Ever been anywhere that far surpassed your expectations?

[cptartapp]

In contrast to the current thread about places which disappointed, where have you been that far surpassed your expectations?
For me, Seville. And El Djem in Tunisia which topped the Colosseum in Rome. We climbed all over it unaccompanied top to bottom and underground. And no crowds.

Galapagos exceeded my expectations which were high to start with. One of the best trips I've ever taken.

Pompeii. I was sort of thinking, “Ok, this will be interesting in a not very exciting was” but we had an amazing guide, who really brought the place to life, and even after she left us to wander around on our own I was entranced .

Crete. I wanted to go to Iceland but was outvoted by the rest of the family so we went to Crete and it was so lovely, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the place but I really did.

Singapore, Guadalupe, Cuba, Bavaria, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Llandeilo

Las Vegas. Thought I’d hate it but I wish we’d stayed longer.
Ronda. Didn’t know much about it as DH had chosen it as a destination. It’s beautiful.

Yes, so so beautiful in the snow! A magical place.

I was amazed by the Grand Canyon and the US southwest in general. An incredible landscape, some areas so remote that you could drive for hours and not see another soul.

My

Disney
Hawaii islands

Mexico - Riviera Maya

Exactly this - and my expectations of Venice were high.

Normandy.

We had an amazing guide and visited the D-Day beaches, war cemeteries, and having her really made a difference. Then we visited Mont St Michel and Bayeux on our own. It was one of the best trips we ever did. The food was incredible too.

Whitby and the whole North York coastline
Isle of Wight. Rediscovered it as an adult and it’s just the most beautiful place.

Budapest!

The coastal road of Northern Ireland. It was the most spectacular holiday ever. That and the Yorkshire dales. They both made my heart sing.

Shh, don’t tell everyone about Shropshire! 😉

Llandudno.
Went there on a coach trip with a group of elderly people. Got off the coach on an underwhelming side street, walked towards the sea and was immediately struck by the beauty and majesty of the curved promenade and the buildings along it.

Tonga was incredible - Fuji and the cluster of magical islands around it. Such authenticity. Stayed with me.

Where do you recommend in Corsica? I’m researching it for a trip later this year! 😃

Is anyone else making notes 😊

I also had a fantastic camping holiday in a state park near Savannah GA. The city was nice but the park was incredibly beautiful and full of amazing birds. We saw a belted hawk and a barred owl in the trees above our tent and dozens of pileated woodpeckers. Heard the owls caterwauling at night which was spooky and brilliant. Everything's covered in sphagnum moss and the air smells of pine trees.

Oh yes all of Croatia - I had no idea it was just so beautiful, clean and spectacular sailing and vistas. Great wine 🍷

Cyprus. Went under sufferance but really loved it.
York - I know its reputation is great but I was absolutely enchanted.
Réunion - again, expectations were quite high but it’s a true blue paradise island.

I second Berlin! I had no real expectations but there was so much history and so much to see and do, it was really clean and easy to get around! Was really impressed!

@MrsAvocet i know a few young people who are students at Leicester and they all love it.
South Africa. You hear so many negative stereotypes but it was amazing.
The whole of North Wales. I really struggle to think of anywhere as magical.
Estonia.
Lytham St Annes. It’s close proximity to Blackpool means it’s often underestimated but it’s absolute class. The perfect UK seaside town.

Croatia, a picture postcard at every turn.
Cordoba during the Patio fiesta in May, just stunning.
Romangordo in Extremadura, Spain, a small village with the most amazing street art, not graffiti, street art.

L’Alhambra. Also Seville.