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?

Tenerife! I'd never fancied any of the Canary Islands but family suggested we go for Christmas after a death in the family. I was so glad we did, it was absolutely spectacular!

It did help that we stayed on the north coast so it was very green and lush and we also had an stunning villa with an infinity pool and amazing view of snow-capped Mount Teide. The restaurants were also fantastic, some of the best meals i've ever eaten.

Charleston, a beautiful elegant city with wonderful history, food, architecture and best of all lovely people!

We had the same kind of holiday in Bradford - it was a few years ago but got a great deal at the Midland Hotel with room upgrade and spent all our time visiting the Museums etc. It was an eye opener.
Evenings were spent at a different Indian restaurant eating our favourite food and spent a few afternoons shopping in the Asian supermarkets.

Krakow and Budapest were another couple of places which exceeded our expectations and have returned to both after doing more research to better enjoy them.

Margate 😂 we had great weather. Lovely sandy beach, reggae music, if I closed my eyes I could have been in the Caribbean! Mini golf close by, very relaxed and kids loved it.

One of my colleagues goes there every year - I had no idea but did visit briefly while on holiday in Aberdovey. It is indeed gorgeous.
I loved Aberdovey by the way - but DH went there every year as a child and remembers driving rain and boredom - it was sunny and we stayed in a very cute B&B - so I think perhaps it depends on the weather and whether you are a child or not!

We love staying in NT and Landmark properties and they are often in underrated spots. I wouldn't say Dorset is underrated but it's certainly not as manic as Devon or Cornwall - we went there 3 years on the trot with the DCs (2019, then 2020 which we'd booked as soon as we'd come back from the 2019 holiday and very glad we were too, and 2021).

JC comes from Doncaster

I'm from Korea, and I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time here. While I might be a bit biased, as a seasoned world traveler, I believe Korea is incredibly underrated. Perhaps its distance from Western countries like Europe and North America plays a role in this. Korean people, while a bit reserved, are genuinely friendly, remarkably polite, and always willing to assist if needed. Interestingly, Koreans often seem more helpful and welcoming to foreigners than to their fellow Koreans.

Korea may not be the cheapest destination, but dining out remains relatively affordable and offers an extraordinary culinary experience. We have a profound love for food here. Safety is a strong suit, and getting around is a breeze thanks to our excellent public transportation system. Our country boasts beautiful mountains with decent ski slopes (yes, we even hosted the Winter Olympics) and picturesque beaches.

But what truly sets Korea apart is its unique drinking culture, unlike anything you've ever experienced, I assure you. We are way worse than Brits LoL. I sincerely hope more people get the chance to visit my homeland.

Ghent.

It’s well known to be beautiful, surely?

Belfast - was great - didn't realise!

Bosnia and Herzegovina. Very friendly people, beautiful countryside and villages, interesting cities and good food. Would recommend.

Latvia, in particular the Kolka coastal area. Spotless whitesand beaches total peace and quiet, quirky little museums (e.g. Museum of Horns and Antlers), low key and lovely. Also Riga is a beautiful city, aside from the old town which is nice enough it has an area with highest concentration of Art-Deco buildings in the world (I think).

Corrected: it is Art Nouveau (I don't know the difference!)

Did you stay at Hellaby Hall by any chance?

Art Nouveau roughly 1895-1918 sweeping curves stylised flower charles Rennie Mackintosh called Belle Epoch in France like the Metro. Art deco after WWI straight lines more geometric bit Egyptian plainer flapper dresses etc

A tiny village in the North of Finland called Inari.
Incredible forests and lakes, wonderful history, adventure sports and the Northern lights.

The north of Tenerife Puerto de la Cruz I think it was called. It was allocation on arrival and upon arrival our fellow holiday makers stamped their feet and demanded to be sent to the south of the island. We didn't complain and said we'd see how it went. We loved it. One of the best, laid back holidays I've had. We went on long walks as well, with no clue where we were going, it was gorgeous.

Thank you! Good to know :)

Pembrokeshire
Albania
normandy, France

You don't need any. Just wander around. The medival town at the top is the best bit , the castle at night has light shows on. Beautiful. Try if you can tu stay at the top. It's quite a walk-up . (But pleasant ) avoid the restaurants in the square , except for a drink. The rest are all without exception good

You'll love it

And all the hydrangea hedges along the roads.

None of the pictures of Sete Cidades do it justice. It is even more beautiful in reality.

Malaga. Great city

Liverpool

@malboroughwhite what a write up of Korea-it’s on my bucket list for sure! You described it beautifully 😊

I'd also recommend Malaysia bud I'm biased as I live here 😂