Małopolska - “Little Poland” - is a picturesque land in the south of Poland cut in two by the Vistula river valley. Visiting the area is a truly worthwhile experience, both to learn about Polish history and tradition, and to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the landscape. The sharp peaks of the Tatra Mountains - Poland’s only alpine-type range, the gentle Beskid hills, the green mountain meadows in the Gorce range, the limestone Pieniny Mountains with the Dunajec river gorge - a world-famous natural monument, Jurassic rock formations, ravines and caves in the Cracow -Częstochowa Upland, thick forests, fast flowing mountain rivers… these are just some of the many beautiful sights that await visitors.

Małopolska is also a treasury of historical architecture, with mysterious medieval strongholds, enchanting chateaux, ancient monasteries, monumental churches, and elegant tenement houses. Cracow itself, the region’s capital and the historical, cultural and artistic heart of Poland, boasts an extraordinary wealth of architectural gems. The many priceless museum collections and works of art are also not to be missed.

 

Pieskowa Skała castle and Hercules' Club

Half of all Poland's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites are found in Małopolska, including Cracow's Old Town, the Wieliczka salt mine, the monastery complex in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum - a tragic monument of Nazi genocide. The region’s treasures also include wooden churches, notable for both their architecture and interior decoration. Open-air and indoor museums preserve a wealth of original folk art and local craftsmanship.

Małopolska has the greatest collection of Judaica in Poland, including some of the best historical architecture and items related to the Jewish religion. The city of Cracow is a living centre of Jewish culture and tradition.
The natural beauty of Małopolska is protected in several national parks and numerous nature reserves. The region offers excellent conditions for all sorts of activities, from hiking and cycling to mountain and rock climbing, kayaking and horse riding. There are also skiing and snowboarding runs for winter sports enthusiasts. For the health-conscious tourist, there is an abundance of mineral waters and the salt mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia operate underground sanatoria.

Małopolska has a very special place on the culinary map of Poland. This is where you can enjoy Polish cuisine in the Cracovian, Galician and highland styles. And thanks to a greater number of restaurants, cafés and pubs than any other city in Poland, Cracow itself provides a gourmet experience that is second to none.
Cracow's Old Town additionally holds many music events, both classical and jazz. Apart from symphony concerts by the Cracow Philharmonic and opera or operetta performances, the city boasts such prestigious events as the Music in Old Cracow Festival and the Sacrum Profanum Festival.

 

Sukiennice - Cracow

Another of Małopolska's assets is its road and rail network and the convenient connections from Balice airport. To complement the natural and manmade attractions, the region's accommodation is of the highest standard and includes luxury hotels, historical manor houses and palaces as well as charming bed & breakfasts, youth hostels and agrotourism farms.

There are certainly lots of reasons to visit Małopolska… and to keep returning…
We look forward to being your host!