Everything you need to know about the Polish Baltic Coast

Twenty or so years ago, Poland was not on the radar of the average Brit holidaymaker whatsoever. Things have changed: Warsaw and Krakow are now pretty established stops on the European city break circuit. But Poland as a whole – and in particular, the bits of Poland where Poles themselves go on holiday – remains almost unknown over here. Outside of the UK’s Polish population, not many Brits are aware of, say, the Tatra mountains and the beautiful alpine resort town of Zakopane, or the bison-filled lushness of the Masurian Lake District.

Lesser known still is the Polish Baltic Coast. Though that’s all set to change, as the area is gaining some serious travel buzz. In fact, tourism to the area was up 30 percent from 2024 to 2025. Of course, that means now is the perfect time to book a trip to the region, as boutique hotels, restaurants and nightlife spots boom – but before it becomes overcrowded with tourists trying to get their fix. That’s before we mention the Baltic’s beautiful beaches and scenery, reasonable prices and warm, reliable summers. Plus it’s a properly unexpected adventure: this is a far cry from the trip you’ve seen a thousand influencers, colleagues and loved ones take before.

The coastline here is extremely varied, suited to whatever form of holiday you might be after. ‘Can I actually go on a beach holiday to Poland?’ you ask. The answer is an enthusiastic ‘tak!’ – plus so much more. Here’s everything you need to know.

You can go at a slower pace

The Polish Baltic Coast is actually 500 kilometres long, running from the German border to the curious Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, but most of the best stuff happens on the eastern side of the Bay of Gdansk, within a relatively easy to navigate area.

Despite the ominous connotations of the name, the Hel Peninsula is probably the nicest place for a picturesque beach holiday, a spit of land far out into the sea that offers calm, pretty beaches and a charming historic town in the shape of Hel itself (plus a much loved seal sanctuary). In the summer it’s a little busier with Polish tourists, but you’ll still find the pace of life here to be enjoyably slow and the weather temperate.

It’s a good idea to ensure you’ve got at least a bit of cash with you for your trip to the area. Though larger shops and restaurants do accept card, cash remains king when it comes to paying for parking or at smaller vendors and eateries. A Club Lloyds, Platinum, Silver or Lloyds Premier account secures you preferential rates on travel money, which you can order in the Lloyds app with next-working day delivery. And if you need to get more cash out while you’re away, or you prefer to pay by card, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that with these accounts there’s no fees for using your debit card or making withdrawals abroad either.

When you’re abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency. That way you avoid the overseas provider's currency conversion fees, and remember some ATM providers may charge a fee.

Or head where the action is

If you want something a bit livelier, the small coastal city of Sopot is a classy but lively spot with great nightlife and restaurants and an absolutely gargantuan wooden pier – over half a kilometre long – that stretches out deep into the sea. And its status as a kind of more upmarket Polish Brighton is confirmed by the fact it has its own international song contest – the biggest after Eurovision – that you can catch in late August. It’s somewhat stacked towards Polish acts (they’ve won the last four years) but it is genuinely international and Britain even won back in 2006.

Discover the beauty of Gdansk

Finally, no trip to the area would be complete without visiting the great city of Gdansk. Certainly the most famous spot on the Baltic coast, the ancient port combines a ravishing old town with great museums and – crucially – beaches that you can reach by tram. Here, you can relax on white, sandy stretches while sipping something cold and refreshing from one of the many beach bars, try your hand at kayaking or jet skiing, or take in the lively atmosphere at the local cafes lining the seafront.

It’s also a springboard for some classic Polish daytrips, including to the gargantuan Malbork Castle, the biggest in the entire world. There’s plenty to keep visitors of all ages happy while you’re there, from rich collections of ancient artifacts and impressive gothic architecture to hands-on family tours and even a medieval toilet.

If you’re after a seaside break that’s chilled out, historical but also, crucially, fun and accessible then do it Polish style this summer. The Price Prediction tool, built into Lloyds Travel Booking within their app, suggests when to book or when to wait. Then, if you book your flights through the Lloyds app and the tool says you’ve got a great price, it will continue to track your flight booking after you’ve locked it in. Should the price drop below what you paid, you’ll automatically receive up to £50 in travel credits towards the difference. Also, if you find a better deal yourself within 24 hours of booking, let them know and you could get the difference back in travel credits, ready for your next trip. Happy travels!

Plan, book and spend with Lloyds, your unexpected travel partner.

Small print:

Lloyds Travel Booking, powered by Hopper.

Fee-free debit card spending and cash withdrawals abroad are valid for Club Lloyds, Silver, Platinum and Premier accounts. Monthly account fees may apply. For Premier account, eligibility criteria also applies. UK residents, 18+. When you’re abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency. That way you avoid the overseas provider's currency conversion fees, and remember some ATM providers may charge a fee.

Best Price Guarantee is offered in connection with flight and hotel bookings made through Lloyds Travel Booking. If you find the same itinerary on another competing site at a lower price and claim within 24 hours of booking, you’ll get the difference back in Travel Credits, ready for your next trip. The price must be available to the general public. For example, this means that the rate doesn’t need you to log into a site or have a special membership or an available discount personal to you.

The Price Prediction tool is built into Lloyds Travel Booking within their app. It suggests when to book or when to wait. Then, if you book your flights through the Lloyds app and the tool says you’ve got a great price, it will continue to track your flight booking after you’ve locked it in. Should the price drop below what you paid, you’ll automatically receive up to £50 in travel credits towards the difference.

Order travel money in the Lloyds app by 3pm for next-working-day delivery. Free delivery on orders over £500. You need Internet Banking or Mobile Banking app access and a Lloyds current or savings account.

Request a Payment limits apply. Ask for up to £150 each time and get up to £500 a day.