Top 10 Best Beaches in Poland to Explore Next Summer

When you think about European beach holidays, Poland probably isn’t at the top of your mind. But here’s the thing – you’re missing out on something special. While many people head straight to Spain, Greece, or Italy for their summer getaway, others are rethinking their options. There is, in fact, a trend called coolcations where tourists from central and northern Europe are opting for cooler northern European destinations to avoid the stifling heat. This includes the beaches in Poland.

Polish beaches along the Baltic coast are some of the best beaches in Europe. We’re talking about wide sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and way fewer crowds than those overpriced Mediterranean hotspots. Plus, your money goes much further in Poland, making it a perfect place for budget-friendly beach holidays.

Top beaches in Poland for your travel list

Let me take you on a tour of northern Poland’s coastal gems. These aren’t just any beaches in Poland. They’re among the top beaches in all of Europe.

Świnoujście Beach

Świnoujście Beach sits right on the German border and consistently ranks as one of the most popular beaches in Poland. This spacious beach stretches over 10 km and is plenty wide. You’ll never struggle to find a good spot here, even during peak seasons.

What makes this place extra special is Europe’s longest stone pier. At the end sits a lighthouse that’s been guiding ships for over a century. The beach earned its Blue Flag certification for cleanliness and water quality. You’ll find beach bars, ice cream shops, and plenty of spots to grab a bite. The closest airport is Szczecin, about two hours away by car.

Sopot Beach

Sopot Beach, often referred to by the locals as the Polish Riviera, is a popular seaside resort town with a long history of entertaining beachgoers. This popular beach town is just 25 minutes from Gdańsk Airport, making it extremely easy to reach. Sopot is also home to Europe’s longest wooden pier, called Molo, which stretches more than 500 m out into the Baltic Sea. During the summer, a small fee is charged to enter, but it’s well worth it. This pier is the soul of Sopot’s beach life – people walk up and down it all day, taking photos and enjoying the views.

Sopot has been a trendy destination for almost 100 years. You’ll find the luxurious Sopot Grand Hotel right on the sand, along with tons of beach bars and restaurants. The town comes alive during the summer months with live music and beach parties. The fine sand beach stretches for miles, and there is a cycle path running alongside, perfect for exploring. Water sports equipment is readily available for rent if you want to try something new. Just remember that it gets crowded during high season, so come early to claim your spot.

Hel Peninsula Beaches

The Hel Peninsula is one of the most unique places on Poland’s coast, about 2.5 hours from Gdańsk. This narrow strip of land stretches 35 km into the Baltic Sea and includes the towns of Chałupy, Kuźnica, Jastarnia, Jurata and Hel. Each offers unique beach experiences.

Chałupy beach serves as the first stop after entering through Władysławowo. It’s known for its wide beaches and windsurfing spots. Kuźnica Beach attracts families with its calm waters and nearby seal sanctuary. Jastarnia Beach offers lovely beaches with good facilities, while Jurata Beach features an upscale resort atmosphere with its famous pier.

Krynica Morska Beach

Krynica Morska Beach sits on the Vistula Spit, close to the Russian border. This remote location means fewer tourists, but those who make the trip find one of Poland’s most beautiful sandy beaches. The beach stretches for about 20 km of pristine white sand. Behind it lies a nature reserve with walking trails through pine forests.

One unique thing about Krynica Morska is the wild pigs that roam the town and the beach. These aren’t pets – they’re actually wild animals that have learned to live alongside humans. Don’t try to feed or pet them, but they make for some interesting photos.

Kołobrzeg Beach

Kołobrzeg sits at the mouth of the Parsęta River and ranks as one of Poland’s top seaside resorts. The town features those long sandy beaches that make you want to spend every day walking along the shore or swimming in the Baltic waters.

The 220-metre pier extends into the sea and is a popular spot for both fishing and sunset viewing. Kołobrzeg has attracted visitors since the 19th century and remains one of Poland’s most popular seaside destinations. Much like Sopot, Kołobrzeg is a spa and wellness destination. Here, you can combine beach relaxation with spa treatments, making it an ideal destination for wellness breaks.

