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These incredible places just became UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Every July, UNESCO reveals the latest additions to its World Heritage List – read on to discover this year's sites, including India, Panama and more.

Author: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Published: 8 September 2025
 

Every July, UNESCO unveils its latest additions to the World Heritage List – a prestigious collection of sites recognised for their 'outstanding universal value'.

 

This year, 26 new locations have joined the ranks, expanding the list to over 1,000 remarkable places across 170 countries.

 

Let's take a look at some of the latest additions, which we either visit on our tours or are located nearby. You could consider visiting these sites before or at the end of our small group trip with us!

 

Read on for our top picks:

1. Panama

Panama is already home to a handful of UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and in 2025, six more were added to its growing collection. From the 16th century, the isthmus of Panama became a strategic crossroads between the Iberian Peninsula and the colonies of the Kingdom of Spain in America, the archipelago of the Philippines and the Canary Islands.

 

The latest UNESCO inclusions highlight this legacy, featuring fortified settlements, historic towns, archaeological sites, and ancient roads that once linked the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

 

Our Central American Explorer tour begins in Panama City, giving you time to discover the city's historic district, which forms part of this newly designated UNESCO area.

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2. Cambodia

Cambodia's memorial sites offer a powerful and sobering window into a recent and tragic chapter of history. The Khmer Rouge regime, which gripped the country from 1975 to 1979, left deep scars through widespread violence and oppression.

 

Today, several newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites (including the fomer M-13 prison, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center) stand as preserved reminders of this time.

 

As part of our Highlights of Cambodia tour, you'll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. In the centre court of the museum is a memorial area (pictured), offering a quiet space for reflection.
 

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3. South Africa

Stretching across the border of South Africa and Mozambique, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a vast and ecologically rich area. There are coral reefs and sandy beaches; coastal dunes and seagrass beds; swamps; mangroves... it's an impressive site.

 

This ecosystem supports an equally impressive array of biodiversity, including nesting sea turtles, migrating whales, large populations of waterbids and more.

 

As part of our Wildlife Safari of South Africa, you'll enjoy an open game drive through this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. iSimangaliso was originally inscribed in 1999 (the first in the country!) and expanded in 2025 to reflect its growing ecological significance. 

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4. Turkey

Sardis, once the capital of the wealthy Lydian civilisation, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025. Flourishing between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE, the Lydians were pioneers of early coinage and known for their immense wealth. One of the most striking features is the Bin Tepe necropolis, home to some of the largest tumulus tombs in the world. 

 

Our Turkey Adventure tour already includes ancient icons like Troy (pictured) and Olympos, but if you're eager to explore even more, consider extending your stay. Sardis – now modern-day Sart in Manisa province – is a rewarding detour for history lovers keen to walk through the remnants of one of antiquity's most influential cities. 

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5. Greece

Crete, the largest island in Greece, was once the heart of the mighty Minoan civilisation – one of the earliest advanced cultures in the Mediterranean. In 2025, UNESCO recognised Knossos Palace and five other archaeological sites on the island that date between 1900-1100BCE.

 

These palatial centres were sophisticated hubs with advanced architecture, revealing the complexity and lasting influence on Mediterranean history.


On our Taste of Greece food tour, you'll likely fly into Heraklion – the gateway to Knossos Palace, just a short bus ride away. Our tip? Arrive (at least) a day early to explore. Alternatively, spend a couple of hours at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where you can dive deeper into Crete's ancient past, including artefacts from these newly listed UNESCO sites. 

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6. India

India's Maratha Military Landscapes have officially joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025. This includes 12 major fortifications, mostly located in Maharashtra, with one in Tamil Nadu. Iconic forts were built, expanded or adapted by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries.

 

These forts formed a sophisticated defence network that protected trade routes and reinforced territorial control and reflect the role of the Marathas as a significant political and military force in Indian history.

 

Our Highlights of Southern India tour focuses on Tamil Nadu, where one of the newly listed sites is located. Consider extending your trip (either before the tour begins or after it ends) to visit this remarkable piece of Maratha heritage.

 

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More UNESCO sites we visit on our small group tours

Hungry for more history? Here are more UNESCO sites we visit on our small group tours:

 

1. Machu Picchu, Peru: Join our Inca Trail Trek and enter the UNESCO site of Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.

 

2. Alhambra Palace, Spain: On our Highlights of Andalucia tour, you'll visit Alhambara Palace, built in the 13th century and overlooking the city of Granada.

 

3. Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco: This fortified Berber settlement is one of the country's most picturesque spots – see it for yourself on our Best of Morocco tour.

 

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Finish cycling around the Dalmatian Coast in Dubrvonik, a captivating city that's UNESCO-listed thanks to its medieval architecture and well-preserved fortified old town.

 

5. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka: Also known as Lion Rock, Sigiriya is a 5th-century 'Sky Fortress' that rises dramatically from the central plains. Join a sunrise climb to the top to beat the crowds and for the best views.

Don't just travel, Explore!

Discover countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites as you journey through rich culture, history and architecture on our small group tours. 

 

From iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems, our itineraries blend authentic encounters with historical highlights – helping you understand not just where you are, but why it matters. There’s no better way to truly appreciate a place than by exploring its legacy and the stories that shaped it.

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