What's very local
Spas are very popular in Poland, as in the rest of Europe. Taking part in them means taking part in the daily life of the locals.
In summer, a 10,000 m long sandy beach is set up on the banks of the Vistula, not far from the Grunwaldzki Bridge, just opposite the Kazimierz Pauline Basilica. It is like being at the sea: sand, deckchairs, volleyball court, children's games, a cafe where you can sip refreshing cocktails and even a 25 x 8 m pool dug into the hull of a boat moored on the river. After sunset, Krakow Beach turns into a huge club with several DJs keeping the party going, while Saturday night is reserved for outdoor film screenings. A magnificent view of Wawel Castle and the green shores of the Vistula River form the backdrop to this always popular spot (www.plazakrakow.com.pl).
A second beach, Kryspinow, is located on a lagoon about 12 km from Krakow, not far from Bielany. Surrounded by forests, hiking and cycling trails, this beach is well equipped and you can rent all the necessary equipment for water sports. You can swim in the lagoon. There is also a park for tree climbing (Park linowy, www.parklin.pl). On hot weekends, the number of visitors can reach 30,000 per day! Open daily from 8am to 10pm, ticket 12 zł (www.kryspinow.com.pl).
Five kilometers southeast of the Rynek, in the district of Płaszów, the artificial reservoir of Zalew Bagry is very popular in summer. Swimming, sailing, sunbathing, three beaches, attractions for children, kayak, boat and pedal boat rentals. For those who do not have a car, take streetcar no. 20 and get off at the "Rzebika" stop. The beach is a 10-15 minute walk away.