Poland holidays

On holidays to Poland, you'll find chocolate box towns watched over by lofty mountains, and stately town squares shadowed by church spires.

A historic gateway

Poland has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old town centre of Kraków and the Wieliczka Salt Mines. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close to the country’s remarkable history, left behind from numerous past uprisings and involvement in both world wars.

Krakow’s underground

Kraków’s magnificent architecture may take centre stage on the surface, but this lively city has a whole other personality hidden below its streets. The Rynek Underground Museum’s a network of tunnels which run underneath the city, where you can discover the timeline of Kraków from its earliest settlements. Elsewhere, you can head to a cellar bar. These subterranean watering holes have become something of a calling card, hosting everything from laidback jazz nights to almost round-the-clock techno parties.

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.