Sister Cities Committee

Shingu, Japan, is a small city on the south end of Honshu Island, about four hours south of Osaka, in the beautiful Wakayama prefecture. Shingu is home to a stunning blue river, beautifully forested mountains, and a lovely coastline. It is a rich cultural destination, home to shrines, temples, history, artists, and a world heritage site that boasts a waterfall and religious significance. Our vibrant friendship with Shingu is 50 years strong, including over 20 years of delegation exchanges for both students and adults.

Located on the warm Mediterranean sea between the villages of Portofino and Cinque Terre, Sestri Levante is turning into a tourist hotspot for Italians and international visitors alike. This city provides access to boating, fishing, and swimming in the blue waters of the coast. This town is also famous for being home to writer Hans Christian Andersen, and the Sister Cities Committee hosts a writing contest in honor of the writer every year.

Alushta, Crimea is a gorgeous resort city on the shore of the Black Sea at the southern edge of the Crimean Peninsula. Although known for its warm sea and beaches, the real attraction is the mountains. Known for their caves and interesting formations, these mountains also have the ruins of the Funa.

Jinotepe, Nicaragua, is a city located in the Diriamba Highlands. A non-tourist centered city, Jinotepe provides insight and opportunity into the rich culture of Nicaragua.

Biarritz is a sophisticated beach city on the Bay of Biscay, which lies on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France. Known for it's luxury hotels and beautifully designed casinos, Biarritz is also well known as surfing culture hot spot. Home to 26,000 residents, and featuring direct access to 2.5 miles of creeks and fine sand beaches, Biarritz lies13.5 miles from the Spanish border During the summer months, the population swells by 250,000 as tourism is one of the key industries.

The city is nurturing a growing tech startup environment, with a number of new companies focused on ocean health and ecologically sound business values. The closest university campus is in Bayonne, which is 5 miles away, and is part of the University of Pau. The Bayonne campus offers business and sport management degrees. Surfing and lifeguard related activities (competitions, schools, and clubs), are well-established in city life. Biarritz runs a competitive lifeguard club with over 1,000 members, 600 of which are active every week.

Puerto la Cruz is a manufacturing City bordering a large and gorgeous national park. Mochima National Park is know for its beaches and beauty. There are several tourist-centered attractions, such as a marina and available day trips into the various parks surrounding the area. In the city, developing shopping centers and commercial businesses are taking hold as international banks station their regional headquarters in the city.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a city on the capital of the island of Tenerife, Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and one of the capitals of the Canary Islands, along with Las Palmas.

Puerto Escondido, located along the beautiful Pacific coastline in the state of Oaxaca, is a vibrant and culturally rich community that embodies the spirit of coastal Mexico. Known worldwide for its exceptional surf conditions and inviting beaches, the city welcomes visitors of all skill levels—from seasoned surfers to those seeking a peaceful place to relax. Its proximity to Oaxaca City and its international airport makes Puerto Escondido both accessible and well‑connected.

Playa Zicatela, one of the city’s most recognized beaches, is famed for hosting international surf competitions and is often referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline” for its powerful and impressive waves. Beyond surfing, the beach offers a lively atmosphere with backpacking accommodations, local eateries, and dynamic nightlife.

Puerto Escondido is also home to remarkable biodiversity. Sea turtles, crocodiles, and iguanas thrive in the region, and guided wildlife tours provide opportunities to appreciate and learn about these species. The local university, UMAR, leads an annual sea turtle release at Playa Zicatela, highlighting the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The city’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere offers a refreshing contrast to the pace of larger urban centers like Mexico City, making it a beloved destination for both residents and travelers. Puerto Escondido’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and dedication to conservation make it an inspiring choice for a Friendship City within the Sister Cities program.