When thinking about the perfect place to holiday, Poland rarely appears on the list, despite being one of the most beautiful and impressive countries on Earth. Not only will you get to experience the best beaches in Poland, which rival some of the top beaches in the world, but you’ll also have access to breathtaking natural beauty, a rich and diverse history, and food of such decadence your mouth will be watering for days. The northern coast of Poland is teeming with idyllic white, sandy beaches that attract people from all over the world, with offerings of sunshine, water sports, and gofry (fruit-topped wafers).
Best beaches in Poland
Check out our list of the 12 best beaches in Poland below.
1. Brzeźno Beach | Beach along the Baltic
How to get there: Car/Bus/Tram | Suited to: Cyclists, Couples, Families
Brzeźno Beach, sometimes referred to as Gdańsk Beach, is possibly the busiest beach on this list thanks to the popularity of the city it is in and the beautiful scenery it offers. A pier measuring 130 metres that boast some of the most impressive eateries along the golden Polish coastline offers a lovely way to spend your summer days. Lifeguards man the beaches and changing facilities if needed, and the beach is easily accessible via buses and trams from the centre of the city. If you’re a keen cyclist, there’s a path that runs to the beach, which provides a great sightseeing option.
Only recently has the popularity of Gdańsk soared among travellers, having been hidden in the shadows for many years. It still doesn’t top the list for beach town getaways though, despite having beaches to suit everyone’s taste. Brzeźno may be the busiest and most popular, but you can spend your time hopping between Brzeźno and many of the other beaches on this list. Aside from the beaches, Gdańsk is a city steeped in history and home to a plethora of activities throughout the year.
2. Rudnia| Best beaches in Poland by a Lake
How to get there: Car/Bus/Tram | Suited to: Bird Watchers and Families
Rudnia, Siemianówka Lake is the third biggest artificial basin of its kind in the country and has steadily become a welcoming recreational destination since its launch in the 20th century as a damming reservoir. There are various attractions attached to the lake to attract visitors, including observation towers, bridges, water equipment rentals, and playing fields. One of my favourite things about Siemianówka Lake is its proximity to the sensational primaeval forest of Puszcza Białowieska and the population of birds and mammals that surround the area.
Thanks to the observation tower that was built for bird spotters, the lake has become more and more popular with nature lovers and rather than only being a place to relax and sunbathe or skirt along the surface, Siemianówka Lake is now a sought-after spot for those wanting to connect with nature.
3. Krynica Morska Beach | Poland beach resorts
How to get there: Car/Bus/Tram | Suited to: Families
Krynica Morska Beach is one of the most beautiful Polish beaches in the country, but is also incredibly crowded during peak season. Krynica Morska Beach is attractive for families and offers a range of activities and refreshments. The white sandy shores are inviting, and it’s one of the cleanest seasides in Poland, once awarded the Blue Flag Certificate, Krynica Morska Beach draws visitors in from across the globe. Apart from the lighthouse, which provides sweeping views over the Baltic Sea, Vistula Spit, Elblag Upland, and the Vistula Lagoon, one of the major attractions in the town is the family of wild pigs that seem to live so ceremoniously with the locals.
You’ll see them hanging out on the beach and parading through the town streets, causing new arrivals to rub their eyes with confusion. Although the pigs are used to people, it’s important to steer clear of getting too close to them; they are wild, after all. Don’t feed them, don’t attempt to pet them, avoid mother pigs with piglets, and stay calm.
4. Swinoujscie Beach | Poland seaside treasure
How to get there: Car/Bus/Tram | Suited to: Couples, Snorkelers, Bird Watchers
If you land on the northwest shores of Poland and find yourself in search of a beachside holiday destination, look no further than Swinoujscie, the beach town to rival all beach towns. It’s located along the eastern end of Uznam Island and provides a rich blend of local culture with a blend of history, various water sports, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. The beach is accessible via car and public transport and the only time you’ll need to get on a boat is if you head out to explore some of the Swinoujscie islands offshore. These islands are popular with local and international bird watchers.