Gdynia Beach

Gdynia City Beach proves you can have great beach time right next to a major port city. This main beach sits in the heart of Gdynia, making it super convenient if you’re staying in the area. What sets this beach apart is the high cliffs nearby. You can watch the paragliders launch from these cliffs and soar over the beach – it’s quite a sight. There are also forest trails leading up the cliffs if you want to hike and get amazing views of the Baltic coast.

Gdynia hosts several major festivals during the summer months. The Open’er Festival brings world-famous musicians to town. At the same time, “Summer Starts in Gdynia” turns the main beach into a giant party with concerts and family activities. The beach has all the usual amenities – changing rooms, lifeguards, and nearby restaurants. A cycle path runs along the shore, connecting to other beaches in the area.

Łeba Beach

Łeba Beach offers something really special – massive sand dunes that look like they belong in the Sahara Desert. These dunes are part of Słowiński National Park, just a few kilometres from the beach. The beach itself features the classic Polish combination of white sand, clear water and a pine forest backdrop. It’s a very nice beach for families, with organized activities for kids and equipment rentals for water sports.

The nearby national park is worth visiting during your stay. The moving sand dunes create an otherworldly landscape that’s unlike anywhere else in central Europe. There’s an observation tower where you can get panoramic views of this unique ecosystem. The town of Łeba has evolved into a popular beach resort, boasting excellent hotels and restaurants. It’s about three hours from Gdańsk, but it’s worth the trip for the unique combination of beach and nature experiences.

Brzeźno Beach

Brzeźno Beach (also called Gdańsk Beach) gives you easy beach access when visiting Poland’s most famous historical city. This popular seaside spot sits just a short tram ride from Gdańsk’s old town. The 130-metre pier is lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Polish dishes. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer season, and you have access to changing facilities and bike rentals.

There is a cycle path that connects Brzeźno to other beaches along the coast, making it easy to explore multiple spots in one day. The beach can get busy since it’s so accessible, but the long shoreline means there’s usually space for everyone. After your beach time, you can easily head back to Gdańsk to explore its rich cultural heritage, medieval architecture, and famous museums.

Jelitkowo Beach

Jelitkowo Beach sits right on the border between Sopot and Gdańsk. This location gives you the best of both worlds – easy access to both cities while enjoying a more relaxed beach atmosphere. The Oliwski Stream flows into the sea here under a small bridge, creating an interesting landscape feature. Old fishermen’s houses dot the area, giving it the authentic coastal character that’s disappeared from some other beach towns.

This picturesque beach offers plenty of activities – volleyball courts, football pitches and inflatable water slides for kids. The promenade behind the beach has restaurants serving both Polish cuisine and international food. Jelitkowo stays cleaner and less crowded than some of the more famous beaches nearby. It’s a great place to spend sunny days without dealing with the chaos of peak tourist spots.

Niechorze Beach

Niechorze Beach sits between the Baltic Sea and Liwia Luza Lake, giving you two different water experiences in one location. The village itself is small and quiet – perfect if you’re seeking a peaceful beach holiday. The beach gets crowded during peak seasons, but visit on weekday afternoons, and you might have the place mostly to yourself.

The nature reserve behind the beach offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife watching. A lighthouse marks this section of the coast, and there are several good restaurants and bars along the shore. The combination of sea and lake makes this area popular with both beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Tips for planning your Polish beach adventure

• The best time for beach holidays in Poland runs from June through September. 
• July and August bring the warmest weather but also the biggest crowds. Consider visiting in late spring or early fall for better deals and fewer people.
• Most Polish beaches are completely free to access, though some piers charge small entry fees. Parking is usually easy to find, and public transportation connects most beach towns to major cities.
• Don’t expect Mediterranean temperatures, but the Polish summer can surprise you with hot weather and warm water. Pack layers, as the Baltic coast weather can change quickly.

Final thoughts on beaches in Poland

As the heat waves in Southern Europe are becoming more extreme, many people are changing their summer vacation plans. With beautiful sandy beaches and plenty of popular beach resorts to choose from, the beaches in Poland offer a great alternative for hot summer days.

Poland’s beautiful beaches offer something different from the usual European beach destinations. You’ll find wide sandy shores, clean water, rich history, and prices that won’t break your budget. Whether you want busy resort towns or quiet natural escapes, the Polish coast delivers an unforgettable summer experience.