Villa Marilor, Zakopane

Zakopane, my little land of Narnia!

Advantages: great place to visit
Disadvantages: the food

It might have took me a two hour flight and a further two hour coach ride to get to this beautiful mountainous place, but it was like stepping through my own wardrobe and entering my own little land of Narnia! My usual holidays normally consist of Sun Sea and sand. But this year I fancied something very different and in-fact, quite the opposite. Never before had I ever tried Skiing, and had fancied it for many years. Being a complete novice and rather accident prone, I wanted to go to a good place where a beginner like me would feel comfortable learning how. Zakopane was recommended time and time again. At first I was a little worried, as no one that I spoke to about it had ever heard of skiing in Poland. On arrival I realised this must be a brilliantly kept secret from the Brits, as it was completely wonderful. Ok, so first ...

dempsey_review 28.01.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Zakopane

Zakopane, Poland

Advantages: Beautiful surroundings, great nightlife, shopping!!!
Disadvantages: Even Zakopane isn't free of the fast food outlets!

I went to Zakopane 2 years ago now and would highly recommend it. It's a buzzing little village (I went in August but I believe it's even busier during the ski season) with lots of bars and restaurants selling great beer and food very cheaply! The market stays open to the late hours and sells lots of wooden, leather and wool products very cheaply. You'll see young kids in traditional costume, walking around with mountain goats. They are after money, don't just be tempted to take a photo of a cute kid with a goat..........he's on a mission and will expect money in return for the picture. Surprisingly, his English will suddenly become top notch and he'll barter like mad if you are reluctant to pay! Go on a trip through the countryside (it's surprisingly flat in Zakopane, just surrounded by the mountains really) as you'll see lots ...

loum70 07.07.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Zakopane

Zakopane - a hidden Alpine jewel

Advantages: beautiful, unspoilt and very good value for money
Disadvantages: language barrier and food could be better

Zakopane, located in south Poland along the Polono-Slovak border, is a true mountain resort at 900m altitude. But then again, it doesn't conform to the true western European alpine resort, which makes it somewhat refreshing. Getting there... About three hours from Krakow airport. The roads are slow, with heavy traffic through foothills but are being updated. At the airport, you are likely to be approached by people offering you a taxi or minibus ride at very cheap prices, which may be worth considering if you're on a budget. We went with a tour operator. First impressions... Think of Poland, people think of communism, poverty, coal mining and cold temperatures. This is far from reality - the houses are beautiful houses, starting in Krakow as tall buildings and gradually becoming pretty chalets. The countryside on the journey ...

tallyrand8 30.03.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Zakopane