During the summer months, many British tourists head to places like Spain, Portugal, Greece or Italy. That can’t come as much of a surprise because those countries offer incredible food, stunning scenery and beautiful beaches.
However, some of them now struggle with overtourism. As a result, more people are starting to look elsewhere for a holiday by the sea. Poland is often overlooked when it comes to that, but the central-European nation has many charming seaside towns to offer. One of them is Kołobrzeg.
Many people who visit say it feels like a place only locals know about. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Kołobrzeg is a truly special place. As someone who loves to explore destinations that aren’t on every tourist’s radar, this town was a fantastic discovery.
“It feels like a secret that only the locals know about. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous, wide, sandy, and immaculately clean.”
Another added: “This town is an absolute delight. Kołobrzeg offers everything you could want from a seaside holiday without the overwhelming crowds of more well-known destinations.
“Frankly, it’s a wonder that more people outside of Poland haven’t heard of it. The beaches are stunning, with soft sand and the unique sound of the Baltic waves.”
Located on the south coast of the Baltic Sea, Kołobrzeg is known for its peaceful beaches and clean air rich with iodine.
It has a population of around 44,000 and has become a popular place for spa treatments and quiet seaside holidays.
The town has a long history, going back to the 7th century. It was nearly destroyed during World War 2, but has since been rebuilt with green parks, spa hotels and seaside walkways.
Many of its buildings now sit closer to the beach, giving the town a calm, open feel.
Kołobrzeg’s beaches stretch for 12km and are split into several areas. The Central Beach, next to the lighthouse and pier, is one of the busiest.
It has a long promenade with cafés, bars, seafood stalls and ice cream shops. One visitor said: “You can walk for miles and just soak in the peaceful atmosphere.”
The Western Beach is another popular spot. It has a 220-metre-long pier and a nearby promenade filled with places to eat and drink. The beach there is wide and clean, with space for sunbathing and swimming.
For people who want something quieter, the Eastern Beach in the Podczele area is often less busy. One review described it as “perfect for people who value peace and quiet on the beach”.
There are also other places nearby, including Grzybowo Beach and Dźwirzyno, both of which are popular for their clean sand and warm summer water.
Kołobrzeg is also home to several attractions, such as a lighthouse, a cathedral, a local museum, and the Amber Museum. But most visitors come for the beach and the relaxing atmosphere.
One person who went summed it up by saying: “Kołobrzeg offers everything you could want from a seaside holiday without the crowds. The air is fresh, the beach is spotless and it feels completely unspoiled.”