Inside the bizarre village dubbed ‘Little Tuscany' where all 6,000 residents live and work on the SAME street
The remarkable town of Sułoszowa is distinguished by its signature nine-kilometres long road that encompasses all homes and businesses on the picturesque stretch.
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Clustered buildings in the town sit between scenic patches of green and gold fields in Poland, just 29 kilometres away of the capital, Kraków.
Idyllic images show the gorgeous village, dubbed "Little Tuscany", with houses boasting pretty blue and red roofs to contrast against the lush green farm land.
The town has seen a surge in tourism, after visitors from all over the world discovered its unique layout.
The singular road where all 6,000 residents live, shop and work, is one of the longest in Poland.
Bird's eye view pictures show the winding road traverse between the sublime patchworks.
Sułoszowa local and council member Katarzyna Bieda said that her town's stunning design actually resembles a leaf.
She told the Daily Express: "Sułoszowa is immersed in nature with lots of forests and fields.
"These fields have made us famous all across the world thanks to drone pictures in which our fields surrounding the main street look a little bit like a leaf."
She also explained why the town was built in this unusual manner.
The council member said: "The one street thing comes from the past, when it was easier for people to live on one street, mostly because of road communication."
Mesmerised social media users have since flocked to the picture-postcard town to see its vibrant aesthetics first hand.
In 2022 the population of Sułoszowa was just under 6,000 with 5,672 calling the village home.
The sleepy village was founded in the 16th century by an aristocratic army officer.
It is isolated from other villages by long stretches of empty road.
Although tourists are usually drawn to the village for its strange yet eye-catching structure, there is lots more to explore in Sułoszowa, according to Bieda.
She said tourists mostly come in spring and summer.
The local explained they come "because of tourist attractions such as the Pieskowa Skała castle or our famous rock called Maczuga Herkulesa [Bludgeon of Hercules]".
The Bludgeon of Hercules is an incredible 98ft limestone column, and gets its name from its distinctive shape.
It is located within Sułoszowa, and is nearby to Pieskowa Skała castle.
Also popular with visitors according to Bieda, the structure is one of the only 14th-century fortifications still standing in the village.
Tourists can also visit a range of local cliffs, ravines and some 400 caves in the area.
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The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘Don't erase the soul of Bingin': Bali locals dismayed as 48 businesses destroyed in local crackdown
'I can't believe this is happening,' said Komang Agus, looking on in despair at his workplace of 16 years in the Bali tourist hotspot of Bingin, lying in fresh ruins. 'I have a wife, three sons, my father is sick and in the hospital, how am I going to support them?' the manager of Morabito Art Cliff Villa said, his voice cracking and tears welling in his eyes. 'We understand the laws and the need for regulation, but why only here?' Agus spoke to the Guardian shortly after the government embarked on a sweeping crackdown on alleged illegal coastal developments on Indonesia's most popular tourist island. The demolition of 48 cliffside establishments at Bingin beach – ranging from warungs (small eateries) and homestays to boutique villas and restaurants overlooking one of the world's most revered waves – marks a flashpoint in Bali's struggle with mass tourism, overdevelopment and the desire to retain the cultural and surfing heritage that put the island on the global tourist map in the first place. Bingin is being cleared as part of a campaign led by the re-elected governor, Wayan Koster, to enforce zoning regulations and eliminate unregulated structures on protected government-owned land. 'The Bali provincial government is preparing a team to conduct an investigative audit of tourism business permits throughout Bali,' said Koster, hammer in hand at the start of the Bingin demolition in July. 'We cannot allow it. If we let these methods continue throughout Bali, Bali will be ruined.' More than 20 other businesses have also been targeted as allegedly illegal by local authorities at nearby Balangan beach, and others across the Bukit peninsula and beyond may soon face similar action. But for many locals, the loss of Bingin represents a further gutting of a historic and cherished part of the island's surf culture that in many places has been overtaken by mega resorts, shopping strips and beach clubs. Surfers, many of them Australian, began arriving at Bingin in the 1970s and 1980s, attracted by its perfect mechanical left-hand barrel waves. Local families built small warungs on the cliffs to serve them. Among them was Kelly's Warung, established by the family of local professional surfer Mega Semadhi. 'This place feels like home, away from the noise and chaos above – a beautiful beach, beautiful wave and people,' Samadhi told the Guardian. 'There are not many places like this left.' Over time, the area grew and commercialised, with some rooms now renting for over A$200 a night and small family-run businesses morphing into multi-level luxury suites like the towering Morabito Art Cliff boutique hotel, with multiple swimming pools – and one even in its master suite. 