Simon Calder Reveals Poland's Baltic Coast as Europe's Hidden Beach Gem
While Mediterranean getaways remain a classic holiday choice, they often come with the significant drawback of overwhelming crowds during peak seasons. Travel expert Simon Calder has identified an underrated European destination that offers comparable seaside enjoyment without the tourist throngs.
Poland's Coastal Surprise
Simon Calder has turned attention to Poland's Baltic coastline, describing it as a "sea-bathing heaven" in his writing for The Independent. Though beach holidays might not immediately spring to mind when considering Poland, Calder argues this represents a major oversight for British travelers seeking coastal escapes.
"While the water may be slightly chillier than the balmy Mediterranean, the more peaceful beaches certainly compensate for this," Calder notes, highlighting how the destination offers "just as good" an experience as Mediterranean hotspots but without the overwhelming crowds.
Sopot: The Historic Resort Town
Calder's top recommendation is the 19th-century resort town of Sopot, located just a 20-minute train journey from Gdansk. With flights from the UK to Gdansk starting from as low as £14 on WizzAir, accessibility makes this an attractive option for British holidaymakers.
Recent visitor reviews on TripAdvisor praise Sopot's coastal appeal:
- "Beautiful beach with a colourful promenade with historic buildings, a great pier and a kind of beach spa, as seaside resorts had in the good old days. The beach itself scores with its width and beautiful fine sand."
- "Very quiet town with a lovely wooden pier and spotlessly clean beach. The area is like stepping back in time how seaside used to be very calming. We got the train from Gdansk only £3.50 return."
Swinoujscie: The Endless Beach
Another Polish gem recommended by Calder is Swinoujscie, situated on the far-western tip of the Polish Riviera near the German resort town of Ahlbeck. This destination features stunning white sands and an impressive stretch of coastline that ensures peaceful corners even during peak periods.
Visitor testimonials highlight Swinoujscie's appeal:
- "We really enjoyed and liked Swinoujscie Beach. It is quite long and wide, good for walking. Since it is wide, people sitting on the sand do not disturb each other."
- "A beach that seems to go on forever."
- "Broad, clean and sandy beach which on a sunny day in November was surprisingly busy but in a nice way with people just out to walk, enjoy the views and relax. I only hope that it doesn't get overdeveloped, as that will spoil it."
The Underrated Alternative
Calder's recommendations present Poland's Baltic coastline as a compelling alternative for travelers seeking beach holidays without the crowds that typically accompany Mediterranean destinations. The combination of historic charm, peaceful shores, and accessibility from the UK makes these Polish beach towns worthy of consideration for those planning their next coastal escape.
