The Malopolska region is very popular among tourists. Krakow alone attracts millions of visitors each year! Additionally, there are the Tatra Mountains, the Beskids, and thousands of sights worth exploring. There’s a reason why people search for “nice places in Malopolska”—it’s simply beautiful here.
Malopolska is extraordinary. Let me start by saying that you’ll find picturesque landscapes, from the mountain peaks and valleys in the Tatra Mountains, through the hilly Pieniny and Beskidy Mountains, to the plains and forests in the southern parts of the region. Moreover, this region has a long and fascinating history, having been the site of many important events that shaped Poland.
What is worth seeing near Krakow? What can you do in Malopolska? I will tell you about the interesting attractions of the Malopolska region in this post.
Table of Contents
Krakow
Krakow is a city that everyone knows and needs no introduction. Every year, it attracts tourists from all over the world. The Old Town, which is the heart of the city, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the starting point of the tour. The centerpiece of this area is the Main Square. Here, you will also see the famous Cloth Hall. As you wander through the charming streets of Krakow’s Old Town, you can admire the picturesque townhouses, which hide a lot of history and mystery. Also near Market Square is St. Mary’s Church, famous for its bugle call, which can be heard from the church’s tower.
Krakow is a city that can be explored endlessly, and each visit brings new and fascinating stories and curiosities. If you are going to Krakow, check out my guide:
What to See in Cracow? Discover Attractions and Interesting Places
Free Museums In Cracow (Krakow) – List And Free Days
Bledowska Desert
Discover one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in Poland – the Bledowska Desert, also known as the “Polish Sahara.” This unusual corner is located on the border of Malopolska and Silesia provinces and surprises you with its exotic landscape and unique nature.
The Bledowska Desert is truly unique on a European scale, as it is the largest desert in Europe. The White Przemsza River, which cuts through this extraordinary area, divides it into two parts. It is worth mentioning that this unusual ecosystem is protected under the Natura 2000 program, which proves its exceptional natural value.
The Bledowska Desert attracts not only tourists but also artists and filmmakers. This mysterious and beautiful landscape has become the setting for many famous films.
Zalipie
What should you see in Malopolska? For example, the colorful village of Zalipie is located just an hour and a half from Krakow. This picturesque corner, hidden in the north of the province, is a real gem.
Zalipie, also known as the “Painted Village,” is famous for its beautiful hand-painted cottages, which decorate both the facades and interiors of the houses. It is these colorful and original designs that make this village stand out and attract tourists from all over the world. It is worth noting that no two houses in Zalipie are the same – each cottage has its unique character and atmosphere.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Has anyone here not yet been to the most famous salt mine? If so, mark this place on the map of Malopolska’s attractions. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that begins 380 stairs down into the depths of the earth. Accompanied by a guide who tells stories and legends related to the mine, you will be able to learn the secrets of the place. You will understand how the salt deposits were discovered, what the working conditions of the miners were like hundreds of years ago, and uncover many other interesting facts.
It takes more than two hours to travel through the Salt Mine Tourist Route, so it is difficult to describe all the sites and impressions of this unique place. As you make your way through the underground passages, you’ll encounter salt lakes, structures, and sculptures carved in the salt.
Lanckorona
If you’ve already visited Zalipie, take a tour of Lanckorona, a charming village located in Wadowice County. Lanckorona is another Malopolska town that impresses with its homely character.
While visiting Lanckorona, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. The colorful wooden houses create an unusual atmosphere that you can easily fall in love with. Lanckorona is a place that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories, no matter what time of year you visit.
Ojcow National Park
Ojcow National Park is the smallest national park in Poland in terms of area. However, this does not mean that it is the least interesting, as it is extremely attractive for tourists.
Located in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland, Ojcow National Park attracts nature lovers and those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is only a dozen kilometers from Krakow! In addition, this national park impresses with its extraordinary landscapes. This is a place worth visiting during your trip to Krakow.
Nowy Sacz
Nowy Sacz is an interesting city with plenty to do. For me, the most fascinating attraction is the Sadecki Ethnographic Park. I love open-air museums, and this one is exceptionally beautiful!
The Sadecki Ethnographic Park is the largest open-air museum in Malopolska. On its grounds, you will see many wooden peasant homesteads, temples, a nobleman’s mansion, and much more. Here, you will learn about the lives of the Foothillers, Highlanders, and the Lemkos, as well as view extremely interesting ethnographic exhibitions. While visiting this place, you should also visit the Galician Town. The open-air museum organizes numerous events, presentations of old crafts, regional culinary and handicraft workshops, and open-air folklore events. It’s worth it any time of the year. ?
Wadowice
Wadowice, a picturesque town in the heart of Malopolska, is a place inextricably linked to the life of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II. Wadowice is a famous pilgrimage site, starting from the Holy Father’s Family Home. In addition to the traces associated with the Pope, Wadowice also offers other attractions, such as the Town Museum and numerous churches and monuments.
While wandering around Wadowice, don’t miss the culinary symbol of the city – the famous kremówki, which will delight any foodie.
You can read more about visiting Wadowice here:
Wadowice – a Town Where Pope John Paul II Was Born
Krynica-Zdroj
Krynica-Zdrój is a picturesque resort in Beskid Sądecki, surrounded by mountains, where health, relaxation, and nature come together harmoniously.
One of the most important reasons to visit Krynica-Zdroj is the mineral waters with healing properties. Krynica-Zdrój is also a paradise for lovers of active recreation. In winter, great ski trails await, and in summer, you can go hiking on scenic trails or cycling.
Auschwitz/Oswiecim
Oswiecim is a city known around the world mainly because of the tragic events that took place there during World War II. Near Oswiecim is the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, a symbol of the Holocaust and genocide committed on a massive scale.
Most of the people who came to this place were murdered in the gas chambers, executed, or died of starvation, disease, or as a result of inhumane experiments.
Zakopane/Tatra Mountains
It’s hard to write about Malopolska without talking about the Tatra Mountains! The Tatras are the highest mountains in Poland. Majestic peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, extensive cave systems, and diverse flora and fauna attract tourists from all over the world.
Zakopane, also known as the “winter capital of Poland,” may not be liked by everyone, but it is an ideal starting point for exploring the Tatra trails. The trails lead through picturesque valleys and up mountains with wonderful views of the countryside. Among the most popular trails are classics such as Morskie Oko, Dolina Pięciu Stawów, and Giewont.
Malopolska – what to see there?
Are these all the attractions of the province? Of course not. Malopolska is a treasure trove of interesting places, and this post encourages you to discover them. The Trail of the Eagles’ Nests is worth a visit, and on my next trip, I want to visit the Petrified City in Ciężkowice. Lesser Poland is also home to Tarnów, the Gorce Mountains, and the Pieniny Mountains. However, these are just three of the many incredibly interesting places in the Małopolska province.
