The most beautiful Polish beaches. The famous ones and the hidden gems

The most beautiful Polish beaches are not only the popular seaside resorts with promenades, piers and full tourist infrastructure. Along the Baltic coast, there are still places where the sound of waves replaces the noise of crowds. We take a look at the best-known beaches as well as some hidden gems.

The less obvious Baltic coast, or where to find peace and quiet

During the summer season, it is difficult to find completely empty beaches. July and August follow their own rules, and the most beautiful places quickly become popular on social media. What really matters, however, is the kind of holiday you are looking for. Some beaches are perfect for a family day by the sea, while others are better suited to long walks or birdwatching.

Mikoszewo – where the Vistula meets the sea

Mikoszewo is one of the most interesting beaches on the Vistula Spit. What makes it unique is its location. Nearby are the mouth of the Vistula River and the Mewia Łacha Nature Reserve, one of the most important habitats for waterbirds and migratory birds on the Polish coast.

This is a beach for those who want to experience the Baltic Sea in a more natural setting. The landscape is dominated by sand, water and open space rather than resort development. The area is also known for its grey seals, but visitors should keep a safe distance. These are wild animals, not tourist attractions.

Wisełka and Stilo – beaches hidden behind the forest

Wisełka is located on Wolin Island, between the popular resort of Międzyzdroje and the quieter stretches of the coast. Its greatest advantage is its proximity to the forest and Wolin National Park. The walk to the beach is not just a way to reach the shore but an enjoyable part of the holiday itself.

The area allows visitors to combine sunbathing with walks along the Baltic coastline. It is an excellent choice for those who would rather explore part of the coast, admire Wolin’s cliffs and only then head down to the sea instead of spending the entire day on a beach towel. Wisełka does not need extensive tourist facilities. Its greatest assets are its scenery and natural surroundings.

Stilo, located near Osetnik and Sasino, offers a similar atmosphere. A forest path leads to the beach, and one of the area’s best-known landmarks is the lighthouse. Its distinctive white, red and black silhouette stands out against the coastal landscape.

Czołpino – a wide sandy beach by the dunes

Czołpino is one of those beaches where the landscape is the main attraction. It is located within the area of Słowiński National Park, close to the Czołpino Dune and the lighthouse. The beach is wide and sandy, and visitors reach it by walking through the park’s picturesque scenery. Nearby, it is also worth visiting the Sunken Forest, where the exposed trunks of trees flooded in the past can still be seen.

Orzechowo – a walk along the cliff

Orzechowo, located a few kilometres from Ustka, has a wilder character than typical resort beaches. There is plenty of sand, but in places the beach becomes narrow, while stones and fallen trees appear beneath the cliff, reminding visitors that this section of coastline is constantly changing. During storms in particular, the sea can dramatically reshape the shoreline.

Orzechowo’s most distinctive features are its steep cliff descending towards the Baltic Sea, its beech forest and the mouth of the small Orzechówka stream. The beach can be reached on foot from Ustka, either along the shore or via the red hiking trail running on top of the cliff.

Well-known Polish beaches worth visiting

Not every beautiful beach has to be hidden away. Ustka, Jurata, Jastarnia, Gdynia Orłowo and Dębki have attracted visitors for years, yet each of these destinations has something that sets it apart.

Ustka was named Beach of the Year 2026 in the Polish Beach Ranking organised for the past 13 years by Travelist Magazine. It also won the category for the best family beach. Its strengths include its wide shoreline, fine sand, picturesque setting with the harbour and breakwaters, and easy access to tourist facilities. It is an ideal destination for those who want the beach, the town’s promenade and all the conveniences needed for a family holiday within easy reach.

Jurata and Jastarnia continue to impress with their location on the Hel Peninsula. The open Baltic Sea lies on one side, Puck Bay on the other, with pine forests, cycling routes and the peninsula’s characteristic narrow strip of land in between.

Gdynia Orłowo is an excellent example of an urban beach that stands out thanks to its scenery. The cliff, the pier and the view across Gdańsk Bay create one of the most recognisable coastal landscapes in Poland.

The beach at Dębki also deserves a mention. Although it is popular, its greatest attraction remains its wide stretch of pale sand and the place where the Piaśnica River flows into the Baltic Sea. It combines the convenience of a holiday resort with a more natural setting, especially if you choose one of the less frequented access points.

Whichever beach you choose, remember to enjoy it responsibly. If you would like to learn more about how to spend time by the sea, rivers and lakes without harming the environment, join our campaign “The 10 Deadly Sins of the Unaware Tourist”, which this year is being held under the slogan “Your Holiday Has an Impact on Water”. Enjoy yourself without causing harm!