'The developments got out of control and people got greedy,' said Semadhi, who lives and works in the village nearby with his wife and two young children. 'We tried to stop it, but the government didn't listen to us [at the time]. And now it's too late.' Semadhi called for the community to be involved in the future of the area. 'If they are going to redo it, we want to do it properly. To return the soul of how it started. If we lose this place, all of Bingin will suffer.' Tourists have also expressed dismay; many gathered on the beach throughout the week after the demolition began, completely unaware of the plans. Several Australian expats said they had been advised against speaking out publicly, with concerns they could be deported. An Australian surfer and local business owner, who first visited Bingin over 30 years ago, described it as a 'very special place'. 'The first time I came down here, we could only eat food and sleep on people's decks. There was something magical about it,' he said. 'Australians were among the first surfers to come here and form a special relationship with the Balinese. There aren't many places like this left.' Business owners – many foreigners, including Australians – say many of the structures existed before zoning rules were formalised and the land became deemed a protected area, and efforts were made to ensure operations were compliant. Alex Barung, a lawyer representing some owners attempting to halt the demolitions, said the community had tried multiple times to resolve the issue and work with the government. 'In 1985, the community realised the tourism potential and built supporting facilities. They lacked capital and so partnered with foreigners – but the businesses came first, before the regulations.' Owners argue that they were operating under customary law, with informal permission from the village to operate. Critics of the demolition – which officials expect to take a month – warn that erasing Bingin risks destroying a unique cultural and social ecosystem. 'This is part of Bali's surfing heritage,' said Piter Panjaitan, a local surfer and environmentalist. 'It became a hotspot, a golden egg of the Bukit peninsula. Now, 1,000 people are losing their jobs overnight. People are crying.' He questioned the transparency and consistency of the government's approach. 'We understand the need to clean up, but why here, and why like this? We want to make Bali better, but we also want social justice.' The demolition highlights challenges in Bali's growth. The island's population has doubled since the 1960s to more than 4 million, and tourist arrivals are projected to hit 6.5 million this year. The government has floated – and abandoned – a moratorium on tourism development, opting instead for tighter controls. Local environmental group Walhi Bali said it supported reining in unregulated growth but criticised 'selective enforcement'. 'From our research, there are many other developments across Bali lacking permits and environmental assessments,' said Walhi Bali's Ida Bagus Arya Yoga Bharata. 'The inconsistency highlights the slow and weak governance in Bali's development planning.' The head of Bali's Public Order Agency, I Dewa Nyoman Rai Darmadi, denied claims that the demolitions were clearing space for luxury developments. 'That's a hoax,' he told the Guardian. He said it was about safety, with many businesses packed into the steep cliff zone and that public land was 'not for business like currently'. 'This is protected land. There's no indication of it being taken over by an investor.' Still, uncertainty looms, even from officials. 'Once it's renovated, it will become an attraction – whether for surfers or something else,' said Governor Koster. 'At the very least, tourists will want to come, and it will contribute to the wellbeing of the local community.' And without a clear plan, locals worry the area could be redeveloped without them. But despite the sadness, Semadhi said he was optimistic about the future. 'If they are going to do it, then maybe we can do it properly this time, a new beginning. But let us be part of it. Don't erase the soul of Bingin.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Look around the idyllic tropical island with incredible white beaches & dolphins – but only 6,000 people visit it a year
WHEN we think of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, images of the Maldives or the Caribbean often spring to mind. As idyllic as those holiday hotspots are, they are often packed with tourists, and finding undiscovered gems can be tough. 