Things to see and do in Poland

Poland really boasts some of the very best beaches in northern Europe, especially the resorts along the Pomeranian coast, such as large and fashionable Kołobrzeg or Łeba, with a beach of fabulous white sand. The beach connects to the Słowiński National Park (www.slowinskipn.pl), known for its giant 'wandering sand dunes' which can shift several metres each year.

The best way to explore the Brodnica or Myślibórz lakelands, or the rivers Brda, Czarna Hańcza and Obra is by canoe.

You'll immediately feel the charming medieval atmosphere of Cracow (www.krakow.pl), written Kraków in Polish; it is one of UNESCO's most significant historical sites. In the middle of the main market square (the largest in Europe) is the Cloth Hall, which was reconstructed in the 19th century from 14th-century merchants' stalls.

Gdańsk (www.gdansk.pl) is home to the largest Gothic church in Poland: St Mary's Basilica. The beach resort at nearby Sopot has the Molo, Europe's longest pier (515m/1700ft). Within easy reach are the forested Hel Peninsula and beach, the Kashubian Lakeland, and the Teutonic castles at Malbork and Gniew.

There's little more inspiring than a hike in some of Poland's national parks and nature reserves. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Kampinos National Park, near Warsaw, while the Bieszczady National Park, part of the Carpathian mountain range, contains the surviving fragments of the Great Bieszczady Forest, home to lynx, wolf, wildcat and up to 120 brown bears.

The Masurian Lake District, consisting of over 1,000 lakes, is a favourite angling and boating destination. A popular trail can take you past several lakes and canals. Local towns such as Mikołajki and Giżycko host sea-shanty festivals and other lively events.

Going for long meandering walks in the woods to pick mushrooms in the early autumn is a longstanding Polish pastime. Mushroom picking has been a Polish tradition for centuries and many delicious varieties exist. But attempt this with an experienced guide only.

A horse-drawn sleigh ride is a magical experience, though be sure to have either warmed beer or heated honey vodka afterwards. Snow falls throughout Poland during the winter months so these types of rides are on offer all over the country, but principally in the Tatras at Zakopane.

The medieval walled town of Toruń (www.torun.pl) is best experienced by walking through the gothic Old Town.

The Polish capital Warsaw (Warszawa) still deserves your attention even though much of it was destroyed in the war. The Old Town was reconstructed from original plans and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries - it's hard to believe it's just a half a century old when you stroll its quaint cobbled streets (www.e-warsaw.pl).

The Wieliczka Salt Mine (www.kopalnia.pl) boasts 300km (186 miles) of shafts, of which 2km (1.2 miles) are accessible to visitors on three levels. The tourist route is 64 to 135m (211 to 445ft) underground and passes through almost two dozen impressive chambers, with bas-reliefs, chandeliers and a chapel sculpted in salt.