Czech tourists increasingly favor Poland as their destination over Croatia.
In a surprising turn of events, Czech tourists are increasingly opting for Poland's Baltic coast over the traditional "Czech Riviera" in Croatia. This shift, driven by several key factors, is reshaping the landscape of summer travel preferences for Czech holidaymakers.
One of the primary reasons for this change is the climate preference. Many Czechs prefer the cooler, milder climate of the Baltic Sea compared to the hotter Mediterranean weather in Croatia. The Baltic Sea offers a more comfortable vacation experience without the tropical heat.
Another significant factor is improved accessibility. New direct train services like the Baltic Express (Prague to Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia) and toll-free motorways make traveling to Poland easier, faster, and cheaper. Unlike routes to Croatia, the journey to Poland faces fewer delays and no border controls on some routes.
Affordability is another key factor that appeals to budget-conscious Czech holidaymakers. Poland generally offers lower costs for accommodation, dining, and travel.
These practical considerations, combined with an appreciation for Poland’s natural and cultural attractions, have caused a significant rise in Czech visitors to the Polish Baltic coast. Estimates for 2025 suggest that as many as 800,000 tourists could visit the Polish coast, surpassing Croatian arrivals for the first time.
The Czech Republic's state-owned railway company has replaced the direct train link to Split in Croatia with the Baltic Express, which travels four times a day from Prague to Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdansk in Poland. Hundreds of thousands of Czech tourists drive to Swinoujscie, Szczecin, and Sopot on the Polish coast, making use of the brand new, toll-free Polish motorways linking the two countries.
The Czech enthusiasm for Poland is not just limited to vacations on the Baltic coast but also extends to admiration for Poland’s economic success. The Czech Republic, once the most affluent and most developed country in Central Europe after the collapse of communism, has been overtaken by Poland in many respects, such as in terms of the development of its motorway network or wages.
The cost-cutting policy of the center-right government of Petr Fiala in the Czech Republic has reduced the country's deficit to 2.2% of GDP, while Poland's deficit was 6.6% of GDP last year. Despite the similar prices for vacations on Poland's Baltic coast being less than half the cost on Germany's Baltic coast, groceries cost less in Polish supermarkets. However, beer is expensive, costing about €6 ($7) for 500 ml in restaurants on the Polish coast.
Articles about holidays in Poland are among the most widely read on Czech news websites, indicating a growing interest in this new travel destination. The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, welcomed the increase in Czech tourists, with over half a million Czech tourists visiting Polish beaches last year.
While the slogan "Poland is the new Croatia" might be misleading, as Poland's Baltic coast is fundamentally different from the Mediterranean in terms of landscape, beaches, sights, service, and food, it is clear that Poland is offering a compelling alternative for Czech tourists seeking a more affordable and accessible holiday destination.
- The rising popularity of Poland's Baltic coast among Czech tourists is partially due to the difference in climate, with many preferring the cooler, milder weather of the Baltic Sea over the hotter Mediterranean climate in Croatia.
- Improved accessibility, such as the introduction of the Baltic Express train service and toll-free motorways, has made traveling to Poland easier, faster, and cheaper for Czech holidaymakers.
- Economic factors also play a significant role, with many budget-conscious Czech tourists drawn to Poland due to its lower costs for accommodation, dining, and travel.
- Czech news media has shown growing interest in holidays in Poland, with articles on the destination widely read on Czech news websites.
- Despite some differences between Poland's Baltic coast and the Mediterranean, it is clear that Poland is offering a compelling alternative for Czech tourists seeking an affordable and accessible holiday destination.
