Krakow, Poland – Sailing holidays have seen huge growth in demand over the past couple of years, blending the benefits of a luxurious break without the tourist crowds.
Contrary to popular belief, renting a boat can be quite affordable, especially in the few Central and Eastern European countries with a coastline, such as Poland.
The price of sailing holidays has come down as many private boat owners now rent out their craft, much like a boating Airbnb through sites such as Borrow a boat. Now vacationers have access to boats of all shapes and sizes, skippered or unmanned, which they can hire for half a day or several weeks at a stretch.
Where to go on a sailing holiday?
When thinking of vacations on the water, the destinations that most immediately come to mind are probably based in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.
Well known for their warm climate and attractive beaches, these countries are also extremely popular and prone to overcrowding. Their popularity has a very obvious ripple effect on prices.
In a bid to find cheaper alternatives, vacationers have started exploring different places and discovering some surprising gems.
Croatia on the Adriatic Sea boasts scorching summer temperatures as well as clear blue water and wonderful coastal towns to explore. Sailing holidays off the coast of Scandinavia guarantee holidaymakers sights of local wildlife, including seals and reindeer, but you’ll need to wrap up warm.
Sailing holidays in Poland
Poland has become another extremely popular destination for sailing holidays in recent years. Not only does this central European country have a Baltic coastline of 500 km, but it also has more than 2,000 inland lakes linked together by hundreds of kilometers of 18th century canals.
Poland has a rich heritage with the sea and visitors can explore coastal towns and ports that showcase this heritage. Whether you want to take a trip to visit an old lighthouse or soak up the sun on one of the many golden or white sand beaches, there are plenty of choices when it comes to deciding where to moor for the day.
The Baltic Sea is unique because it partially freezes over in winter, which can be a magnificent sight to behold, and with a chartered yacht or sailboat you can get close to the ice. The historic port of Gdansk also worth a visit, with tourists able to moor up and explore some of the unique offerings like the Astronomical Clock, Fort Carre and the Two Windows Theatre.
How to rent a boat
As mentioned earlier, renting a boat has never been easier, thanks in part to online boat rental sites. Anyone with a private boat can list their boat online and make it available for the date they are not using it.
On most websites, you must first enter the location where you want to pick up your boat. You will also need to know the dates you want to rent it. Then you can choose whether you want your boat to come with a skipper or not – if you choose without you will be asked to prove that you have the qualifications and/or experience to sail the boat where applicable . Then you will see all the options available to you.
Dozens of boats are available at marinas throughout Polandthe side. To sort and quickly find the best vessels for your needs, you can usually filter by price, size, boat type, boat age and number of guests. Each thumbnail advertisement shows you important details, and if you click on one you will be able to see full details, additional photos, additional services and reviews related to each boat.
A destination in the making?
Poland is an attractive sailing destination for many reasons, and as warmer ports become prohibitively expensive or reserved, the polish riviera could become one of the essential alternatives in Europe.
Temperatures can reach 30°C at the height of summer, so your sailing holiday will still feel like a typical summer break. Because coastal towns have a rich history of seagoing craft, you’ll find that ports and marinas are well-equipped to meet your needs and have plenty of room to moor.
Inland navigation is also ideal for less experienced people, as you can rent a boat for a day or two. The woods of Masuria are traversable by canal from one lake to the other and are teeming with wonderful wildlife, including European bison, as well as picturesque towns and historical sites.
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