The Alps are, of course, a go-to holiday destination come winter or summer.
With skiing, winter sports and beautiful summer activities, lakes and hiking, the region is perfect for almost any time of year.
But as with any well-known destination, costs can be astronomical, from flights to food and activities.
However, Brits could soon be swapping famous European hiking hotspots, like the Alps and Zell am See, for the newest kid on the block – Zakopane.
Think emerald lakes, wooden chalets, purple wildflower meadows, bustling markets, cosy beer halls, thermal baths – and the kind of value where a pint and a pizza come in at under a tenner.
Tucked into Poland’s southernmost corner and surrounded by the dramatic Tatra Mountains, this fairytale lake town looks and feels remarkably like the Alps but remains cheaper and far less discovered, only a two-hour 30-minute flight from the UK.
The mountainous region in Poland is perfect for your next summer holiday
It’s a stunning, little‑known Polish mountain town – and is joining TUI’s Lakes & Mountains programme for summer 2026, making it even easier to reach the destination.
Travellers can discover this unspoiled, little‑known corner of Poland from May to September, flying from 16 airports across the UK with TUI’s partner airlines easyJet and Ryanair.
It won’t break the bank, either.
There are two airports near Zakopane: Poprad-Tatry Airport in Slovakia and Krakow Airport in Poland.
Flights from the UK to Poprad start from £29 with Wizz Air, while you can get to Krakow for just £17.99 one way.
Explorers can expect crisp mountain air and scenic trails for every level – from the Giewont peak, shaped like a ‘sleeping knight,’ to Morskie Oko, a glass‑still turquoise lake often named among the most beautiful in Europe.
Gentler adventures include wandering the Five Lakes Valley, riding the Kasprowy Wierch cable car or Gubałówka funicular, and keeping an eye out for marmots, chamois, golden eagles or even brown bears along the way.
For those who’d rather skip the hikes, Zakopane’s town centre has plenty to explore too.
Visitors can wander Krupówki Street’s markets and beer halls, browse local craft shops or take a horse‑drawn carriage through the buzzing streets.
The town’s thermal baths are a major draw too with vast pools of naturally warm, mineral‑rich water surrounded by mountain views, perfect for unwinding after a day out or simply enjoying a slower, more peaceful escape.
There are lots of hikes and walks to do, as well as a pretty old town to explore
Zakopane also benefits from an easy rail connection to Kraków which takes under two hours each way, making day trips to the city an appealing add‑on for holidaymakers.
Among the visitors who have already paid the hidden gem a visit, reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with scenic views praised as ‘picturesque’.
Chris Logan, commercial director of TUI UK & Ireland said: ‘As experts in Lakes & Mountains holidays, we know a good thing when we see one, and Zakopane ticks every box.
‘It’s a fresh alternative to the Alps, offering the same dramatic scenery but in a less expensive and discovered setting.
‘With emerald lakes, Tatra peaks, wooden chalets and vibrant Goral culture, it brings something genuinely new to our programme.
‘Because we work with a wide range of trusted airline and hotel partners, we can offer complete flexibility from short four‑night breaks to longer ten-night stays.
‘And with local prices adding to the appeal with a pint from around £2.50, it’s never been easier or more affordable for holidaymakers to experience one of Europe’s most remarkable mountain secrets.’
TUI offers a seven-night holiday to Zakopane, Poland staying at the 3T Apartamenty ApartArt Zakopane on a room-only basis from £616 per person.
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