welcoming

A small town has been crowned the world’s most welcoming city in the world, boasting Renaissance architecture and world-famous wine

The “most welcoming city” in the world has been unveiled – and it’s a mere three-hour journey from the UK. According to data from Booking.com, several British cities have made the cut for their hospitality towards holidaymakers, with Harrogate taking the crown as the UK’s most welcoming city.

However, the title of the “world’s most welcoming city” goes to the Italian town of Montepulciano. Nestled amongst the Tuscan hills, this town offers a wealth of heritage that belies its small size.

Montepulciano is a quaint town with a population of just 14,000 residents, perched on a hill overlooking lush countryside bathed in Italian sunshine.

Since World War 2, tourism has played a crucial role in the local economy, with the town’s history stretching back to the Renaissance era.

The town’s intriguing past is reflected in its architecture, which was shaped by the Renaissance period, earning it the esteemed title of the “Pearl of the Cinquecento”.

The buildings were meticulously designed by architects of the time, making a stroll through the narrow lanes feel like a journey back in time.

Among Montepulciano’s architectural gems is the grand Duomo, built between the 16th and 17th centuries.

The town’s celebrated city hall was also crafted by renowned Renaissance architects hailing from nearby Florence, reports the Express.

Montepulciano is a remarkably pedestrian-friendly destination, with most of its streets designated as car-free zones.

If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the town’s lively atmosphere, take a leisurely walk along the main street, which stretches for just under a mile and is lined with charming local independent shops and plenty of eateries.

In addition to the small-town charm that Montepulciano naturally exudes, its food and drink scene also draws visitors from all over the world.

The town is surrounded by a rich wine heritage, with its renowned noble wine being granted protected status within Italian gastronomy.

And if that wasn’t enough, the town holds some hidden gems and ancient traditions that have stood the test of time.

One such tradition is the ‘Bravio delle botti’, where participants roll a massive wine barrel through the town’s streets, a custom dating back to the 14th century.

To get to Montepulciano, Brits can fly to nearby Perugia, with Ryanair offering direct flights.

UK travellers can fly directly to Perugia from London Stansted Airport, with flights taking roughly three hours to reach the sun-soaked region, before continuing on to Montepulciano.

However, Ryanair isn’t the only airline connecting British tourists to Perugia, as British Airways also runs a service from London Heathrow Airport to Perugia.

It’s worth mentioning though, that the Heathrow service only operates seasonally, while the Stansted service runs throughout the year.

The complete list of Booking.com’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth is as follows:

• Montepulciano, Italy
• Magong, Taiwan
• San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
• Harrogate, United Kingdom
• Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
• Pirenópolis, Brazil
• Swakopmund, Namibia
• Takayama, Japan
• Noosa Heads, Australia
• Klaipeda, Lithuania

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THE WORLD’S most welcoming cities have been revealed and a UK destination with famous Turkish Baths and vibrant gardens has been named amongst them.

Though technically not a city, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

And according to Booking.com, Harrogate is one of the most welcoming destinations in the world and the only spot in the UK to feature on the list.

Booking.com commented: “Harrogate is an elegant English spa town full of historic charm.

“Quaint boulevards and ornate Victorian façades frame a town filled with modern and contemporary cafés, indie shops and scenic garden paths perfect for leisurely strolls.”

One top spot mentioned by Booking.com is Valley Gardens, formed of 17 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed parkland.

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In the gardens, visitors will find themed areas, different flower species and a number of historic buildings.

There’s also a children’s play area and entry to the entire park is free.

One recent visitor said: “What an absolute gem of a park.

“Very picturesque, serene and pleasant walk through with a beautiful Victoriana style cafe and beautiful views across the park.

“I could spend a day there with a book, flask with hot tea and snacks and relax. It has a very calming aura.”

Harrogate is also well-known for its Turkish Baths – a unique spa experience that dates back to 1897.

The Harrogate Turkish Baths are one of the best-preserved Victorian Baths in the UK and were once used as a luxury and therapeutic experience by wealthy Victorians.

The spa still operates today and has a frigidarium, steam room, different heat rooms and a plunge pool.

Sessions usually cost £37 per person for an hour and a half to two hours access.

And if you find the history of the spa town interesting, then head to the Royal Pump Room Museum, where you will find the strongest sulphur wells in Europe.

You will also learn about Harrogate’s connection to Russian royalty.

It costs just £4.20 per adult and £2.40 per child to visit.

The Montpellier Quarter then dubs itself as “Harrogate’s best-kept secret”.

Here visitors will find over 50 independent shops including cosy cafes.

Across the cobbled streets in the Montpellier Quarter, there are gardens, ornate lamp posts and lots of flowers.

One visitor said: “This is a rabbit warren of individual antiques and curios shops under one roof.

“There is art, jewellery, ornaments – too much to mention but all very interesting and great for provoking memories of things our grandparents had in their time!”

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the town, then you could head to The Old Swan Hotel – which is the hotel where Agatha Christie was discovered after she had been missing for 11 days in 1926.

The ivy-covered hotel is just a three-minute walk from the Royal Pump Room Museum and features suites with four-poster beds.

Rooms cost from around £68 per night.

For a bite to eat, definitely check out Bettys Café Tea Rooms – a famous spot for afternoon tea and coffee.

You can opt for the Grande Breakfast which includes muesli, pain au chocolat, toasted fruit loaf, tea or coffee and a choice of either poached egg and avocado, scrambled eggs and Yorkshire smoked salmon or poached egg and dry-cured bacon for £22.50 per person.

Booking.com added: “Captivating with its harmonious mix of culture and greenery, Harrogate invites travelers to unwind while discovering the quieter corner of northern England.”

Other cities named among the most welcoming in the world include Montepulciano in Italy.

This hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, is famous for its red wine.

Due to being on the hilltop, the town has stunning panoramic views.

Other destinations named as welcoming cities include Fredericksburg, Texas, United States and Klaipėda, Lithuania.

In other destination news, the cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe’s best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.

Plus, five stunning European holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare – with £2 prosecco and stunning beaches.