6 But what about if there was a dazzling collection of islands with the same wow factor as well-known beach spots, but with a fraction of the visitors? Kiribati is a remote slice of paradise in Micronesia that welcomes just 6,000 visitors a year. For nature-lovers, the islands and the turquoise waters that surround them are home to Spinner, Striped, and Fraser's dolphins. There have also been sightings of short-finned pilot whales and false killer whales off the shore. Nestled more than 8,600 miles from the UK, the Republic of Kiribati, it comprises 33 islands - 21 of which are inhabited. English-speaking utopia The islands are spread across an ocean area larger than the continental United States. With just over 121,000 people calling it home in 2020 census, many speak English and Gilbertese — a remnant of British colonial times before full independence in July 1979 and UN membership in 1999. The people who live in Kiribati are proud of their culture and traditions, which includes dancing and chanting at social events. Maneaba, also known as community meeting houses, are central to village life and democracy. Most of the inhabitants live in small villages and rely on fishing and farming. The group of islands are grouped into three island clusters - the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands and Line Islands. Despite minimal infrastructure, tourism is emerging — yet still tiny. In 2023, approximately 8,000 visitors arrived, showing a surge from pre‑pandemic levels and accounting for about 4 per cent of GDP and 2 per cent of jobs. Most cruise ships dock here just a handful of times, and regular international flights come only from Fiji Airways or Nauru Airlines. Another wow factor for Kiribati is that it is the only country in the world to straddle all four hemispheres. Smaller than New York City It stretches across the equator and the 180-degree meridian, meaning parts of the nation lie in UTC +14, making them one of the first places on earth to welcome in the new day. 6 6 The atolls are minuscule patches of land — total land area is just 811 square kilometres, tinier than New York City, but scattered across some 3.4 million square kilometres of ocean. Kiribati is also known as Christmas Island (not to be confused with Christmas Island in Australia) and has the largest coral atoll by land area. It measures around 312 square kilometres and is ringed by a vast lagoon brimming with bonefish, tuna, wahoo and billfish. Nature-lovers' dream Kiribati is also home to the rare bokikokiko (Christmas Island warbler), found only on Kiritimati and Washington Island — fewer than 2,500 remain and the species faces threats from invasive cats and rising seas. Nearby, you'll spot the elegant Christmas white‑eye and even traces of the extinct Christmas sandpiper, which vanished from the earth in the early 1800s. Most of all, this remote haven is tailor‑made for holidaymakers on the hunt for peace and quiet. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sport fishing, birdwatching — all can be done in near‐solitude. 6 6 6
BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
20250801-why-these-new-tourist-taxes-may-be-a-good-thing (GIF Image, 1 × 1 pixels)
Getty Images A series of new climate-focused tourism fees could be the key to preserving some of the world's most beloved – and vulnerable – destinations. Your next holiday may be slightly more expensive than you expect – and it's not just because of inflation. Around the world, a growing number of destinations are introducing new climate-focused fees on hotel stays, ferry tickets and admission to national parks and other protected areas. But even though paying more for a trip may feel frustrating, these new fees could help ensure some of your favourite destinations survive in a world of rising seas, record heat and natural disasters. Getty Images The 2023 Maui wildfires were one of the deadliest climate-related natural disasters in US history (Credit: Getty Images) This May, Hawaii took an unprecedented step by enacting the US's first tourist tax explicitly tied to the climate crisis. Known as the Green Fee, the bill adds an additional 0.75% on top of existing accommodation taxes. The fee is expected to raise $100m annually for wildfire recovery, reef restoration and climate adaptation starting in 2026. In a press statement, Hawaii's Governor Josh Green said the new law addresses the growing impact that hosting 10 million tourists has on the islands and reflects a broader strategy to respond to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. "This isn't just a surcharge," Susan Fazekas, a Maui-based hiking guide and owner of Awapuhi Adventures told the BBC. "Visitors come here for the natural beauty – the waterfalls, reefs and rainforest trails – but those very resources are under strain. Asking them to contribute to the care of these places is not a burden; it's a chance to be part of their preservation. It's also a way to honour the kuleana (shared responsibility) we all share in protecting Hawaii's future." As climate-related disasters intensify, other destinations around the world are also rethinking how tourism revenue is collected and where it goes. Getty Images Greece implemented a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee in 2024 (Credit: Getty Images) In January 2024, Greece replaced its overnight stay tax with a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee. Travellers now pay €0.50 to €10 a night, depending on hotel class and season, with surcharges of up to €20 per person on popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini during peak periods. The government expects to raise €400m annually, which will be directed towards water infrastructure, disaster prevention and ecosystem restoration. Elsewhere, Bali introduced a 150,000 rupiah (£6.88) fee for international travellers in 2024 earmarked for environmental protection. The Maldives has imposed a nightly "Green Tax" since 2015, but doubled it in January 2025, with most hotels and resorts now charging $12 (€9) per person, per night. Revenues are channelled into a government-run fund for waste management and coastal resilience. In New Zealand, an