Poland holidays

Poland holidays

Deals from £117 per person

Situated in Central Europe, Poland is a country that offers a splendid mix of history and culture. Here, natural scenery fuses with vibrant cityscapes to create a picture-perfect destination. Spend your time strolling around fascinating cities, such as Poland’s capital, Warsaw. From its art scene to its lively nightlife, there’s plenty to get stuck into here.

Holidays in Poland promise lots of exploration. Nature lovers can marvel at the beauty of its national parks, while history buffs can visit the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – there are 15 in total. Learn more about Poland’s past at one of its museums, offering a unique insight into the events that have shaped its recent history. Whatever you’re looking for from your holiday, this picturesque country has something for everyone.

Polish Cities

Poland boasts a treasure trove of spectacular cities, each offering something unique.

Krakow is the most-visited, and for excellent reason. Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of quaint cobbled streets and impressive medieval churches that point towards Poland’s history. The city is also home to Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, now a vast exhibition space where you can learn more about life in Krakow during World War II.

To the north of Poland is Gdańsk, a must-see thanks to its abundance of museums and historic sites. Take a tour of the Museum of the Second World War or visit St Mary’s Basilica, the largest brick church in the world.

Or head to Warsaw, and you’ll be greeted by colourful green spaces and magnificent landmarks that make exploring a real treat. Stop by the Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw’s second-tallest building. Or stroll around the charismatic Praga District, full of cosy cafés and charming bookshops.

Polish Nature

Poland holidays mean exploring some of the most scenic landscapes in Europe. The country boasts a diverse range of natural scenery, from mountains to lakes, beaches to forests. Home to 23 national parks, outdoorsy types will love spotting the many rare plants and animals.

To the south of Poland are the Tatra Mountains, which lie along the country’s border with Slovakia. These make up the country’s highest range and are surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the Morskie Oko Lake, characterised by a lovely shade of green. The area became a National Park in 1955, and the surrounding alpine landscape is home to bears, marmots and other wildlife.

Located in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains is the town of Zakopane, renowned for its unique architecture and delicious cuisine. The area is famous for Oscypek, tasty smoked cheese made from salted sheep milk. Zakopane also offers a great base for hiking through the National Park.

Polish History

Poland is full of interesting museums where you can find out more about the country’s history. Take a tour around the interactive Warsaw Rising Museum, a powerful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for independent Poland.

Warsaw is also home to the National Museum, one of the largest exhibition spaces in the country. Here you can witness incredible artefacts from ancient Egypt and Rome, among other time periods. The museum also houses some of Poland’s most famous sculptures, statues and artwork.

Or make you way to Krakow and visit the Rynek Underground Museum. Opened in 2010, this highly popular museum allows visitors to head four metres underground and explore the maze of tunnels that run beneath the city. This memorable experience is not to be missed.

Map of Poland

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-1.5°C - 18°C

The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 18.5°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of around -1.5°C. 

 

 

 

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Poland has 12 international airports. Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW) and Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRW) are the Poland’s largest

Poland is best for...

History lovers: There’s so much history to explore in Poland. The country is home to a total of 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Historic Centre of Warsaw and the Centennial Hall. Visit one of Poland’s many museums, such as the Rynek Underground Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum. Or check out Wawel Castle, a magnificent 13th-century royal residence. 

Nature enthusiasts: Poland boasts breathtaking landscapes, such as the Tatra Mountains and Lake Morskie Oko. Its 23 gorgeous national parks make it the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. 

Explorers: Spend your time wandering around some of Poland’s most spectacular cities, each offering something unique and unforgettable. Kraków is the country’s most-visited city, home to important historic sites. 

Fast facts for Poland

Language: Poland’s official language is Polish. 

Currency: The official currency used in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). 

Local time: Poland is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time. 

Fly to: Poland has 12 international airports. Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW) and Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRW) are the Poland’s largest. international airports. 

Flight time from UK: 2.5 hours. 

Tourist information: Further tourist information for Poland can be found on the official website for tourism in Poland.

Visa / health: Before you travel, check the latest health advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Getting around Poland

By train: Rail travel in Poland is reliable, convenient and relatively cheap. And hopping on an InterCity train is the best way to travel between Poland’s big cities. There are three types of InterCity trains: High-speed, fast and standard. These trains are operated by PKP, and you can find a reliable timetable on their website https://rozklad-pkp.pl

By bus: Poland is served by various private and public bus companies, making travelling by bus one of the easiest ways to get around. This mode of transportation is particularly useful when exploring its mountain regions, and is a brilliant way to take in scenic views of Poland. 

By car: Hiring a car in Poland provides the freedom and flexibility to travel independently. Overall, the roads are good and the signs are easy to navigate. 

Events in Poland

Independence Day: Independence Day in Poland takes place annually on the 11th of November. This is a national event to commemorate the anniversary of when Poland became an independent state. During this day, parades and gatherings are held in towns and cities across the country. A change of the guards ceremony also takes place in Piłsudski Square, Warsaw.

Zielona Góra Wine Fest: This is a wine festival held in Zielona Góra every year. It usually takes place in the first or second week of September and lasts around nine days. Zielona Góra Wine Fest centres around the period of harvesting grapes from local vineyards, which are then used to make this delicious tipple. The festivities start with a parade and a symbolic ceremony, followed by various cultural and sporting events.

Wrocław Christmas Market: The Christmas period is a wonderful time in Poland, when the country hosts legendary festive markets. Wrocław Christmas Market is considered one of Poland’s best, renowned for its fairytale atmosphere and exciting stalls. It takes place from mid-November to the end of December every year.

Poland weather

Temperature: Poland’s climate ranges from continental in the south-east to oceanic in the north-west. The summers are warm and the winters are relatively cold. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 18.5°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of around -1.5°C.

Best time to visit: Poland is a spectacular place to visit all year round. Summer is the high season here, when you can make the most of mild temperatures and sunny weather.

With the autumn months comes cooler weather, but if you enjoy hiking and want to explore Poland’s fabulous landscape, this is a great time to book a trip. Low season in Poland is between November and February. This is a good time to visit if you want to experience the country’s magical Christmas markets and excellent ski resorts.

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