TOP 3 Perfect Cities for Winter Holidays by the Baltic Sea

Meet the Ranking - as Poles voted

Although winter brings mountains and ski slope madness to most minds, more people choose the seaside. And we love it ;) It owes to healthy iodine-rich air, beautiful landscapes and much lower prices than southern Poland. To ease this year's holiday destination choice, Travelist Magazine organised a nationwide vote for the best winter destination by the Polish seaside. Check the newest ranking based on internet votes, with TOP 3 below.

1. Kolobrzeg

Most internet votes in the plebiscite went to Kolobrzeg. Beyond its main asset, access to a beautiful wide beach (up to 200 m in places), this seaside resort tempts in winter with many attractions. Visit historic churches, the St. Mary's Basilica, the 15th-century Gunpowder Tower, climb the pier (free this season) or walk Poland's longest seaside promenade, 3 km long.

Regeneration seekers will love that the city is Poland's biggest health resort. It is famous above all for brine and mud treatments. Taste water from the brine spring while there. Parents appreciate kid attractions: the 6D Museum – Maszoperia, Hidden Land and Mouse City. A must in Kolobrzeg is the historic lighthouse with its beautiful city-and-sea panorama. 

Winter in Kolobrzeg also offers many sports. Think skating or winter swimming. Add cold-weather SUP floats on the Parseta river or blokarts (a small land yacht on wheels, runners in winter), and the top podium spot seems well deserved. 

2. Swinoujscie

This city on 44 islands nearly won. Just 3 votes separated it from first place. It delights with its aura off-season too. Poland's widest beach with a seaside promenade invites walks. Swinoujscie also holds the tallest lighthouse on the Baltic. Climb 308 steps, nearly 65 metres high. Another interesting viewpoint is the historic St. Martin Luther church tower. 

For free-time ideas, consider the cross-border promenade walk to famous German resorts Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf. History lovers will enjoy historic Swinoujscie Fortress forts and the mysterious Underground City. End the day relaxing in the biggest resort complex on the Baltic – Baltic Park Molo with aquapark. Great for a romantic evening! Watch sunset from the 13th floor. This seaside resort suits both rest seekers and thrill hunters.

3. Gdansk

One of those places combining nature charms with big-city life. No wonder it appeared years ago in The Guardian's roundup of the 40 hottest travel destinations. Gdansk's tourist map must include the Main Town. Here find the Long Market, Neptune Fountain, Artus Court, Town Hall, St. Mary's Church and famous Crane Gate. 

In winter visit Gdansk's famous museums – plenty to explore! History lovers should plan the Museum of World War II, whose main exhibition sits 14 metres underground. Museum pearls also include the European Solidarity Centre and Amber Museum. And to complement sightseeing with family fun, head to the Maritime Culture Centre and Hewelianum Centre. An interactive exhibition for kids and adults exploring history, science and culture through experiments and activities. 

But Gdansk also suits outdoor winter activity lovers. When temperatures drop, local beaches (especially Jelitkowo) fill with winter swimmers. The Tri-City hosts the Gdansk Walrus Club since 1975, Poland's oldest cold-bath fan organisation. And after a day of frosty attractions (or calm sightseeing), enjoy the wide gastronomy offer. Noteworthy is Granary Island, Gdansk's culinary heart. Here find the Slony Spichlerz with food courts serving world cuisines.

TOP 10 Baltic places

Further ranking spots in the TOP 10 Baltic holiday places went to: Ustka, Sopot, Miedzyzdroje, Hel Peninsula, Gdynia, Mielno and Jastrzebia Gora. More Ranking info on Travelist Magazine's site: https://magazyn.travelist.pl/top-10-miejsc-na-ferie-nad-baltykiem/