Why Poland's Tricity Should Be on Your Radar

Gdańsk – Sopot – Gdynia – three cities, but one destination, well known in Poland as ‘Tricity’. Each offering their own unique charms, they’re considered the jewels of the Pomorskie region, Poland’s most popular holiday destination. And it’s easy to see why.

Gdańsk is the beating heart of the region and is a city with a modern, cosmopolitan outlook and a fascinating history. Then there’s Sopot, the sun-drenched seaside town, where there’s no end to the spa resort options on offer if you fancy a spot of R and R.  Last, but by no means least is lively Gdynia, a go-to destination for music events, shopping and entertainment.

In the 1980s, Gdansk became the centre of the Solidarity movement. The city was the scene of the momentous events that shaped the modern history of Europe. Still today, the spirit of freedom is present everywhere. In the shadow of the city’s shipyard cranes stands the European Solidarity Centre. This exhibition hall opened in August 2014 to tell the story of the triumph of the Polish popular movement over communism, and how the power of the people united to topple the regime in a non-violent way.

Gdańsk is known as the World Capital of Amber – no visit to the city would be complete without a visit to the Amber Museum which features a permanent exhibition on the history of amber and its craftsmanship, as well as unique interactive displays.

The pedestrianised Monte Cassino Street is famous throughout Poland for its great restaurants, trendy clubs and venues that never sleep. While you’re there, check out the longest wooden pier in Europe that leads right into Gdansk bay.

Along the way, you’ll encounter Krzywy Domek. This is the showpiece of Sopot, filled with restaurants, bars and clubs and is well worth checking out after dark.

While it’s not the Mediterranean, the region’s average temperature in the summer is 25°C, and the seaside area offers the perfect conditions for activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. The famous ‘moving dunes’ are Poland’s answer to the Sahara.  Just a 2 hour drive from Gdansk, the natural phenomenon is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

Malbork is another destination not to be overlooked. Here you’ll find medieval history hidden in the largest gothic castle in the world – and yes, it also features on the UNESCO heritage list.

The Pomorskie region has been serving up tasty dishes for hundreds of years, most of which are based on local and seasonal ingredients including strawberries, cranberries, honey and freshly caught seafood. Local chefs take advantage of this rich tradition, tweaking traditional recipes and enhancing them with their own ingredients or brand new flavours from other parts of the world.

Gdansk: Golden Tulip Gdańsk Residence  is the ideal option for families offering accommodation complete with kitchenettes. There are plenty of child friendly amenities too including a kids club, outside playground and wellness area complete with paddling and swimming pool. Within a stone’s throw, you’ll find a sandy beach (just 150 meters away), a shopping centre and oodles of sightseeing opportunities.  Gdansk Old Town and Sopot are within a short driving distance also. When it comes to entertainment, boredom isn’t an option – take your pick from the city’s colourful calendar of events.

Sopot: Live it up in the stylish surroundings of Sofitel Grand Sopot. The historic hotel building is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Polish coast. Overlooking a golden sandy beach and the longest wooden pier in Europe, it brings all the charms of the lively town of Sopot directly to your doorstep.

Gydnia: Gdynia’s Quadrille Conference & Spa  is an exclusive boutique hotel complex famous for its “Alice in Wonderland”  inspired interiors. If you’re looking to get away from it all, you’ll find the luxury spa located in the palace basement offers a wide range of face and body treatments and relaxation sessions.

In case you needed any further excuses to visit,  here are just two good reasons to fly to the Pomorskie region this summer:

St Dominic’s Fair: This local festival commemorates a 13th century event when the Dominicans obtained the Pope’s consent to grant indulgences on St. Dominic’s Day. At that time, Gdańsk attracted merchants who came from all over Europe, with valuable goods, as well as circus performers, mime artists and stilt walkers who added a splash of colour to the streets of the city. These days, St Dominic’s Fair is a much larger event, in fact it’s one of the largest fairs in Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world to its street markets, performances and regional showcases.

Filghts to Gdańsk