Underrated / pleasantly surprising travel destinations

[buncenbunny]

Inspired by another thread about disappointing destinations.

What places dramatically exceeded your expectations? I ended up in Aix-en-Provence for a few days last summer as some plans changed last minute. I’d never heard of it. I now won’t stop raving on about it to anyone who will listen. I had such a special time there.

And now I want to hear about all of yours, so I can try to visit some myself!

Easyjet are finally doing flights there from Manchester. So that’s a week next year sorted!

Northern Ireland. Most people from elsewhere in GB dont seem to go unless they know someone there, the odd stag and hen aside. But its great! Few sights more stunning than the Causeway coast, plus Belfast is manageable size with good pubs. Not too crowded, everything within an easy distance and you can even pop over the border to the beauty of Donegal while you're there.

I know someone went there as an add on to Budapest. They were blown away.

Me and DH used to go to Amsterdam when we were like 19 (pre kids) to do exactly what 19 year olds do in Amsterdam. We went back last year to see a friend and it was actually really nice. I kind of thought it was just for partying and vice, but we had an amazing time without that.

Similar with Prague. We used to go to get absolutely hammered. Went last year for the sightseeing and museums and they were really nice. We did also get hammered but only at night time after a meal like real grown ups.

i had a fabulous time in Elmina and also on the Cape Coast. There are some really lovely eco resorts there, and everyone i met was wonderful.
I also had a great time in akumadan but that isnt really setup for tourism so you need a driver and some local contacts.

I wouldn’t say Cordoba was underrated as such but not as well known as Malaga, Granada and Seville which are the three Andalusian cities most people and/or holiday companies seem to focus on. We visited two years ago as a day trip from Malaga and it is, indeed, very lovely.

Wish they would add in a flight there from
Birmingham.

Haven’t been for years but we used to love Butlins when my DC was younger. And, yes, it’s very different from Pontins (although I think that’s now closed?)

F

My top tip is don’t even think of going there after mid May until mid September. The heat is awful ( my DGPs used to live there). Other than that it’s a city for strolling around, siting in cafes, going to the market ( the small one is more authentic, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only) and maybe hiring a car for a day or two to go to nearby villages eg Vauvenargues, very pretty with a castle that used to belong to Picasso ( but you can’t visit it). There used to be a great restaurant opposite the castle, doing only 2 dishes: couscous and daube ( a southern french stew). Maybe it’s still there.

The Netherlands.

We had the most perfect 4 days in Den Hague, following a 45 minute flight from the UK.
White beaches, beach bars, city museums, squares full of bars and restaurants, including outdoor space. A flea market, great shopping and a lovely hotel.

Also love Utrecht including a the Dick Bruna (Miffy) part of the museum.

Bergen, town and beach, Amazing food. Eco type hotel. Beautiful, clean, town.

Maastricht, again large square and the most relaxing time at the therme. Saunas and outdoor, naked in the rain was fab!

Edam, Gouda, Delft, Amersfoort, Rotterdam ( amazing food market/hall), the Texal Islands.

Fantastic public transport, all easily connected by bike.

This is the best news I’ve heard all week! DH and I went when we lived down south 12 years ago and always said one day when we have kids we’ll come back! We now live up north & kids are 10 & 8 so perfect for all the fun activities that Slovenia has to over, how fabulous!