The Best seaside Resorts for a Holiday

A large seaside resort doesn’t necessarily mean nothing but crowds on the beach. Its greatest advantage is the choice: restaurants, cafés, attractions, museums, equipment hire shops and places to go in the evening.

It’s a good choice if you don’t want your whole holiday to depend on the weather and you like having a few options for planning your day.

Kolobrzeg – for those who like to have everything close at hand

Kolobrzeg is one of Poland’s best-known seaside resorts, but its history stretches far beyond modern-day tourism. For centuries, the town has benefited from the abundance of local brine and salt deposits, and over time a health resort has developed here.

Today, you can combine sunbathing with sightseeing, strolls around the harbour and visits to museums. There’s a marina in the harbour, and you can also go on a cruise on the Baltic Sea. It’s worth popping into the co-cathedral, taking a walk towards the lighthouse and seeing the remains of the old fortifications.

Swinoujscie – beach, fortifications and trips abroad

Swinoujscie stands out for its location. The town is situated on islands, right on the border with Germany, and its seaside area is flanked by a vast beach and a promenade.

Whilst there, you can see Stawa Młyny, visit the forts and the Underground City, climb the lighthouse or simply spend the day on the beach. Cycling enthusiasts have another option: the coastal route leads towards the German seaside resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin.

Mielno – for those who don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a holiday

Mielno has a reputation as one of the liveliest resorts on the Polish coast. During the season, the area around the beach and the main promenade is full of restaurants, bars, shops and tourist-oriented venues.

It is precisely this lively atmosphere that is the biggest draw for some, whilst for others it is a reason to choose a different destination.

This does not mean, however, that it is impossible to relax in Mielno. You simply need to choose your accommodation wisely. An apartment situated further away from the busiest streets can offer much more peace and quiet, whilst still allowing you to reach the beach quickly.

Lake Jamno is also nearby, so you can spice up your stay with water-based activities.

Miedzyzdroje – a seaside resort next to the Wolin National Park

Miedzyzdroje has all the hallmarks of a classic seaside resort: a wide beach, a pier, a promenade, the Avenue of Stars and a large number of restaurants and cafés.

The greatest asset of this location, however, is its proximity to Wolin National Park. You only need to venture away from the centre to find yourself on forest trails instead of amidst the hustle and bustle of the town. In the area, you can also see the cliff-lined coast and the European Bison Show Farm.

The Tri-City – when a holiday is about more than just sunbathing

Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia form a single coastal area, but each city has its own character. Good transport links between them mean you can enjoy the attractions of the entire conurbation during a single trip.

A small town does not guarantee an empty beach – especially in the middle of the summer holidays. However, it is easier to find places there where tourist traffic does not dominate your entire stay.

A lot also depends on the location of your accommodation. In the same town, an apartment on the main pedestrianised street and a property on the edge of a forest can offer completely different experiences.

Darlowo and Darłowko – two different sides of the same town

Darlowo and the seaside town of Darłówko are a few kilometres apart, which is worth bearing in mind when choosing accommodation.

If you’re keen on the beach, the harbour and a seaside atmosphere, Darłówko is the natural choice. This part of the town is also home to a lighthouse and a drawbridge.

Darlowo has a more historic character. In the centre, it’s worth visiting the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes and taking a stroll through the streets of the older part of town.

It’s an interesting compromise: you can stay closer to the quieter centre of Darlowo and make the journey to the seaside, or choose Darłówko if you want the beach and attractions right on your doorstep.

Dziwnow – the harbour, the beach and quieter spots

Dziwnow lies at the mouth of the Dziwna River where it flows into the Baltic Sea, which is why water and harbour infrastructure feature prominently in the town’s landscape.

A stroll along the waterfront offers views of fishing boats, yachts and the distinctive drawbridge. On the seaside, there’s a promenade that runs partly through the trees and is ideal for a longer walk.

If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, it’s worth seeking accommodation further away from the busiest part of the centre, towards Martwa Dziwna.

Niechorze – the lighthouse, the railway and proximity to nature

Niechorze is a good example of a town where you don’t have to limit your holiday to just sunbathing on the beach.

The most distinctive landmark is the lighthouse. The history of local fishing is brought to life at the Museum of Sea Fishing, whilst the Coastal Narrow-Gauge Railway runs through the area.

The area around Lake Liwia Łuża has a more peaceful atmosphere. You can go for a walk around the nature reserve and watch the birds.

Miedzywodzie – a beach surrounded by forest

Miedzywodzie lies on the island of Wolin, between the Baltic Sea and the Kamień Lagoon. The town is surrounded by forest, which means that even in high season it’s easier to find more secluded spots here than in the larger resorts.

This is the perfect destination for those who don’t need a new attraction every day. A plan centred on the beach, walks and cycle rides around the area works best here.

A family holiday requires a slightly different approach to planning. The beach alone can keep children occupied for a few hours, but for a longer stay, other attractions are also useful.

The largest resort isn’t always the best choice. Large crowds, noisy promenades and a hectic nightlife can quickly wear the little ones out.

That’s why it’s worth looking for places that combine access to attractions with the chance to relax.

Rewal – Plenty of Attractions in a Compact Area

Rewal has a typical holiday atmosphere, but its size means you can visit many places without long journeys.

Children can see models of marine animals at the Whale Park, and from the local narrow-gauge railway station you can head towards Niechorze and further along the coast.

During the high season, there’s plenty going on in the centre, so it’s worth paying attention to the location when choosing accommodation. An apartment away from the main pedestrianised street can offer more peace and quiet in the evening, without having to sacrifice access to the attractions.

Pobierowo – for Families Who Prioritise the Beach and the Forest

Pobierowo has a different character to the most crowded resorts. The town is surrounded by forests, and pine trees can also be found amongst the guesthouses and holiday cottages.

During the season, the main street is full of restaurants, shops and service outlets, so there’s no shortage of typical holiday amenities here. However, you only need to walk a few streets away to experience the town’s more peaceful atmosphere.

Pobierowo’s greatest asset remains the opportunity to simply enjoy your time: the beach, a bike ride, a walk through the woods, an ice cream and then back to your apartment.

The best seaside resort isn’t necessarily the one with the longest list of attractions or the most famous beach. For one person, the bustling Sopot might be ideal, whilst for another, the peaceful Miedzywodzie would be perfect. A family might have a wonderful time in Pobierowo, whilst a sightseeing enthusiast might opt for Gdansk, Kolobrzeg or Swinoujscie.

So, before booking, it’s worth thinking not only about where to go, but also how you want to spend each day. It’s this answer that most often leads to the right choice.

And if you’re still torn between a few destinations, you don’t have to plan your entire holiday straight away. Sometimes it’s worth choosing one of them for a weekend and seeing if its atmosphere matches what you’re looking for on the Baltic coast.