For decades, the beaches of Croatia were synonymous with Czech summer vacations. Families and holidaymakers from the landlocked country flocked to the Adriatic coast, lured by warm waters, sunny skies, and the region’s Mediterranean charm.
But in recent years, a noticeable shift has emerged. Czech travelers are increasingly heading north to Poland’s Baltic coast, trading the Adriatic heat for the cooler beaches of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. For many, the decision is influenced by changing climate patterns, affordability, and improved accessibility via new transport links.
The trend has caught the attention of international media, with Deutsche Welle recently spotlighting the Czech trend of enjoying a Baltic summer. Officials on both sides of the border are closely monitoring the surge, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of this growing tourism flow.
Growing popularity of Poland’s Baltic coast
Official statistics confirm a dramatic rise in Czech visitors to Poland. In 2024, over 410,000 Czechs stayed in Polish hotels, with many more opting for private rentals or day trips. Early estimates for 2025 suggest numbers could reach 800,000, surpassing Croatian arrivals for the first time.
Czech travelers are attracted by several practical factors. Direct train connections, such as the Baltic Express linking Prague to Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia, make travel easier and faster. New toll-free motorways between the two countries have also simplified car journeys, allowing Czech tourists to bypass delays often faced at other borders.
While Poland’s coastal weather can be unpredictable and the water cooler than the Mediterranean, visitors appreciate the relaxed pace, scenic towns, and cultural attractions. For many, the Baltic offers a refreshing alternative to the hotter, more crowded Adriatic destinations.
Economic and cultural appeal
Beyond climate and convenience, Czech interest in Poland reflects growing admiration for its neighbor’s economic progress. Poland has significantly modernized its infrastructure and improved wages in recent years, with minimum wages now surpassing those in the Czech Republic.
The country’s economic transformation has not gone unnoticed by Czech visitors, who increasingly view Poland as both a tourist and cultural destination.
Cost considerations also play a role. While the Polish coast is not necessarily cheaper than Czech cities, it remains more affordable than Croatia. Supermarket prices and everyday expenses are lower, though dining out can be expensive. Beer prices, specifically, are generally higher than at home.
Polish authorities have welcomed the influx. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the rise in Czech tourism as a positive development in recent years, emphasizing its benefits for local economies along the Baltic coast.
“I come from Gdańsk and live in Sopot, so, I have seen firsthand this very pleasant and welcome summer invasion of Czech tourists on the Polish coast,” Tusk told Wirtualna Polska. “The Czechs have broken all historical records. Over half a million of them have visited Polish beaches, the Polish coast from Szczecin to Gdańsk.”
Once defined by the allure of the Adriatic, Czech summer travel patterns are shifting northward, combining practical considerations with an appreciation for Poland’s natural and cultural offerings. Whether this trend represents a long-term realignment or a temporary response to climate and cost pressures remains to be seen.