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Poland Holidays - Warsaw Sunset

Poland Holidays

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Holidays to Poland

Poland is a large European country that boasts long, hot summers and cold, picturesque winters. No matter what your dream holiday entails, you can find it here. 

It’s a hot spot for art and culture lovers, with many great museums all over the place. From the Science Centre to the Museum of History of Polish Jews, there is something to cater to all tastes. 

Poland also happens to be home to a bunch of UNESCO world heritage sites, and a few other sites of interest like castles and palaces. During your visit you can see, Malbork, the largest Medevil castle in Europe, silver and salt mines and the historic Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Memorial, which commemorates the Jewish Holocaust. Or visit some of Poland’s many religious grounds and holy buildings. 

While Poland’s cities are a major draw for tourists, there are also plenty of nature spots that are well worth a visit. Not to mention the local delicacies you can taste and of course, Polish vodka. 

Fancy a trip to this beautiful country? Why not book today with one of our travel experts?

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More about what to expect with a holiday to Poland

From romantic tales of medieval knights and castles to the horror and destruction of World War II, Poland tells a complex story. Travellers are captivated and moved by its remarkable history of heroic resilience and tragedy, detailing a determined stand against communism and its now modern outlook and economy.

Poland was the country most devastated by World War II in Eastern Europe, losing about a quarter of its population and almost its entire Jewish community. The aftermath of the war greatly influenced its character. Former Jewish centres in the cities and the concentration camps where the Nazis carried out their atrocities remain as the most stirring reminders of the nation's tragedies. Cities destroyed by the war had to be rebuilt from scratch and the many meticulously restored buildings and historic old towns are testimony to a proud and determined people.

Warsaw, the capital, was almost totally destroyed by the war and now presents an unusual mix of beautifully restored historic buildings, communist-era concrete structures and modern fashion. The maritime city of Gdansk, home to the historic garrison at Westerplatte and the legendary Lenin Shipyard, was the stage for both the beginning of World War II and the disintegration of Eastern European communism.

But it's Krakow, the ancient royal capital, that draws the crowds, rivalling the elegance of cities like Prague and Vienna. Having largely escaped the destruction of the war, it retains its medieval character: the Royal Castle, the grand Market Square, the old Jewish quarter and the nearby Nazi death camps of Auschwitz are all steeped in historical importance.

The unspoilt Baltic coastline and the splendour of the rugged mountain ranges of the Tatras will impress outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities and scenery to provide a peaceful and relaxing break from the intensity of the country's history.

Along with the legendary hospitality of Polish people, a sense of nationhood to which the Catholic Church is fundamental and a strong musical and cultural sense of identity, its tourism infrastructure is flourishing and the country is experiencing a remarkable increase in the number of visitors to its shores.

When sightseeing around Poland you'll find all the hallmarks of European charm in abundance: alpine mountains, historic buildings, resplendent lakes, lush meadows, untainted beaches, and some fascinating albeit harrowing sites from the Second World War.

The capital of Warsaw was the first city to fall to Hitler and had to be almost completely rebuilt after the 1944 invasion. Parts of the Old Town were built to replicate the city as it had stood in the 17th and 18th centuries and the Historical Museum of Warsaw, a salute to the city's violent past, is a must. A visit to Poland would not be complete without a trip to the country's most significant wartime landmark: Auschwitz, Hitler's biggest and most notorious concentration camp.

About two hours north of Warsaw is the Bialowieza Primaeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the last remnants of the European primaeval forest which once covered most the continent. Further north visitors will find other rare vestiges of old Europe, like the Gothic Castle in Malbork, the largest and most impressive brick fortress in Europe. There are several other wooden and stone churches, temples and other impressive buildings throughout Poland's vast and glorious countryside, which can be traversed by bus or train.

The city of Krakow is the most popular tourist destination in Poland and the city which suffered the least during the war. The main attraction is the remarkably well-preserved medieval centre, but Krakow is a cosmopolitan, modern city boasting the wonderful mix between old and new which characterises the whole country.

Poland's climate is moderate and temperate, characterised by cold winters and warm summers, with continental influences from the east and maritime influences from the west. The weather in Poland is highly changeable. There are, however, four distinct seasons, and spring and summer are usually lovely in Poland. Winters become increasingly severe inland from the Baltic coast, with January temperatures in Warsaw averaging 23°F (-5°C). In summer it is hotter inland, with July temperatures in Warsaw averaging 66°F (19°C).

Rain can be expected throughout the year, particularly in the southern mountains, and Poland is frequently cloudy and foggy. The best time to visit Poland is during the warmer months of spring and summer, between May and August. Early autumn, in September and October, is also a pleasant and mild time of year to visit. The peak tourist season is in July and August but travellers should note that many Poles take their annual leave at this time, making the tourist hotspots in Krakow and Sopot overcrowded in the height of summer. Budget travellers should consider travelling outside of the peak season.