5 holiday destinations in Poland without crowds
“You praise others, but do not know your own” - holidays in Poland should not be a source of shame. On the contrary, it is hard to find a country in the world with such diverse and natural landscapes. Wild beaches, undiscovered mountain trails, forgotten parks or multicultural towns – there are many beautiful places that remain free from crowds even in the peak of the tourist season. Where can you find them? Read the text below and find out where it is worth going for a holiday in Poland!
1. Stary Sącz
Known as the pearl of the Beskids, Stary Sącz is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Hidden in the valley of Poprad and Dunajec, on the edge of the Beskid Sądecki, it encourages hiking towards the Radziejowa and Jaworzyna ranges. In addition to its high natural values, the city boasts interesting architectural monuments, starting from the medieval market square – a rectangular square paved with stone cobbles, transported from the Tatras by the Dunajec River. In the tenement house at number 21, you can find the Raczków Tenement, with fanciful wall and ceiling paintings by local artist Józef Raczek, inspired by the works of the Krynica primitive painter Nikifor. This explosion of color cannot go unnoticed! For a soothing experience, it is worth visiting the convent of the Poor Clares, founded by Princess Kinga, wife of Bolesław the Chaste. The appearance of the convent was particularly influenced by two Italian artists – Francesco Placidi and Baltazar Fontana, the creator of a beautiful main altar made of black marble. Walking along the convent walls, you will come across a small spring of St. Kinga, known for its miraculous healing powers, even for the most severe medical cases. Before embarking on a journey further, it is worth returning to the town square to taste the beloved dumplings of Maria Kazimiera at the legendary Restaurant Marysieńka, with a filling of meat, cabbage, and mushrooms. For vegetarians, we suggest a delicious parsley soup and dumplings in a chanterelle sauce. Finger-licking good!
2. Susiec
Years ago, Roztocze was a charming land located on the edges of civilization. Although today the peace of the place has been disrupted by numerous tourist groups, it is still possible to find a few spots that lure with tranquility and calm. One such place is Susiec, a small village located in the heart of green Roztocze and an excellent base for nearby tourist trails and natural attractions. One of these attractions is the Roztoczańskie Szumy – small waterfalls on the Tanew River and its right tributary, Jelenia, whose foamy waters create unforgettable views. During forest hikes, one cannot miss the charming reserve “Czartowe Pole,” where you can see the ruins of the paper mill of the Zamoyski Ordination from the 18th century and, during the summer, taste juicy blueberries.
The remnants of old trees, numerous waterfalls, and the natural order of nature are the main values of this place, which are appreciated upon returning to the big city. Therefore, remember to climb up the stone observation tower – the view of the panorama will remain in your heart for a long time.
3. Sandomierz
One of the most picturesque and still underrated Polish cities, allowing you to touch the traces of the thousand-year tradition of the Polish state. Sandomierz is often compared to Rome, as it, like the capital of Italy, is located on seven hills and enchants with many monuments. What captures attention from the very beginning of the tour is the regular grid of streets of Sandomierz's old town, with the most valuable monuments of the city, among which the 14th-century town hall stands out, from whose tower every day at noon the city anthem by Mikołaj Gomółka sounds, along with the Długosz House, Royal Castle, Opatowska Gate, and Collegium Gostomianum, the former Jesuit college and one of the oldest secondary schools in Poland. One cannot forget about the underground attraction of Sandomierz, namely the Underground Tourist Route, consisting of over half a kilometer of corridors connecting the old 14th and 15th-century cellars, where Sandomierz merchants stored their goods. After a hefty dose of historical knowledge, it's worth changing the climate to a greener one and take a walk through the Queen Jadwiga Gorge, one of the most beautiful loess gorges in Poland. Steep 10-meter-high walls, lush vegetation, and birds singing – here you can forget all your worries.
4. Biebrza National Park
It is the largest and longest, yet still least known national park in our country, which primarily hides natural wetlands, bogs, and marshes untouched by humans. The heart of this place is the 160-kilometer-long Biebrza River, which, spreading over vast areas of the reserve, provides natural refuge for more than 270 species of wetland birds and 50 species of mammals, including the largest population of elk in Poland.
Biebrza National Park offers over 600 kilometers of tourist trails – walking, cycling, and kayaking. It is worth starting your visit at the reserve's headquarters, the Osowiec Fortress from the late 19th century, and then walking along the Tsar's Road, a 35-kilometer trail, also known as the moose highway, due to the possibility of encountering these four-legged antlered creatures. A visit to the Park would be incomplete without seeing the Ławki Marshes, one of the most pristine and extensive bogs, home to many rare birds, led by the aquatic warbler, which ornithologists from around the world come to see at Biebrza, as well as the Polish Thermopylae, Strękowa Góra, from where a beautiful view of the Narew valley unfolds. A good camera is essential!
5. Opole Voivodeship
Opole is the smallest voivodeship in Poland, yet so rich in traditions and culture! Its turbulent history goes back to ancient times – it was here that the first dinosaur skeleton was discovered in the world. But the true magic of this extraordinary region lies in its numerous castles, manors, and palaces, which provide a strong, yet less crowded alternative to the Lower Silesian Valley of Palaces and Gardens. What’s here! There is the castle in Niemodlin, shrouded in numerous legends, which enchanted the director Jan Jakub Kolski a few years ago so much that he placed the story of "Jasminum", one of the most magical films in Poland. We also have the "Silesian Wawel," the castle of the Silesian Piasts in Brzeg, and the impressive Gothic-Renaissance castle in Otmuchów, with its unique “horse stairs” and castle tower, which offers an unforgettable view of the surrounding forests, meadows, and a lake – a habitat for grey herons.
Although Kraków, Warsaw, and the Tri-City are important tourist centers, sometimes it is worth changing the route and discovering completely new, less popular places. This will allow for a better understanding of the country's history, without worrying about a lack of admission tickets, overwhelming crowds in public transport, and queues for breakfast in the hotel. By choosing to travel by car and stay in holiday homes and apartments, you increase your chances of discovering many beautiful places located away from popular tourist routes. The greatest advantage of summer vacations is the opportunity for rest and regeneration before professional challenges, which is why it is worth giving up accommodation in Poland in hotels and choosing independence, namely holiday homes and apartments. Comfort and a good mood are invaluable!
