What is the most underrated destination you have ever been?

[Rushie1234]

Following on from the very interesting previous thread of most overrated destinations, what do you think is one of the most underrated or unexpectedly good destinations you’ve been to?

Scotland is totally under-rated. All of it

Berlin.... a lot better than I thought it would be.

Leeds...way more cosmopolitan than I was expecting.

Agree Carcassone

Ulverston - on the edge of the Lakes, the ocean and still a real place with fascinating residents.

Israel and Iceland. So different but both so friendly and welcoming

Leeds...way more cosmopolitan than I was expecting.

I agree. I left Leeds for Sheffield, and it isn't a patch on Leeds. Leeds is more vibrant and has so much more going for it.

Valencia. Much nicer and less touristy than Barcelona.

Ljubljana in Slovenia, really pretty little city with a nice river down the centre, lined with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, a castle on a hill and it's also close to Lake Bled, which is also stunning but already popular with backpackers, inter-railers etc

St Paul de Vence
Villefranche
South Downs
Arundel

@TreatYoBookShelf i was coming on to say that! Went back packing round Europe ages ago and the whole of Eastern Europe leg was fab - but particularly Lake Bled - stunning and so cheap. I want to go back there now I’m older for a family holiday

Copenhagen.
Beautiful, friendly, loads to see.

Yes I was early 20s when I was last there, I'd love to go now and see it with adult eyes and go for a cycle around the lake without feeling so hungover 😂

You've been everywhere in Scotland?

Paris & Dublin - both much maligned by MNers on other threads and I adore them both! I would happily live in either again.

i live in erbil - kurdistan region of Iraq. It's amazing and beautiful and nobody in uk really knows that somewhere like this exists. It's the oldest known continually inhabited city in the world, has an unesco site, unbelievable nature, mountains. rivers, lakes. fantastic restaurants, cafes, water parks, shopping...i love living here

Belgium - such a lovely country. Lots of variety, very pretty, loads of history, good food, charming cities, not overly touristy (well I guess probably Bruges would be if you went in August, but otherwise, not).

I was going to add Brussels.

DD and I went for 3 days because cheap flights and I thought it was brilliant. Loads to do and see, great museums, the EU parliament was so interesting we only left because we were hungry, the Grand Place is stunning, a great vibe all round. Loved it.

I'd also add lesser known Spanish cities inland. Salamanca, Toledo etc.

@feralunderclass

Whereabouts in Bradford are you going? I live not too far from BD1 and I wouldn't dare go there by myself.

I have to drive through the outskirts to get to the motorway and it's probably the most depressing place I've ever witnessed. Litter, poverty, homeless people, drunks, junkies etc etc.

I'd love to know where, specifically, you're referring to - not in an arsey way, I'd really be interested to know?

Scotland.
Some of the scenery is just ‘wow’
I also love Glasgow for a city break, most people go to Edinburgh, which is also fab, but Glasgow wins for me. More to do & explore, plus it’s friendlier with less tourists!

Crete.
I feel like the other Greek Islands are more popular but Crete is absolutely my fave.
Theres so much to see and do, incredible scenery and beaches, lots of different towns & villages. Amazing restaurants, locals very friendly and lovely to the kids.

So many … Utrecht for a city break. It’s really pretty and it’s easy to go for a walk on the beach.

Lesser known Italy - Turin is a good one for a city break as is Genova. It’s labelled as a port city and yes it does have a gigantic port but the aquarium is fantastic and the higher parts of the city are gorgeous. Bergamo Citta Alta is like Venice on dry land.

Porquerolles island off the south of France is like a Mediterranean Caribbean island!

Lostwithiel in Cornwall. Lovely little town.

Istanbul. Absolutely loved it. Much less hassle than I expected (people trying to get you to buy things etc).

Almaty, Ha'apai, Jeju Island

I went to Leeds last year and really enjoyed it, ditto Manchester and Liverpool.
I'm a city person though, spent a week in London for my holiday this year and loved every second and everything I did.

Lleyn peninsula in Wales. Early summer - the wildflower verges are gorgeous. In fact the whole area was way, way prettier and the walking way, way better than we'd been expected.