If you’re looking to book a beach getaway in Europe but fancy something off the beaten track, one British woman claims to have found the “most underrated beach holiday” on the continent – and it’s in a country you probably wouldn’t expect.
Emma Matthews took to TikTok to showcase her coastal surroundings – and it was a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Spain, Italy or Southern France. “I bet you have never heard of going to Poland for a beach holiday,” she began in a video.
Emma went on to explain that Gdańsk, an historic port city on the Baltic coast in the north of Poland, is around seven miles from the seaside spot. “Sopot is known as the Polish Riviera and it boasts regular cheap flights from the UK,” she added.
Sharing a screenshot of some travel options, Emma noted flights from London, Leeds and Liverpool to Gdańsk are priced just £23, £31 and £33 respectively in September. She described Gdańsk as one of the “most beautiful” cities she had seen in all of Europe and highlighted its Museum of the Second World War as must-see.
“The pedestrianised Old Town is lined with coffee and pastry shops and they’re perfect people-watching spots,” Emma added. As for the weather, it’s “always extremely pleasant” with “gorgeous views at sunset”, she said.
Back in Sopot, Emma explained the town is a 20-minute train ride from Gdańsk, followed by a 15-minute walk to the beach. “The staff all spoke English too,” she continued.
“It’s a beautiful town with lots of shops and restaurants,” Emma added, pointing out the beach’s pale sands. And, much like the beaches back home, Sopot boasts a “lovely promenade area” along the front. “I went to the beach in the evening as I didn’t want to get burned in the daytime – and it was still super busy,” she closed. “There were lots of families and lots of [sunbathing] beds to rent as well.”
Writing in response, another TikTok user suggested: “You can also rent bikes in Gdansk, and ride along the coast to Sopot. its around 5km, and the bikes are really cheap. There’s a paved bike path all along the coast. I took the bike, all the way to Gdynia last year.”
Whilst a second person hailed: “It’s the most amazing place I brought my kids 3 years in a row. I actually found it on Google maps that’s how I discovered it.”
Poland’s tourism website adds of the town: “Sopot is a famous seaside resort and spa town and since 1961 the organiser of the world-renowned Sopot Music Festival at the Lesna Opera. It also has the longest wooden pier in Europe.
“From the base of this pier visitors can take a stroll along the most famous main street in Poland, Heroes of Monte Cassino Street. During the summer months, during the height of the season, it gives the impression of being the most crowded place on Earth. The entire street is filled with countless cafes, restaurants, bars and shops which serve the sole purpose of making the visitors happy.”