Kalavryta Nominated for Best Tourism Village 2023 Title

Photo source: Municipality of Kalavryta

The Greek town of Kalavryta, located in the Peloponnese, is included in Greece’s nomination file for the “Best Tourism Villages” 2023 label, an initiative launched by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote the role of rural tourism.

Launched in 2021, the program has already honored over 70 villages from nearly 40 countries as outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with recognized cultural and natural assets that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products, and lifestyle.

Kalavryta’s nomination file was created using material sourced from discoverkalavrita.gr, emphasizing the village’s rich history, renowned cog railway, popular ski center, religious and historical monuments, Vouraikos-Helmos UNESCO Geopark, lakes, caves, Aristarchos telescope (the second largest in continental Europe), gastronomy, and local products, among others.

Styx waters in Kalavryta. Photo source: discoverkalavrita.gr.

“This nomination is part of our ongoing tourism strategic plan, highlighting the unique character of Kalavryta and aiming to strengthen tourism flows, benefiting local income and production,” said Kalavryta Mayor Thanasis Papadopoulos.

Following the Greek Tourism Ministry’s special committee approval, a UNWTO Advisory Board will oversee the final selection process before the global nominations are announced in October 2023.

The Aristarchos telescope in Kalavryta. Photo source: discoverkalavrita.gr.

Kalavryta follows another Greek nomination for the Best Tourism Villages initiative from northern Greece.

Earlier this month, the Municipality of Naousa announced that Arkochori will also be running for the coveted UNWTO title.

Soufli, located in the Evros region, a key site in the development of the 19th-century silk industry, is the only Greek village honored with the Best Tourism Village title. Soufli won the title in 2021.