A EUROPEAN city break destination has been turning heads, with its unique attractions, cheap beer and water even compared to the sea found in exotic beach locations like the Maldives.
Poland isn’t the most obvious location for a tropical beach comparison, but there’s a certain spot near Katowice that is the subject of such links.
AlamyThe water in the park has been compared to the sea in the Maldives[/caption]
AlamyThe walkways and small pagodas lead through the water in the lake[/caption]
AlamyThe lake is in a former dolomite quarry near to Katowice, Poland[/caption]
Park Gródek is actually found in a former dolomite quarry that has been repurposed as a public park and a place for people to enjoy nature.
The colour of the water is the main reason for the comparison, as well as the small wooden walkways from which people can watch fish swimming around in the lake.
One person who was amazed by their visit was drone enthusiast Patryk Micek.
He shared footage from the park on his Instagram (@micek.drones), saying: “Can’t afford holiday in Maldives? Here’s a budget solution!
“Poland has so much to offer – from mountains on south to sea on North!
“Somewhere in between you can find a little crystal clear lake with a wooden ‘Maldives style’ path. If you haven’t got any idea for short trip during the weekend you need consider visiting that place!”
Patryk’s video stunned some of his visitors, including some from Poland who hadn’t heard of the place.
One wrote: “Why did someone not tell me about it before?”
Another said: “Born and raised in Poland. My jaw dropped.”
Another fan of the park is travel blog Trasa Dla Bobasa.
They wrote: “Azure water, wooden walkways over crystal-clear water where you can observe fish swimming beneath them, a picnic meadow, and kilometers of forest walking trails.
“Park Gródek is often called the ‘Polish Maldives’ by tourists.”
Entry to the park is free, however swimming in the waters is not permitted, no matter how inviting it may look.
But it is home to miles of nature walks that are also suitable for bikes and scooter riding.
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Back in the city, there’s much more to explore too, including Legendia, a theme park home to more than 40 rides and attractions.
It’s the largest amusement park in Poland and covers an area of 26 hectares.
Included in its best loved attractions are a ferris wheel, known as the Legendia Flower, a plane ride, Dream Flight Airlines, and spinning tea cups.
There are also newer attractions like the Diamond River log flume, or the Lech Coaster, which has previously won theme park awards for rollercoasters.
The city is also a popular place for music fans, with the guitar history museum also there.
Guests can learn about the history of guitars and how they evolved over time.
Guided tours are available and visitors are even able to play some of the instruments.
As well as the unique tourist attractions, the cheap cost of living is another draw to the city.
The average beer price in the city is around 80p, while a night for two, with breakfast, can be booked from around £19.
Wizz Air and Ryanair both offer direct return flights to the city from the UK from £14.99 one-way.
Meanwhile, this affordable city break destination has been tipped to be big this year.
And these cheap city break deals are on offer this year.
GettyLegendia theme park is the biggest amusement park in Poland[/caption]
www.tripadvisor.comKatowice is also home to a guitar history museum as well as other unique attractions[/caption]
AlamyA beer can be bought in the city for less than a pound, while accommodation is also cheap[/caption]“}]]