World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is celebrated annually on 18 April. This global event aims to raise awareness of cultural heritage and highlight the importance of protecting it.
In honour of this special day, many UNESCO World Heritage Sites host special events and offer free entry to visitors.
As such, it’s an ideal time to learn about some of the lesser-known locations you might want to include in your holiday plans.
While there are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you might struggle to name more than a handful of the most famous properties, such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Great Wall of China.
So, if you’re busy planning your holidays for the year ahead, read on to discover four lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you might want to plan a trip to.
1. Cocos Island in Costa Rica
Coco Island – or Isla del Coco in Spanish – was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 in recognition of its biodiversity, natural beauty and exceptional diving.
According to the UNESCO website, this remote island, located around 550 kilometres south-west of the Costa Rican mainland, supports unique ecosystems and has the most diverse coral reefs in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
The pristine conservation of the site makes it one of the most important locations for studying biological processes and protecting marine wildlife, such as the endangered Hammerhead Shark.
So, if you’re a nature and wildlife lover or a scuba diving enthusiast, Coco Island could be a dream destination.
However, visiting the island requires careful planning as the number of people allowed to access it each year is strictly limited to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
You’ll need to apply for a permit from the Costa Rican government and then book a liveaboard boat tour to make a day trip to the island – there is no accommodation on the island for overnight stays.
2. The Studenica Monastery in Serbia
Stefan Nemanja, the founder of the medieval Serbian state, established this beautiful monastery complex in 1190. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986 due to its historical and cultural significance.
It was here that Saint Sava Nemanjiić, Stefan Nemanja’s youngest son, established the independent Serbian Orthodox Church in 1219 and wrote the first literary work in the Serbian language.
Today, the Studenica is an important spiritual centre and symbol of Serbian identity that attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
The monastery is high in the mountains, far from the main cities and towns. While there are buses that will get you there, it might be easier to hire a car – especially on Sundays when public transport is limited.
Alternatively, if you’re fit and healthy, you might enjoy the two-hour walk from Usce, the closest point en route to the Studenica.
3. The Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK
A little closer to home, in a rural part of Cheshire that’s free from radio interference, you’ll find the impressive Jodrell Bank Observatory.
This incredible structure is one of the world’s leading astronomy observatories and it has played a key role in astronomical research and space exploration for over 75 years.
Jodrell Bank was founded in 1945 by radio astronomer, Sir Bernard Lovell. It is home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, which was the world’s largest steerable radio telescope when it was completed in 1957.
In 2019, the site was recognised as a site of Outstanding Universal Value and inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Today, the observatory continues to be at the forefront of radio astronomy research while also offering educational programs, interactive exhibits and a planetarium to visitors.
4. San CristĂłbal de La Laguna on the island of Tenerife
If you’re planning a beach holiday but you’d also like to soak up some culture, San Cristóbal de La Laguna might be just what you’re looking for.
In fact, the volcanic island of Tenerife has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
San CristĂłbal was the first city founded in the Canary Islands in the 15th Century, and it served as the capital until 1723. There are two original town centres to explore, each belonging to a different time in history.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, San CristĂłbal is a must-visit for history buffs. According to the UNESCO website, of the 1470 buildings in the Upper and Lower Town, 627 are classified as preserved. You can wander around some for free, others have strict opening times and charge a fee.
In 2007, Teide National Park was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, predominantly for geological reasons.
If you’re feeling energetic, follow one of the trails to the summit of Mount Teide – the highest peak in Spain. Alternatively, hitch a ride in a cable car and enjoy the views as you glide to the top.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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