The official logo of the town has a lighthouse on it, which is one of the major attractions in the town, called the beacon of Stawa Młyny. This windmill-shaped beacon was built back in 1874 and acts as a signal tower for incoming vessels. Another popular attraction is the Swinoujscie Promenade, which is slowly morphing into the heart of the town as a leisurely strolling spot and a gateway to local cuisine through restaurants and cafes.
5. Dębki | Polish beach town
How to get there: Car/Bus/Walk | Suited to: Families, Couples, Nudists
Dębki is one of the best-kept secrets in Poland and home to possibly the most beautiful beach in the country, and one of the most exquisite beaches in the world. The white sandy shores stretch on for miles with a vast pine forest that divides the wide beach from the dunes. The entire town is like a resort and offers a variety of private villas, campsites, and hotels. It also plays host to SandSlash every August, which is Poland’s biggest frisbee tournament that attracts players from all four corners of the globe.
One thing to bear in mind about Debki Beach is, it’s a clothing-optional beach, so don’t be alarmed if you see a couple of nudists strutting around on the sandy shores. If you’re travelling with your kids, you’ll spot the more secluded parts of the beach, which are typically where the nudists will hang out, so you can easily avoid these areas.
6. Jurata Beach | Windsurfing and more
How to get there: Car/Bus/Tram | Suited to: Families, Couples, Windsurfers, Fly Fishermen
Jurata Beach is the main beach of the village of the same name, a quaint village along the shores of the Baltic Sea, Poland, and has been considered for many years to be the most fashionable resort in the country. It attracts the cream of the crop from the artistic elite to the country’s president and is teeming with world-class hotels. Meandering through the streets of the village offers access to gorgeous tourist shops, high-end boutiques, trendy bars, and stylish cafes for you to peruse.
If you’re planning a trip to Jurata and hope to avoid large crowds, steer clear of the summer months, especially during July. If you want to catch similar weather but have more time alone, look at coming around the end of May, the beginning of June, or after the end of August. Jurata is a walkable and easily bikeable village, so you won’t have to worry about public transport.
7. Gdynia Beach | Charming seaside city
How to get there: Car/Bus/Tram | Suited to: Everyone
Gdynia Main Beach can be found in the heart of Gydnia, the seaside port that’s slowly becoming a thriving tourist resort pulling in millions of visitors year-round. The ocean is clean and the large expansive beach is a welcome attraction on a hot summer day, with plenty of water sports and summer activities. Paragliders often take to the nearby eroding cliff or Orlowska to jump off and glide around, while the scenic forest trails that lead up the cliff are sought-after by hikers of all levels.
Gdynia isn’t just a family-oriented beach town, it’s also a lively holiday destination that plays host to countless festivals throughout the year. During the summer months, there are two note-worthy events worth being there for. The first is the Open’er Festival, which is a massive music festival that’s been around since the early 2000s featuring some of the world’s most elite stars, including Pearl Jam, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Fatboy Slim, Snoop, and more. The second is called The Summer Starts In Gdynia and a large party organised by the city and held on the main beach, featuring family activities, concerts, contests and more to celebrate the midsummer night.
8. Sopot Beach | Long beach and nightlife
How to get there: Car/Bus | Suited to: Students, Young couples, Swimmers
Sopot Beach is the main and only beach in Sopot, a coastal area close to Gdansk that most locals flock to whenever given the chance. It’s home to one of the longest beaches in Poland and also home to some of the best nightlife experiences to be had at a beachside resort in the country. Sopot was founded way back in 1823 as a resort and is home to endless choices of tropical-themed bars, including Long Island Bar and a wide range of nightclubs to dance the evening away at. The choice is countless.
The beach is long and offers an array of activities for visitors, such as banana boats being pulled by jet skis or cruising on mock pirate ships. There’s also a plethora of restaurants, eateries, and little snack shacks where you can grab something to eat on a hot summer’s day.
