network of local communities

Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative is part of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The Programme works to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation and value chain integration through tourism and encourage sustainable practices.

As in previous editions, the villages are evaluated under nine key areas:

• Cultural and Natural Resources
• Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
• Economic Sustainability
• Social Sustainability
• Environmental Sustainability
• Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
• Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
• Infrastructure and Connectivity
• Health, Safety, and Security

The initiative comprises three pillars:

Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO: Recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade Programme: Supports villages on their journey to meet recognition criteria, helping in areas identified as gaps during evaluation.

The Best Tourism Villages Network: a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learning, and opportunities among its members, and it is open to contributions of experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism as a driver for rural development.

The Network enlarges every year and aims at becoming the largest global rural network: with the announcement today of these 74 new members, 190 villages are now part of this unique Network.

Best Tourism Villages 2023

List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2023 is as follows (by alphabetic order):

• Al Sela, Jordan
• Barrancas, Chile
• Biei, Japan
• Caleta Tortel, Chile
• Cantavieja, Spain
• Chacas, Peru
• Chavín de Huantar, Peru
• Dahshour, Egypt
• Dhordo, India
• Dongbaek, Republic of Korea
• Douma, Lebanon
• Ericeira, Portugal
• Filandia, Colombia
• Hakuba, Japan
• Higueras, Mexico
• Huangling, China
• Jalpa de Cánovas, Mexico
• Kandovan, Iran
• La Carolina, Argentina
• Lephis Village, Ethiopia
• Lerici, Italy
• Manteigas, Portugal
• Morcote, Switzerland
• Mosan, Republic of Korea
• Oku-Matsushima, Japan
• Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico
• Oñati, Spain
• Ordino, Andorra
• Oyacachi, Ecuador
• Paucartambo, Peru
• Penglipuran, Indonesia
• Pisco Elqui, Chile
• Pozuzo, Peru
• Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland
• Saty, Kazakhstan
• Schladming, Austria
• Sehwa, Republic of Korea
• Sentob, Uzbekistan
• Shirakawa, Japan
• Sigüenza, Spain
• Şirince, Türkiye
• Siwa, Egypt
• Slunj, Croatia
• Sortelha, Portugal
• St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
• Tân Hoá, Viet Nam
• Taquile, Peru
• Tokaj, Hungary
• Văleni, Moldova
• Vila da Madalena, Portugal
• Xiajiang, China
• Zapatoca, Colombia
• Zhagana, China
• Zhujiawan, China

The villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year are:

• Asuka, Japan
• Baños de Montemayor, Spain
• Bilebante, Indonesia
• Ciocănești, Romania
• Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
• El Cisne, Ecuador
• Iza, Colombia
• Kale Üçağız, Türkiye
• Kemaliye, Türkiye
• Kfar Masaryk, Israel
• Madla, India
• Ounagha, Morocco
• Pela, Indonesia
• Puerto Octay, Chile
• Sabbioneta, Italy
• Saint Catherine, Egypt
• Sarhua, Peru
• Taro, Indonesia
• Vila de Frades, Portugal
• Yanque, Peru

The call for submissions for the fourth edition will take place in the first months of 2024, opening a new opportunity to rural destinations to shine on the global stage.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Related Links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO
• General Assembly - Twenty-fifth session

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
• Passengers Are Flying up to 30 Hours to See Four Minutes of the Eclipse
• Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
• Essay: The Complicated Dread of Early Spring
• Why Walking Isn’t Enough When It Comes to Exercise
• The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
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• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Write to Simmone Shah at [email protected]

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Moscow metro to be more tourist-friendly

A new floor sign system at the Moscow metro's Pushkinskaya station. Source: Vladimir Pesnya / RIA Novosti

For many years now, Moscow has lagged behind St. Petersburg when it comes to making life easy for tourists, especially where getting around the city is concerned. Whereas the northern capital installed English-language maps, signs and information points throughout its subway system in the late 2000s, the Russian capital’s metro remained a serious challenge for foreign visitors to navigate.

