When people think of the most welcoming cities in the world, places like Lisbon or Kyoto might come to mind. But according to a recent report from Booking.com, one of the top spots belongs to a hidden gem in Greece – and surprisingly, it's not Athens or Thessaloniki. Taking second place on the list is Hermoupolis, a radiant city on the island of Syros, known for its rich history, architectural grandeur, and warm hospitality.

A Brazilian Favorite Tops the List

At the very top of Booking.com's list is Arraial d’Ajuda, a serene town in southern Brazil known for its stunning beaches, laid-back vibe, and colorful architecture. Unlike its more bustling neighbor, Porto Seguro, Arraial d’Ajuda offers a peaceful atmosphere for travelers seeking relaxation.

Greece’s Hidden Treasure: Hermoupolis

Claiming the number two spot is Hermoupolis, often referred to as “the city of Hermes.” This enchanting Greek destination has often been likened to an open-air museum, thanks to its abundance of historic landmarks and neoclassical architecture.

Bathed in the dazzling light of the Aegean and crowned with impressive monuments, Hermoupolis isn’t your typical Cycladic town. Rather than whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways, you’ll find elegant neoclassical buildings, influenced by ancient Greek aesthetics and Western European romanticism.

A Glimpse into Hermoupolis’ Past

Situated on the eastern side of Syros, Hermoupolis boasts one of the most important ports in Greece and a long shipbuilding tradition. In fact, during the 19th century, the city was a major industrial, maritime, and cultural hub. The city was founded in 1823 by refugees fleeing from Asia Minor, Chios, Kassos, Psara, and Crete. Originally, around 30,000 of them had sought safety on the nearby island of Tinos, but due to a plague outbreak, many relocated to Syros and settled in temporary huts or the nearby settlement of Ano Syros.

The refugees built their first church, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, in 1823 on the hill that now forms the heart of the city. This church later became the Orthodox Metropolis of Syros.

In 1833, just 11 years after the refugees arrived, Hermoupolis opened the first public high school in the newly independent Greece, with scholar Neophytos Vamvas as its headmaster. Years later, one of its notable graduates was none other than Eleftherios Venizelos, a towering figure in modern Greek history.

A City Built on Innovation and Culture

Around the same time, the city saw the establishment of Greece’s first tannery, as well as the construction of its now-iconic port. For years, Syros served as the main transshipment hub for goods flowing between Greece, Russia, and the East. So prominent was its role that most foreign ships stopped only at Syros in the early days of the modern Greek state.

Although the Catholic population on the island played a limited role in urban development — comprising just 1.7% of the population in 1879, rising slowly to 7.3% by 1961 — their presence contributed to the city's multicultural makeup and helped place the island under the protection of Western powers, offering early refugees a sense of security.

Some neighborhoods of Hermoupolis, like “Vrontado,” are named after these internal migrations and the people who settled there.

Between 1840 and 1880, Hermoupolis underwent explosive growth and became one of Greece’s most cosmopolitan cities. By 1856, it was the second-largest city in Greece after Athens, attracting waves of people and wealth.

In 1844, the newly founded National Bank of Greece opened its first branch in Hermoupolis. Four years later, construction began on the aristocratic district of Vaporia, home to the Church of Saint Nicholas. In 1864, the stunning Apollon Theater was inaugurated—a masterpiece by Italian architect Pietro Sampo, often referred to as a mini “La Scala.”

The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of Hermoupolis

Hermoupolis’ Municipal Hall, designed by the renowned German architect Ernst Ziller, began construction in 1876 and was completed in 1891. The city also became a trailblazer in labor rights; in 1879, it founded Greece’s first workers’ union. By 1880, Hermoupolis had also erected the first monument to the Unknown Soldier commemorating those who died in the 1821 War of Independence.

However, the city’s dominance began to wane after 1880 with the rise of Piraeus, which gradually took over as Greece’s commercial shipping hub.

Today, Hermoupolis thrives once again—as a vibrant tourist, cultural, and administrative center. It serves as the capital of the South Aegean Region, overseeing both the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

Thanks to ongoing efforts to restore its neoclassical architecture and revitalize its public spaces, Hermoupolis has recaptured much of its past glory. The city is now brimming with art, intellect, and culture, making it one of Greece’s most sophisticated and engaging destinations.

The World’s Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities (According to Booking.com)

Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
Hermoupolis, Greece
Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Daylesford, Australia
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Moab, United States
Uzes, France
Mazatlán, Mexico
Jaisalmer, India
Fujikawaguchiko, Japan