9. Jelitkowo Beach | Ideal beach holidays in Poland
How to get there: Tram/Walk | Suited to: Everyone
You’ll find Jelitkowo Beach on the border between Sopot and Gdansk and has long been a popular choice for Gdansk locals to come to and relax on the shores or in the parks nearby. You’ll find the Oliwski Stream enters the sea under a small bridge on the southern side of the beach, and also notice a few weathered fishermen’s houses around the edges. Jelitkowo Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Poland because of its cleanliness and scenery, with thousands upon thousands of visitors flocking there every summer.
There is a range of things to do at the beach for you and your family, including inflated water slides, football pitches, volleyball pitches, as well as a bicycle path running along the edge of the beach. You can hire bicycles at nearby outlets. If you get peckish while you’re on the beach, you’ll only be a few steps away from one of the restaurants along the promenade, serving up some delicious Polish dishes, as well as Western food.
10. Niechorze Beach | Cool, calm, and collected
How to get there: Walk/Bus | Suited to: Everyone
Niechorze Beach might be one of the most crowded beaches during peak season, but outside of these times, it’s the ideal place to get away on a solo trip and enjoy some time alone amid a beautiful backdrop. The beach is the main beach of Niechorze, which is a village located between the Baltic Sea and Liwia Luza Lake and Nature Reserve, offering the best of both worlds. You can spend your time soaking up the sun on the white, sandy shores, or you can head through to the nature reserve and explore yourself in nature. Sit by the lake and watch for the many species of wildlife passing through.
Niechorze Beach is typically less crowded in the afternoons during the weekdays, while everyone is at work, so head on down during these times to get the most solitude. There are various restaurants and bars along the perimeter of the beach where you can have something to eat or chug a couple of cold ones.
11. Stogi Beach | Nude collision
How to get there: Car/Bus/Walk | Suited to: Couples, Nudists, Singles
Stogi Beach is located in the Stogi district of Gdansk and is another popular choice for many coming to the city or trying to escape the hustle and bustle of inner-city life. Stogi Beach is one of the most well-liked beaches by the locals and is popular because of its natural values and easy connection to the city. You’ll find a separated, guarded beach that’s home to both water sports equipment and food courts that are accessible via a charming alleyway leading in from the side of the city.
Although you may not expect to find nudists in a strict catholic country like Poland, the Polish people are rebels by nature and love to let their hair loose. Keep an eye out on the more secluded parts of the beach where you’ll find locals stripping off to their birthday suits or the bare minimum and lapping up the sun. Stogi may not be strictly a nudist beach, but it’s enjoyed by many who follow the lifestyle.
12. Międzyzdroje Beach | Small, but still good
How to get there: Car/Bus/Train | Suited to: Couples, Divers, Sailors
Międzyzdroje Beach is the main beach in Międzyzdroje, a small beach resort located on Wolin Island in West Pomerania, Poland. It’s a lovely village that offers a lively seaside promenade with various restaurants and hotels that attract tourists from all over the world. In the summer, it’s one of Poland’s most popular seaside destinations. A few of the sought-after activities in the area include windsurfing, diving, sailing, and beach volleyball. You’ll also find several places around that offer bicycle rental, as well as horse riding.
If you’re hungry, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy some Polish or Western cuisine at the eateries on the outskirts of the beach, or you can venture further into the village centre and find something there.
Other beaches in the world
Once you’ve spent your holidays scouring Poland’s beaches and resorts enjoying the local cuisine, have a look at a few of the other countries on our list. One you need to check out, but also won’t expect, is the list of the best beaches in Dubai, of which there are many, believe me. Another one on the list that’s unexpected but more than worth a squizz is the list of the top beaches in Turkey. If you’re ever heading to Australia, we’ve got an article guiding you through the best beaches that includes the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and so much more from the land down under.