International Visitor Levy – which was first introduced in 2019 but has nearly tripled to around NZD $100 (£45) in 2024 – supports conservation efforts and sustainable tourism infrastructure across the country. Compared to the overall cost of travel, these fees are often modest. But if they're managed well, their impact can be transformative. According to Dr Rachel Dodds, professor of tourism management at Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada, what ultimately makes these fees meaningful is how clearly they are communicated to residents and visitors. "Tourism taxes can be an easy source of additional income to support sustainability or climate initiatives," she says. "But transparency is essential to ensure the money actually goes to those initiatives." Getty Images The Maldives publishes reports showing how its taxes are allocated to help coastal protection (Credit: Getty Images) At some destinations, that clarity already exists. The Maldives publishes monthly Green Fund reports detailing exactly how its revenue tax is allocated to coastal protection, waste treatment and water access. New Zealand's visitor levy is accompanied by annual performance reports showing which projects are selected, funded and completed, such as the redevelopment of Cathedral Cove's storm-damaged trails and major investments in the New Zealand Cycle Trails, including upgrades, maintenance and climate-resilient improvements. Hawaii is also working to improve clarity around how its new tourist taxes will be used. After the Lahaina fires, the state established a Climate Advisory Team (CAT), which published a 60-page report outlining potential resilience efforts and funding sources to ensure transparency and build public trust. "The comprehensive data that we were able to present, including surveys of residents statewide, actuarial analysis of the potential impacts of climate events and extensive engagement with experts across the climate resilience spectrum, resulted in a favourable public opinion of a climate fee," says CAT chair Chris Benjamin. Surveys suggest visitors are ready to contribute – if they know their money will be used well. According to 2024 Sustainable Travel Report, 75% of global travellers said they wanted to travel more sustainably in the year ahead, and 71% said they hoped to leave the places they visit better than how they found them. A separate 2023 study by Euromonitor found that nearly 80% of visitors were willing to pay at least 10% more for sustainable travel options. Maho Tanaka, a Japanese advertising professional based in Tokyo who hopes to visit Hawaii in the next year, says she supports the state's new climate fee. "It depends on how much it is," she says. "If it were too expensive, especially with the weak yen, it might discourage me. But if it's just 0.75%, like an extra $3 on a $400 stay, then that seems fine." While Tanaka doesn't actively track how such fees are used, she says their overall purpose matters. "If it's going toward protecting Hawaii's beaches and forests, then that's a good thing… It feels [like] a contribution to something important. Hawaii is like one big national park. It makes sense to support it." Alamy Surveys suggest most travellers are willing to pay climate-related visitor taxes if their uses are clearly communicated (Credit: Alamy) Zixuan Liu, a Chinese national, recently spent three weeks travelling around Greece after the nation implemented its new Climate Crisis Resilience Fee and echoes the survey's findings: "I did notice the charge and thought it was a bit expensive, but I wasn't sure how it was being used. If that were made clearer, I'd actually be happy to pay more – as long as the money is going to the right place." Still, experts warn that sustainability shouldn't be treated as an add-on. "We need to bake sustainability into our operations, services and offerings so that travellers choose it by default," says Christopher Imbsen, Vice President of Research and Sustainability at the World Travel & Tourism Council. "It shouldn't be a premium or an added layer of complexity. If sustainability is embedded from the start, people won't need to consciously choose it – it will simply be the obvious choice." At its core, the rise of climate-linked tourist taxes isn't just about funding; it's about rewriting the social contract of travel. For decades, tourism has largely operated as an extractive economy: visitors arrive, consume and leave. But in a climate-compromised world, that model is no longer sustainable. These modest fees reflect something bigger: a transition from tourism as consumption to tourism as collaboration. We're moving towards a future that invites travellers to go beyond merely visiting and encourages them to take part in the shared responsibility of preservation. Getty Images Travellers are now being encouraged to participate in preservation efforts like never before (Credit: Getty Images) Fazekas says responsible tourism in Hawaii means "slowing down" – fewer crowds, more meaningful experiences and deeper respect for the local culture and environment. To her, it's also about educating visitors, reducing impact and creating opportunities to give back, "not just take a photo and leave". So yes, your next trip may be a little more expensive. But that extra $10 or €20 may just help preserve these destinations for the generations that follow. For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
