A country which is full of crumbling castles, cosy forest cabins, home-cooked recipes, and mystical cities which have risen from the dark ashes of World War II. Whether you are a history buff who wants to observe the rich history of this eastern European jewel, or you simply want to get lost in the markets of these beautiful citie, there is a slice of Poland just waiting for you to discover. Whatever your reason for visiting, and wherever the location, you can filter accommodation options and choose from one of tens of thousands of rentals to find the perfect property for your length of stay, price range, and party size, then book through TripAdvisor or Airbnb today.
Find an apartment rental for your holiday in Poland
No country defines the phoenix quite Poland, as this vigorous land has risen from the ashes of the Second World War and communist rule, and has since rebuilt a collection of vibrantly diverse cities while preserving its mystical verdant forestry and century-old castles. There is, perhaps, no better place to secure an apartment in Poland, than in the capital of Warsaw, which is crawling with reasonably priced holiday rentals, meaning you can spend your savings in the equally affordable restaurants, bars and shops. If shopping is, however, a priority in Poland, then look for a room in a townhouse in the quaint city of Krakow, which boasts the largest market square in Europe, along with with a royal rich history, and a youthful student spirit, which brings this city right into the contemporary day. When it comes to accommodation in Poland, the position is everything, so whether you want a cosy house in the countryside, or an apartment in the city centre, you can find a holiday home where your Polish dreams come true.
If you crave adventure with a fairytale twist, then look beyond these famous Polish destinations and reserve a traditional chalet or forest cabin in the stunning Białowieża Forest, whose vast beauty has been crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or stay in the awe-inspiring hills of the Silesia region where you can discover Książ castle, which is the largest, and most beautiful castle in southwestern area of Poland.
When to visit
Though the cities showcase a rare beauty in the snow, and the skiing conditions are perfect in the winter months, the overall best time to visit Poland is between March and May, and September, which avoids the peak summer tourist months, while offering a moderate climate for wandering around the attractions, or delving into some of the forest-based adventure.
How to get there
Located in eastern Europe and boarded by the Baltic Sea, Germany to its West and the Czech Republic to its south, the quickest easiest way to travel to Poland from the UK is to fly. With direct flights from London to an impressive ten cities in Poland, there is no limit to where you can choose your dream accommodation, as you can reach any corner of the country in almost no time at all. Alongside a large number of scheduled flights from the London, you can also reach Krakow, Gdańsk and Katowice and Warsaw from Bristol, Liverpool, Doncaster and Edinburgh airport, and flights take around two hours and 15 minutes, depending on the destination.
If you would prefer not to travel by air, then fear not, as the Eurostar service travels from London St Pancras, before catching an express from Berlin, right into the heart of Warsaw. To make the most of your trip on the railway, reserve a holiday home in Berlin for one night, or even longer, where you can recharge before heading on to the Polish capital.
Polish food and culture tips
Rebuilding Poland over the years would mean a lot of people worked up an appetite, but thankfully for them, the country carried its home-cooked recipes, which is have been passed through Polish generations, and, now thankfully for us, are still served up today. Don't worry about finding a kitchen in Poland, as you can choose a self-catered apartment rental to indulge in the famously cheap food prices, even in the prime tourist locations. Begin with 'Pierogi', which are traditional dumplings, filled with everything from meat to mushrooms and fruit, but leave room for Rosół which is hearty chicken soup, and the simple, yet delicious Łazanki z kapustą i grzybami which is a noodle and vegetable-based dish.
If you have a craving for something sweet, then do not forget to sample P?czki, a Polish doughnut which is a favourite in pastry shops, and are most particularly enjoyed in February on 'Fat Thursday' which is the last Thursday before Lent begins in the church calendar.
Magical Castles and mystical forests
We have all heard of a land far, far away in countless fairytales, but this land is not really that far away after all, Poland is a kingdom bursting with emerald forests and a collection of over 530 impressive castles, which look as though they have been pulled right out of a storybook or film set. Reserve an authentic cottage in Malbork, where you can wake up in a bedroom at the foot of the striking Malbork Castle, a 13th-century fortress which towers above the banks of the Nogat River. This World Heritage Site and impressive piece of Polish history stretched over 20 hectares, which makes it the largest fortress built in the Middle Ages.
Polish supernatural structures are not limited to Malbork, however, as you can find historic castles around the entire country. Another notable landmark is the Pieskowa Skała which is built upon the picturesque limestone cliff, all of which can be enjoyed in a short hop from a cosy chalet nestled deep in the Ojców National Park. Alternatively, reserve a holiday home in Tarnobrzeg County, to become the king of your own castle, before visiting the stunning Baranów Sandomierski Castle, which was crafted by Santi Gucci in the Renaissance period.
Adventure in Poland
From the shores of the wild Baltic Coast to the leafy paradise of the Pieniny Mountains, you could do far worse than a holiday to Poland when it comes to adrenaline-pumping adventure. With a selection of 23 national parks and 300 miles of sandy coastline, the biggest question is, where do you begin? We suggest a holiday home which is big enough for the whole family in Sandomierz, which is close to the Green Velo cycling trail, a path which is crafted for you to jump on the saddle and enjoy the green beauty of this county's forests. The Green Velo also passes along the Vistula river, which is the longest stretch of water in Poland, running from the Baltic Sea to Gdańsk Bay, and so is unmissable from most destinations around Poland.
To head to new heights, consider a chalet in the Tatra Mountains, which has risen as one of the most budget-friendly skiing destinations in Europe. If you are a pet person, you can do far worse than a holiday home in Poland's countryside, where you can secure a pet-friendly holiday home, nestled deep in the forests for your four-legged friend to enjoy.
For an unexpected beach paradise, choose a beachfront holiday home with a Baltic Sea view in the beautiful Wolin National Park, then hit the beach, which is almost guaranteed to be one of the most peaceful beach escapes on the continent.
Historic cities which bring the future to the present
Though Poland's cities fell victim to destruction in World War II, they have been rebuilt, with an emphasis on the history which made the country what it is today. For a complete immersion in rich Polish culture, choose a |holiday apartment in Krakow]| then explore timeless beauty of The Cloth Hall, which was once a trading hall, has since been labelled as 'the world's oldest shopping mall', which welcomes visitors as a 19th Century Polish Art Gallery and cafe. Remember to leave time to explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Old Town Square, whose quaint restaurants and gift shops are only a stone's throw away from Wawel Royal Castle. Though it will be a sombre trip, use the opportunity to visit Auschwitz, the infamous concentration camp, which is an essential place to visit at one point in your lifetime, and is less than an hour and a half drive from Krakow centre.
Alongside Krakow, overseas visitors flock to the rainbow-kissed capital of Warsaw, which is also the cultural heart of the country. Reserve a sought after holiday home in Warsaw to explore why so many people fall in love with this metropolis, who, thanks to the Royal Castle in Warsaw and quaint Old Town beauty has been labelled as the 'Paris of the North'. Sleep might be the last thing on your mind in Warsaw, however, as Warsaw's Old Town is a hive of activity around the clock, and is best enjoyed over drinks when the sun goes down over Poland's capital.