Banish the grey and gloomy image. Savvy travellers know Poland offers a rich history, cool cities, stunning scenery and unusual activities!
Long scorching summers; endless nearly-white sand beaches; wild mountains and vast forests; national parks that are home to lynx, wolves and golden eagles; homely accommodation and affordable transport; history to entertain the geekiest of geeks; couture boutiques and sports car outlets; posh cafes and fancy restaurants, a lively music scene and hedonistic inner-city nightlife; cold local beers and hot locals.
Image by Kamil Porembiński on flickr.com
This is the Poland you never hear about, and it is the Poland that makes expatriates from other countries want to stay. Why is it then, that foreigners like living in Poland, yet the country has such an image problem from the outside? There is, of course, the bad stuff. The winters are long (not unbearable though, snow at -10C really is nicer than drizzle at +5C); the bureaucracy is infuriating; there’s a lack of respect for privacy; the motorists have a death wish.
So how to persuade people to visit Poland? Best start with the two biggest cities, Warsaw and Kraków. Residents of the two are classic rivals, but that’s only because they secretly admire each other. Kraków has the looks, the brains and the vanity that comes with it. Warsaw has the dynamism, the commitment and the scars to prove it. They actually make a great couple, so it’s best to meet them both.
Poland is surprisingly big (nearly a third bigger than the UK) so if you stay longer than a weekend there is plenty to explore. Wrocław, Poznań and Łódź are happening cities and each has its own devotees (Steven Spielberg has been spotted in Wrocław, David Lynch is in love with Łódź). Gdańsk, a rising tourist destination in itself, is the gateway to the North.
The north-western seaside at the long Pomeranian coast offers great resorts such as Ustka and Łeba.
Kraków is a good place to hire a car and go on a road trip. Small Renaissance towns such as Sandomierz, Tarnów and Zamość are within easy reach, and there are spectacular views where the mighty Vistula river has carved valleys through the hills. The people of the Tatra and Pieniny mountains along the border with Slovakia are famed for their hospitality. Poland’s “wild east” is the Bieszczady national park, where Kraina Wilka (krainawilka.pl) offers European safaris and adventure holidays.
So what is so great about Poland? Everything!!!So come and visit. Research what you are interested in and stay for a week or 2. I promise you will love it!
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
