Dobrzyca, Poland, October 2020

After my self-imposed quarantine in Kraków, I finally arrived in Nowy Sącz in October 2020 to begin a longer holiday with my mum and family. It turned out to be one of the most joyful breaks I can remember—filled with laughter, reunions, and beautiful travels through Poland.

Our home in Biegonice and the whole of Nowy Sącz looked stunning in the golden colours of autumn. But we didn’t just stay at home—we took the time to venture out into nature, visit new places, and reconnect with loved ones.

Krynica – Autumn Views Over the Beskids and Tatras

One of our first trips was to Krynica, a famous spa town nestled in the Beskid Mountains. We took the cable lift up the hill, where a newly built wooden viewing platform offered breathtaking views of the Beskids and the distant Tatra Mountains. The fresh mountain air, the golden and red leaves, and the crisp autumn light made it a perfect day outdoors.

Exploring Stary Sącz

Closer to home, we visited Stary Sącz, a town full of history and charm. Walking through its cobbled streets, past the monastery and the main square, we were reminded of the region’s deep cultural heritage.

Rzeszów and the Painted Village of Zalipie

We also took a trip to Rzeszów, where we fell in love with its Old Town—a mix of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. The town square, surrounded by colourful townhouses and historic churches, was a wonderful place to stroll and soak in the atmosphere.

From Rzeszów, we travelled to Zalipie, a village like no other. Known as “the painted village”, every house, barn, and even fences were decorated with bright, hand-painted floral patterns. It was truly a living piece of folk art, and walking through this fairytale-like place was a unique experience.

Tarnów – A City of Hidden Beauty

On our way back to Nowy Sącz, we stopped in Tarnów, another underrated gem of southern Poland. The city had a warm and welcoming feel, with beautiful Renaissance architecture, a historic Jewish quarter, and a lovely main square. We enjoyed our short visit, taking in its old-world elegance.

Świnoujście and Uznam Island – A Polish-German Escape

Later in the month, we travelled north to Świnoujście, where we spent five days exploring Uznam Island, which is shared between Poland and Germany.

It was an incredible experience, especially since we explored both sides of the island entirely by bike. Seeing how these two nations—once divided by history—are now shaping a future of friendship and cooperation was inspiring. We cycled through seaside forests, along the sandy Baltic coastline, and through picturesque German resort towns, fully embracing the unique spirit of this borderland.

Day Trip to the Baltic’s Hidden Treasures

From Świnoujście, we took a day trip to explore other parts of the Baltic coast, visiting:
• Ogrody Hortulus Spectabilis in Dobrzyca – Mum’s favourite! These gardens were breathtaking, with beautifully designed landscapes, mazes, and themed floral displays that changed with the seasons.
• Międzyzdroje – A charming seaside town that I particularly fell in love with. The iconic pier stretching into the sea, the sandy beaches, and the relaxing promenade made it one of my favourite stops.
• Kołobrzeg – Though we only passed through, its historic centre and impressive cathedral made a strong impression.

A Holiday to Remember

After this wonderful time by the Baltic, we returned to Nowy Sącz, where we continued enjoying the comforts of home, family, and slow autumn days together.

This time in Poland was more than just a holiday—it was a chance to appreciate home, reconnect with family, and find joy in both familiar and new places. The beauty of autumn landscapes, the warmth of loved ones, and the peaceful moments shared together made it a truly unforgettable season.

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