5 reasons to travel to Poland
Poland boasts stunning medieval towns, a superb coastline and a buzzing cultural life!
- 1For its magnificent, yet little-known towns
- 2To better understand the horrors of the Holocaust
- 3For its range of delicious vodkas
- 4For its nature - a stunning coastline, mountain landscapes and national parks
- 5For its welcoming people
1. For its magnificent, yet little-known towns
Even though Krakow and, to a lesser extent Warsaw, are the tourist must-sees in Poland, a number of other towns are well worth a visit, even if they've not as yet been included on the usual tourist trail. Whether it's Wrocław, Toruń or Gdansk, you'll quickly realise that Poland has all the charm in the world, with towns that are home to numerous museums, theatres and a vibrant nightlife.
2. To better understand the horrors of the Holocaust
Auschwitz is probably the most infamous reminder of the genocide carried out during the Second World War. It may feel unsettling to visit the site in between nights on the town in Krakow, but it provides an important insight into the unimaginable horrors inflicted on around a million Jews, Roma and political prisoners, who were sent to the gas chambers between 1942 and 1945.
3. For its range of delicious vodkas
You'll certainly learn a lot about vodka during a trip to Poland, when you're faced with rows of bottles containing varieties that are each as delicious as the next! Forget your basic Smirnoff or supermarket best - welcome to the country where you can sip vodkas laced with caramel, buffalo grass, raspberries, honey... As popular in Poland as a pint is in the UK, you'll soon understand why Polish nights are so lively!
4. For its nature - a stunning coastline, mountain landscapes and national parks
A few days in the Polish countryside will be enough to convince you that Poland doesn't deserve its gloomy, drizzly reputation. It's an incredibly diverse country, from the Baltic coast and its exquisite sunshine to the beach resort of Sopot or the mountainous region to the south, be it Tatras, Zakopane or the mysterious West Carpathian Mountains. And that's not forgetting the national parks to the east, including the famous Bialowieza, a primary forest on the border with Belarus and the largest wild bison reserve in Europe.
5. For its welcoming people
Tourist guides often refer to how local populations feel towards foreign visitors. Once you've set foot in Poland, you'll realise there's nothing to worry about. The Polish are a friendly lot, happy to show off their stunning country, invite you to sample their local dishes and, last but not least, share a bottle of their favourite tipple! So a good tip, if you decide to tour the country, is to spend time with a local family, where you'll get a real taste of the wonderful Polish hospitality on offer!
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Why travel in Poland
A trip to Poland is a good idea for travellers who have already experienced many European countries. They'll be pleasantly surprised here.
You should go if...
- Are you mad about history and culture? Without mentioning the sadly renowned concentration camps, you'll be delighted by the architecture of the Polish cities, monuments and churches.
- If you're looking for a good-value destination in Europe, Poland is the place for you. Poland is far less expensive than most other European countries, and notably less touristy.
- Fans of beer and spontaneous celebrations will find their niche in Poland, where the inhabitants won't hesitate to chat to you in the bars.
- If your dream is a nature holiday with opportunities for hiking, you can do so here in the forests and mountains (there's even a desert!), as well as bathing in the lakes, rivers and the sea.
- Do you appreciate authentic destinations? It's good to know that the Polish countryside has kept its old-timey charm despite the country's rapid development.
You shouldn't go if...
- But if you dislike the cold... Winter in Poland is harsh. It's better to avoid this season, unless you come well prepared. On the other hand, the continental climate means summer is hot and dry.
- Unless you're nostalgic about communism, the greyish architecture in the majority of the cities might put you off.
- If you're after paradise-like beaches, it's best to head to the Balkans. The beaches in Poland are charming, but overcrowded and filled with families in summer.
- Poland doesn't offer luxury holidays or honeymoon experiences: although there are opportunities for an upgraded experience, it's not the country's speciality, as you're more likely to find lodgings in more modest hostels.
- Got just enough time to visit the capital, nothing more? Except for the historic heart of Warsaw, it's not the best city in the country. It's better to devote two weeks to your Poland trip and leave the city!
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When to go in Poland?
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The best time to visit Poland is between May and October. The beaches are packed during July and August, so if you're hoping for some peace and quiet it's best to go during May/June or September/October. Plus the weather's pleasant at these times of year. If you're heading to the mountains, bear in mind that, whatever time of year, it rains a lot and without warning!
What to see in Poland?
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