The Most Welcoming Places on Earth
Destinations Travelers Feel Welcome
It’s true that many can get homesick while traveling, but not in the destinations on this list. Despite language barriers, cultural differences and more, these destinations offer incredible service, kindness and welcoming atmospheres.
From a small Italian town that’s considered the third oldest continuously inhabited town on the planet to a chic yet down-to-earth Vietnamese beach town, these destinations offer the best in welcoming travelers from around the world. Booking.com curated the list of destinations, which were all awarded more than 50 Traveler Review Rewards this year.
Curious to see which towns and cities made this list?
Matera, Italy
Located in southern Italy, the town of Matera is considered the third oldest continuously inhabited town in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho. The town, built within and around stony outcroppings that include the UNESCO-designated Sassi di Matera cave network, continues to be inhabited since Paleolithic times! This Italian town really does have the best of what you’d expect from an Italian destination, including delicious food, a truly unique history and stunning scenery.
Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is recognized as a sustainable and adventurous destination to rival other popular European lake destinations, like Geneva, Switzerland. With the picturesque blue waters and the towering Bled Castle, it’s also perfect for photographers or travelers wanting to learn more about Europe’s smaller countries without skimping on gorgeous scenery. Many hotels and resorts are located right on the lake and offer opportunities for watersports, winter activities and hiking in the Julian Alps, as well as other mindful practices to help travelers feel more at ease with both themselves and the impact on their environment.
Taitung City, Taiwan
Taitung City in Taiwan offers a welcoming destination for seasoned adventurers or newbies alike, with a great blend of beaches and other attractions, like the city’s Night Market, where foodies can flock to try the latest innovative street foods. Culture enthusiasts can enjoy visiting the Peinan Cultural Park and the National Museum of Prehistory, which showcases Neolithic artifacts found in the cultural park, or they can visit one of the city’s historic temples. The Taitung Forest Park is a perfect place for people wanting to get away from the city, where they’ll find footpaths winding around scenic ponds and lakes.
Nafplio, Greece
Nafplio, Greece might be just a couple hours from Athens, but it seems like a whole other part of Greece. This town is located within the historically important Peloponnesian Peninsula and makes for a perfect choice to make as a home base during a visit to Greece due to its low tourist population and close proximity to Athens. The city, charmingly painted in bright colors, offers the Palamidi Fortress to explore, which offers a stunning vantage point above the city and the rocky coastline, as well as some beautiful beaches.
Toledo, Spain
Toledo, Spain is an ancient royal capital with a multi-cultural past that makes it a perfect destination for culture and history lovers. Only thirty minutes away from Madrid by train, it’s also super convenient for a day trip (or to make it your home base for a wider Spanish exploration). Featuring the best in Moorish and Gothic architecture styles, wandering through the oldest parts of Toledo really is like wandering through the centuries; travelers can also step into historic synagogues, mosques and cathedrals. Toledo is also the home of the renowned Spanish painter, El Greco, so art lovers should make sure to visit his museum while in the city.
Monte Verde, Brazil
Located outside of Sao Paulo is the town of Monte Verde, Brazil. It might seem like this quaint, European-style town that nestles into the lush, rainforested mountains might not fit into what many travelers think of Brazil, but it proves that the country truly is of many cultures. Nicknamed the “Brazilian Switzerland,” its cute wood buildings offer fun shops and incredible eateries, while the surrounding area offers a fun escape from Sao Paulo, with hiking being one of the most popular activities to do in the surrounding Mantiqueira Mountains. Travelers staying for a night or three can enjoy accommodations that rival those in popular ski destinations, with rustic lodges and luxurious mountainside chalets.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Europe, so it’s not surprising that it continues to amaze travelers with its kind hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. With its scenic canal system, stunning architecture and love for chocolate and French fries, what’s not to love about Bruges? The entire city center is a UNESCO-designated heritage site, offering culture and history lovers a true feast for the senses and the mind.
Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia is a perfect alternative to Bali, without as much travelers and with the same laid-back, serene atmosphere. Surfers and snorkelers will love enjoying the waters around the island, while scuba divers can enjoy diving with giant manta rays! Travelers can also enjoy the best of welcoming Indonesian culture and exploring the island’s lush mangrove forests.
Ponta Delgada, Azores
The ninth welcoming place on Earth is Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the Portuguese islands called the Azores. The city is charming and home to local restaurants serving delicious cuisine, and it’s within close proximity to many of the island’s cool attractions, like the scenic Serra Devassa Walk, which is a slow walking path around volcanoes, mountains and through lush forests.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a chic, beautiful beach destination that offers a more serious cultural side. Located where the Thu Bon River meets the South China Sea, this Vietnamese town offers a beautiful exploration of the region’s past and present, with a beautifully preserved Ancient Town as well as French and Chinese influences. It also offers great gastronomy for the foodies, and it’s Hoi An Night Market is not to be missed.