Holidays to Poland are an adventure through the old castles and big-hitter mountains of eastern Europe.
A taste of culture
Poland has a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the sombre WWII memorial at Auschwitz-Birkenau to the preserved Medieval town of Torun. The latter was built in the 13th century. The cobbly lanes here still look as good as a life-sized postcard, and traditional eateries pile their 'pierogi' – dumplings – high with sour cream.
Brimming with buildings
Head down to the south of the country and you'll find Krakow, with its architecturally incredible old town. Admire the contrasting Gothic spires of St Mary's Basilica, be baffled by the mishmashed design features of the Renaissance Royal Palace, or just peer around the cute streets as you stroll through the city.
Highlander heights
Just south of Kraków, you’ll find Poland’s only alpine-style mountain range – the breathtaking Tatra Mountains. At their base lies Zakopane, a laid-back mountain town that’s still a bit of a hidden gem. With scenic hilltop trails, wildlife-rich forests and a jewel-like emerald lake, time spent in the beautiful outdoors is the top draw here. Yet the area's cultural scene is equally captivating. Goral (or highlander) heritage, shared across parts of eastern Europe, is especially strong – seen in everything from the ornate wooden buildings crafted in the distinctive Zakopane Style (inspired by local architect Stanisław Witkiewicz) to the lively folk music and colourful dress. One of the best places to soak it all in is the bustling summer market, near the Gubałówka funicular. Wander between stalls overflowing with handcrafted woollen slippers, carved wooden toys and locally made leather goods, before sampling
oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese) for a true taste of the region.
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