Stunning waterfalls and gorges, historical landmarks, archaeological sites and Medieval old towns – UNESCO World Heritage sites are places to visit that have cultural, physical and natural significance, and they’re protected by law, so they’re pretty special. They’re basically the VIPs of the sightseeing world – not everyone makes it onto the list. From the Pyramids of Egypt to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the ruins of Pompeii in Italy, there are some seriously big names among the 1, 248 sites across the world.
We’ve picked out five top UNESCO World Heritage sites you can visit on a First Choice holiday, and the good news is, you can combine a UNESCO sightseeing trip with a beachy break or a city trip, so you can tick off a few things in one go.
Now, you just need to pick where to go…
Prehistoric Sites of Talayotic Menorca, Spain
Menorca’s giving mega beach babe. It’s the Balearic’s second largest island and a much more peaceful retreat than its buzzy neighbours, Majorca and Ibiza. It’s got over 100 pristine beaches and loads of natural beauty to explore. The whole island of Menorca has been ranked as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993, and now this sunny Spanish island has been recognised for its historical and cultural importance, too. The Prehistoric Sites of Talayotic Menorca consist of more than 1,000 ancient monuments from the Talayotic period and can be found across the island, dating back to 2100 BC. Explore the chambers of the Necrópolis de Cala Morell – a series of 14 artificial caves that form one of the largest prehistoric burial sites on the island. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Ciutadella, or there’s a regular bus in the summer.
Old Town of Kuldīga, Latvia
Riga in Latvia is on the up and has earned itself UNESCO status with its Medieval architecture, charming Old Town and the stunning House of the Blackheads. If you’re staying here, then you’re within day-tripping distance of its latest UNESCO World Heritage site – the Old Town of Kuldīga. Take a two-hour drive west of the capital and you’ll reach this beautifully preserved town. It’s like stepping back in time – think cobbled streets, traditional log houses, and cute shops selling unique gifts you never knew you needed. Things here are pretty laidback. It’s all about chilling on the banks of the Aleksupite River with a cosy picnic or taking a cooling dip in the town’s own waterfall. It’s the perfect escape from the buzzy streets of Riga.
Viking-Age Ring Fortresses, Denmark
Denmark’s all about galleries, museums and a capital that’s giving serious cosy vibes – they even have their own word for it, ‘hygge’, meaning cosiness and contentment. But this country is more than just its famous Christmas markets and canals. It’s got loads of Viking heritage to explore. Just over an hour’s drive from Copenhagen is Trelleborg – one of the best-preserved Viking ring fortresses. It’s part of a group of five archaeological sites that have made it onto UNESCO’s list, and each circular defence was built between 970 and 980 AD. Trelleborg also has a museum where you can learn all about the fortress’ history, and there are regular events to time your trip for – July’s when the Trelleborg Viking Festival takes place. Imagine a full-on Viking village with daily battle shows, historical games and authentic craft markets.
The Maison Carrée of Nîmes, France
Bonjour, mes amis… The Maison Carrée of Nîmes – which translates to ‘square house’– got its UNESCO label in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. This 1st-century AD Roman temple was dedicated to the emperor Augustus’s grandsons, Gaius and Lucius Caesar, and it’s in top condition thanks to careful restoration work over the centuries. You can pay to go inside, but most people get pics beneath the iconic Corinthian columns. You can reach Nîmes in less than an hour’s drive from Avignon, or about the same from Montpellier if you’re coming from the other direction.
Djerba, Tunisia
If you love sun, sea and all-day relaxation on the beach, head to Tunisia. There’s 1,200 kilometres of shoreline to explore – that’s your tan sesh sorted – and it’s backed by even more sand thanks to the Sahara. This place has much more than its coastline though. Think age-old cities and Medieval towns, like the heritage-filled island of Djerba Island, which has UNESCO status. Roman ruins, whitewashed villages and ornate mosques are all over this landscape, plus it’s a big tick for film fans. Djerba Ajim is seriously sacred ground for Star Wars geeks… Many scenes were filmed here, like Mos Eisley Cantina in the village of Ajim and a small fisherman’s cottage on the coastal road was Obi-Wan Kenobi’s hut.
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Author: Rachel Coppenhall (she/her)
Last updated: 02/10/2025
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