TUI has launched new routes to the fairytale town for the summer of 2026 (Image: TUI)
A European fairytale town where you can wander through breathtaking, diverse landscapes before grabbing a pint for a mere £2.50, is less than three hours from the UK.
The lesser-known resort town of Zakopane, Poland, with dramatic mountains and crystal-clear lakes, has joined TUI’s summer 2026 programme. The airline has launched new holiday packages from the UK to Zakopane, available between May and September, offering a seven-night stay for less than £90 per person, per day.
Nestled in southern Poland, the picturesque town looks something straight out of a storybook, with wooden chalets, purple wildflower meadows and serene emerald lakes that mirror the majestic Tatra Mountains. Known as ‘the littlest large mountains’, they form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland, are snow-capped in winter and a haven for walkers during the warmer months.
The Zakopane lakes are crystal-clear, and against the backdrop of the dramatic mountains (Image: TUI)
There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy in Zakopane, set among the alpine scenery and to soak up the crisp mountain air. Some notable routes, set within enchanting landscapes, include Giewont peak, shaped like a “sleeping knight”, and Morskie Oko, a glacial turquoise lake with mirrored waters, which has often been named as one of the most beautiful in Europe.
For an easier route, there are gentle strolls around the Five Lakes Valley, or the option to ride in the Kasprowy Wierch cable car and the Gubałówka funicular to take in the mesmerising views. With a thriving wildlife among its beautiful terrain, you might even be able to spot brown bears, marmots, chamois, or golden eagles in their natural habitat.
The charming town, charatised by its quaint wooden chalets, also has plenty to explore with Krupówki Street’s markets, local craft shops and horse‑drawn carriages available to ride through the bustling streets. There are also cosy beer halls and warm thermal baths with mountain vistas – perfect after a day of exploring!
Zakopane starkly resembles the French Alps, but costs a fraction of the price. The experts at TUI said that pints in the town cost around £2.50, with the drink alongside a pizza available for less than £10.
There’s also plenty to explore in the town centre with cosy beer halls and markets (Image: TUI)
TUI has added package holidays to Zakopane as part of its Lakes and Mountains programme for summer 2026, offering travellers the opportunity to explore the little-known town in Poland. For those who want to venture a little further, trains run from Zakopane to Kraków in less than 2 hours, making it perfect for day trips and for exploring more of the country’s rich heritage.
Flights to Zakopane will be available from 16 airports across the UK, with TUI’s partner airlines EasyJet and Ryanair. One TUI package available to book includes a seven-night stay at 3T Apartamenty ApartArt Zakopane on a room-only basis from £624 per person, based on two adults sharing and departing from London Luton on May 26, 2026, with hand luggage only.
The package holidays will run from May to September 2026, so there’s plenty of time to find the deal for you and enjoy a scenic summer escape.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
