A world of UNESCO-listed sites

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, also known as UNESCO, is an agency that seeks to build peace through international cooperation in these fields and to create common standards. It also helps to protect global cultural and natural heritage by listing sites of outstanding universal value, with the aim of ensuring their protection and preservation for future generations.

How are UNESCO sites chosen?

Sites are selected based on certain criteria – they may be a masterpiece of human genius, testify to a unique cultural tradition, or are an exceptional example of a natural landscape. By listing these important sites, UNESCO help to raise public awareness, boost tourism, and obligate the host country to protect the site.

Why visit a UNESCO-listed site?

You can gain a unique insight into human history, culture, artistic achievement and the natural world by visiting these sites. As of July 2025, there were over 1, 200 sites on the World Heritage list, spread across 170 countries. Among the most recent sites added to the list are the Cambodian Memorial Sites, Murujuga in Australia, the Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria in Germany, and Minoan Palatial Centres in Greece.

Some of the fascinating sites recognised by UNESCO…

Santiago de Compostela

This famous pilgrimage site in Spain was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1985 and it represents the struggle between Christians and Islam. It was destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the 10th century and was completely rebuilt in the following century. The beautiful Old Town incorporates Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings. The oldest monuments can be found around the tomb of St James and the cathedral, which houses the Pórtico de la Gloria.

Discover this ancient pilgrimage site on Delightful France, Spain and Portugal and Galicia and the Solar Eclipse.

The historic heart of Bruges

The historic centre of Bruges is threaded with canals and cobbled streets overlooked by medieval, Renaissance and Gothic buildings, such as the town square’s 13th-century Belfry. This Belgian town was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2000 as it represents an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, where original Gothic constructions form part of the town’s identity.

Explore this medieval city on Continental Easter Mini Break and Festive Traditions of Scandinavia.

The Old Town of Dubrovnik

Known as ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik in Croatia is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th- century fortifications and was listed by UNESCO in 1979. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, limestone streets are lined with pretty stone townhouses. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace.

Visit this walled city on Captain Franko’s Homecoming Cruise and Charms of Croatia and the Mediterranean.

The ancient Acropolis of Athens

The exceptional well-preserved 5th-century BC complex watches over the city from a rocky outcrop. It encompasses the monumental Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia and the temple of Athena Nike. In its lee sprawls the old Plaka neighbourhood packed with tavernas, cafes and small shops. UNESCO added this ancient site to the World Heritage List in 1987 as a universal symbol of classical civilization bequeathed by Greek Antiquity.

See these incredible monuments on Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Bergen’s Bryggen

Bergen’s historic wharf, Bryggen, is graced by colourful gabled buildings that hark back to its days as a member of the Hanseatic League between the 14th and mid-16th century. The Hanseatic Museum, housed in one of the old warehouses, features antique furnishings for an insight into merchant life. The wharf, which has been listed by UNESCO since 1979, neighbours Bergen’s old town of characterful 17th to 18th-century wooden houses that adorn cobbled lanes and squares.

Visit this Nordic city on The Northern Lights and Arctic Circle, A Norwegian Spring, Norwegian Vistas, Summertime in Norway, Wonders of the Fjords: July, Wonders of the Fjords: September and Hidden Norway.

Beautiful Geirangerfjord

Together with Nærøyfjord, Geirangerfjord is part of Norway’s outstanding west fjord landscape and was listed by UNESCO in 2005. The two fjords are considered by UNESCO as archetypical fjord landscapes, and they are among the world’s longest and deepest fjords.

Cruise this serene fjord on Wonders of the Fjords: July and Wonders of the Fjords: September.

Teide National Park, Tenerife

Teide National Park was declared a national park in 1954. It features an huge volcanic crater measuring over 29 miles in circumference and within it is Mount Teide, rising to a height of 12,000 feet. It is the highest peak in Spanish territory and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. The park is situated at an altitude of over one mile above sea level: in winter, snow and gale force winds often close roads through it; in summer, the arid landscape resembles the set of a western movie and can reach temperatures of over 37°C.

Explore this fascinating park on Celestial Canary Islands, A Taste of Morocco and the Canaries, Sunshine in the Canaries, Canaries and Carnivals, Canary Island Vistas, The Canary Islands and Ponta Delgada.

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