Świnoujście - Poland’s Baltic powerhouse and tourism leader in 2025

“Beach of the year 2025” – twelve years of uninterrupted leadership

Świnoujście topped the 2025 edition of the Polish beach ranking by Travelist.pl, receiving the prestigious “Beach of the year” title for the twelfth consecutive time. This remarkable achievement is a direct result of the city’s consistent investments in public space, beach management, and high-quality infrastructure.

Moreover, the city won two additional categories – “Best beach for active tourism” and “Most lively beach” – and ranked second in the “Best family-friendly beach” category. These results confirm that Świnoujście successfully integrates natural beauty, urban development, and diverse services tailored to various visitor groups.

High standards, exceptional conditions

What sets Świnoujście apart is a combination of measurable advantages:

• The widest beach in Poland: up to 200 meters across in places, offering comfortable space even during peak season;
• Exceptionally warm sea water: summer temperatures often reach 25–26°C, making it one of the warmest areas of the Polish coast;
• Blue Flag certification: awarded nearly every year for the past two decades, confirming top standards in safety, cleanliness, and environmental care;
• No hazardous currents or cyanobacteria: a rarity on the Baltic, ensuring uninterrupted access to the sea throughout the season.

These elements – backed by long-term urban and tourism policies – allow Świnoujście to maintain a competitive edge not just nationally, but also within the wider Baltic and Northern European region.

International recognition – National Geographic and BBC spotlight

Świnoujście’s position on the tourism map was further strengthened by international recognition. National Geographic Traveler included West Pomerania (with Świnoujście as a highlight) in its prestigious “Best of the World 2024/25” list, focusing on the Velo Baltica cycling trail beginning in the city and stretching to Elbląg. Described as a “hidden gem” of European bike tourism, the trail offers uninterrupted coastal views, including access to wild and quiet beaches.

Additionally, the BBC hailed Poland as an “underrated leader in cycling tourism,” positioning Świnoujście as a starting point for slow, cross-border exploration. The route is praised for combining natural scenery with modern infrastructure – making it one of the top active tourism experiences in Europe.

A multifunctional coastal city where tourism meets logistics

Świnoujście offers more than just leisure. As a port city, spa town, and regional gateway, it serves a strategic function in Poland’s maritime landscape. Its multimodal connections – including ferry lines, cross-border bike paths, and planned infrastructure upgrades – make it an increasingly important node for both cargo and passenger movement.

Uniquely located across 44 islands, Świnoujście also facilitates transnational tourism, with direct links to the renowned Kaiserbad resorts of Germany (Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, Bansin). This creates a seamless Polish-German leisure corridor – one of a kind in the region – further reinforcing Świnoujście’s identity as an open, dynamic destination with international reach.

Świnoujście as a model for Baltic coastal development

Świnoujście has become a benchmark for what a modern, multifunctional coastal city should look like – balancing tourism, environmental responsibility, port activities, and public space innovation. With growing international recognition and a consistent presence in national rankings, the city remains a top-tier destination with economic, cultural, and strategic significance for the Baltic region.

In 2025, Świnoujście once again proved that it’s not just a summer favorite – it’s a long-term success story worth watching.