The world’s “most welcoming city” has been revealed – and it’s merely three hours from the UK. Data from Booking.com revealed which cities worldwide are the most hospitable to tourists seeking a holiday. Britain has secured several positions in the rankings, with Harrogate ranking as the UK’s most welcoming city. Nevertheless, claiming top spot for the “world’s most welcoming city” is the town of Montepulciano in Italy. Situated amongst the Tuscan hills, the town boasts far more heritage than its modest size might suggest.

Montepulciano is a compact town with a population of barely 14,000 residents, perched atop a hill overlooking verdant countryside bathed in Italian sunshine. Tourism has been a fundamental component of the local economy since World War 2, with its heritage dating back to the Renaissance.

The town’s fascinating past even influences its architecture, which was moulded by the Renaissance itself, bestowing upon it the prestigious title the “Pearl of the Cinquecento”. The structures were carefully designed by the architects of the period, so wandering through the town’s narrow lanes feels like travelling back through the centuries.

Among the most spectacular buildings Montepulciano has to offer is the magnificent Duomo, constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries. The town’s celebrated city hall was also created by renowned Renaissance architects from neighbouring Florence.

Montepulciano is also an exceptionally pedestrian-friendly destination, with the majority of its streets designated as car-free zones. If you’re keen to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the town, stroll along the main thoroughfare, which extends for just under a mile and brims with charming local independent shops and eateries aplenty.

Beyond the small-town appeal that Montepulciano already possesses, its culinary and beverage scene also attracts visitors from across the globe. A thriving wine heritage surrounds the town, with its esteemed noble wine awarded protected status within Italian gastronomy.

And if that weren’t sufficient, the town retains some concealed treasures and age-old customs that have endured throughout the centuries. Known as the ‘Bravio delle botti’, participants roll an enormous wine barrel through the town’s streets in a tradition dating back to the 14th century.

To reach Montepulciano, Britons can fly to neighbouring Perugia, with Ryanair providing direct flights. UK passengers can fly directly to Perugia from London Stansted Airport, with flights taking approximately 3 hours to reach the sun-drenched region, before continuing on to Montepulciano.

But Ryanair isn’t the only airline connecting British travellers to Perugia, as British Airways also operates a service from London Heathrow Airport to Perugia. However, it’s worth noting that the Heathrow service only runs seasonally, whilst the Stansted service operates year-round.

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