Recent visitors to Moscow may have noticed some signs that change is afoot, however. In many stations of the Moscow subway, signs have appeared on the floor – with large lettering in Russian and English – indicating the direction to follow in order to change lines. Previously, foreign visitors using the Moscow metro had to rely solely upon deciphering the Russian-language signs hanging from the ceilings.

Student volunteers help tourists find their way in Moscow

However, this new solution has a significant drawback. “The floor navigation is visible only to a small stream of people – fewer than three people per meter. During peak hours, this navigation will simply not be noticed,” said Konstantin Trofimenko, Director of the Center for Urban Transportation Studies.

One of the biggest problems for tourists in the Russian capital remains the absence of English translations of the names of subway stations in the station vestibules and on platforms. The Department of Transportation in Moscow has not commented yet as to when this problem will be solved. However, Latin transliterations of station names can already be found in the subway cars themselves.

Finding the right exit

At four of the central stations – Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii, Lubyanka and Kuznetsky Most – the city authorities have now installed colorful stands at the exits with schematic diagrams of the station’s concourse and surrounding area, which provide information about the main attractions and infrastructural facilities.

The schematic diagrams are the work of British specialists from the City ID and Billings Jackson Design firms, who have already implemented successful projects in New York and London.

According to Alexei Novichkov, expert at the Design Laboratory at the Higher School of Economics, the design of these information booths raises no objections: The color solutions, font, layout and icons are consistent with international standards.

However, the stands do have some shortcomings. “Many questions are raised about the fact that the developers of these maps did not apply orientation to the north, and have provided layouts of the surrounding areas with respect to the exits,” says Novichkov. “A system like that is used for road navigators, but most of the ‘paper’ guides and maps are oriented strictly to north. The subway map is also oriented to north, so people may become confused.”

Muscovites and foreign visitors are generally positive about these navigation elements, with most of them citing the numbered exits from the subway as the most useful feature.

The fact is that many Moscow subway stations have several exits. One of the busiest central stations of the Moscow subway in particular, Kitay-Gorod, has more than a dozen exits. Previously, these exits were differentiated from each other only with signs in Russian referring to the names of streets and places of interest to which they led – making it easy for tourists and those with poor navigation skills to get confused.

Now, when making an appointment to meet a friend, instead of struggling to find the right spot when they tell you: “I'll meet you at the exit to Solyanka Street,” you can just propose to meet under a specific exit number.

“I’ve lived in Moscow for seven years,” says Angelika, a designer from Voronezh, “but I still don’t always know where to go to find the place I need, so the new schematic diagrams will be very useful. Previously, some subway stations had maps, but not with so much detail.”

Teething problems

Foreigners, meanwhile, focus their attention on other elements. “It is good that the new information boards have QR-codes, which can be ‘read’ by smartphones,” says Florentina, a writer from Vienna. But there are also shortcomings. “The English font of the information on posters and in the captions to theaters and museums is too small – you have to come very close to see it well,” she says.

Pleasant encounters on the streets of Moscow

Florentina was also dissatisfied with the fact that such posters are not provided at all subway stations: “When I was trying to find Tsaritsyno Park (a museum and reserve in the south of Moscow) at a subway station with the same name, it turned out to be quite difficult,” she says.

“There are no maps with landmarks for other areas, such as those already in the city center. There were no clear pointers in the English language, and the passers-by I met did not speak in English, so they could not help me,” she adds.

Officials say that the navigation system is gradually being redeveloped and improved. According to Darya Chuvasheva, a press representative for the Department of Transport of Moscow, the introduction of a unified navigation system will take place in stages.

“By the end of 2014, the system will first appear on the first subway stations on the Circle Line. By the end of 2015, we plan to install the system at all major stopping points, subway stations and transport interchange hubs,” says Chuvasheva.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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Elektrogorsk

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