Lesser Poland Holidays

Castles, mountains and one seriously cool medieval city – Lesser Poland might sound like it’s playing second fiddle, but trust us, this region is major.

Highlights

• 🏰 Kraków: A magical mix of medieval squares, buzzing nightlife and enough pierogi to feed a small army.

• 🏞️ Tatra Mountains: Snow-dusted peaks, alpine lakes and wooden chalets – Poland’s answer to the Alps.

• 🧖‍♀️ Thermal spas in Zakopane: Natural hot springs + mountain views = ultimate chill.

• 🕯️ Wieliczka Salt Mine: Underground chapels carved from salt? Yeah, this place is unreal.

Getting around – Lesser Poland

Lesser Poland is surprisingly easy to navigate, with Kraków as your central hub. Fly into Kraków John Paul II Airport and you’re just 30 minutes from the heart of the region’s capital. Trains and buses from Kraków’s central station can take you to Zakopane in the south (hello, mountain escape), or to places like Nowy Sącz and Oświęcim. Fancy something more flexible? Car hire is a great shout, especially if you want to explore the winding mountain roads or drop by quaint villages en route. Kraków itself is super walkable, with trams and buses covering anything your feet can’t manage. No faff, just full-on adventure.

Things to do for families in Lesser Poland

Family holidays in Lesser Poland? Oh yes. Kraków’s Old Town is basically a giant playground of castles, dragons and horse-drawn carriages. Start at Wawel Castle, where legend has it a dragon once lived in a cave below (you can visit it – it even breathes fire!). Head to the interactive Museum of Illusions for a few laughs, or the Kraków Zoo set inside the gorgeous Wolski Forest. Day trip? Wieliczka Salt Mine is a family fave – it’s got tunnels, chapels and even an underground lake. Down south, Zakopane is brilliant in both winter (sledding, snowball fights, ski lessons) and summer (cable cars, hiking, and folk festivals). And for a chill afternoon? Soak in Chochołowska Thermal Baths – outdoor pools with mountain views the kids will love splashing around in.

Things to do for couples in Lesser Poland

Lesser Poland knows how to do romance – think misty mountains, candlelit dinners, and old-world charm in every direction. Start in Kraków with a slow walk through the cobbled streets of Kazimierz (the old Jewish quarter), then head to a cosy wine bar or take a Vistula River cruise at sunset. Pop into one of the city’s traditional cellar restaurants for a vodka tasting or romantic pierogi feast – candlelight optional, but recommended. When it’s time for fresh air, escape to Zakopane, where you can snuggle up in a timber chalet, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or hike to Morskie Oko – a crystal-clear lake that’s pure fairy-tale. End your day with a spa session and a steamy soak in the natural thermal waters. Love is definitely in the air (and the hot tubs).

Things to do for groups in Lesser Poland

Bringing the whole gang? Whether it’s a stag, hen or just a “we need a break” trip, Lesser Poland brings the vibes. Kraków is legendary for its nightlife – think buzzing bars, underground clubs and vodka shots in neon-lit speakeasies. Get your cultural fix with a walking tour (seriously, the street art and hidden stories are wild), or book a food crawl to sample the best kielbasa, zapiekanka, and local beers. Looking for adventure? Head to the Tatras for skiing, snowboarding, or even bobsledding in winter – or zip-lining, rafting and hiking in summer. For a more chilled day, try a private group spa day in Zakopane or wine tasting in the countryside. Bonus idea: rent a wooden lodge with a hot tub, stock up on snacks, and let the mountain magic do the rest.

Things to do for foodies in Lesser Poland

This is the region where Polish food truly shines – hearty, homely, and surprisingly creative. Start in Kraków with a breakfast of obwarzanki (a kind of chewy pretzel bagel), then hit the local markets like Stary Kleparz for fresh cheeses, smoked meats and pickles galore. Street food fans will love zapiekanka (a Polish-style pizza-baguette) served hot and messy from market stalls in Kazimierz. Traditional meals mean rich stews, dumplings filled with everything from wild mushrooms to sweet berries, and roasts that will haunt your dreams in the best way. Kraków’s fine dining scene is also thriving – think molecular gastronomy meets Polish heritage. Check out places like Bottiglieria 1881 or Szara Gęś for something swanky. Don’t forget the drinks – try local vodkas flavoured with cherry or quince, or sample beers from Kraków’s growing craft brewery scene. Na zdrowie!