For many, the May holiday means a few extra days of rest. Too short for a long vacation or a trip abroad, yet enough to break away from everyday life. It often happens that part of this time is taken up by catching up on household chores, leaving only a day or two for relaxation. How to make the most of it? Here are some ideas for the May holiday near Warsaw.
Active water recreation is a great way to relax surrounded by nature. Near Warsaw, there is no shortage of places perfect for kayaking trips or stand-up paddleboarding.
The Pilica River, one of the longest left-bank tributaries of the Vistula, is a true paradise for kayakers. You can start the trip in Warka and finish near Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą. The calmer, meandering Liwiec River is an excellent choice for beginners.
More experienced paddlers can try their skills on the Vistula, for example on the stretch from Góra Kalwaria to Warsaw. Another popular spot is the Zegrze Reservoir, where in addition to kayaks, you can rent SUP boards. And if someone is looking for a combination of active rest and relaxation, Zegrze Lake offers both water attractions and beach opportunities.
For those who prefer a slower pace, a walk through the picturesque Romantic Park in Arkadia is a great idea. It is a place full of historic charm, created at the end of the 18th century by Helena Radziwiłłowa. The park is an example of an English garden inspired by antiquity and romanticism. You can admire the ruins of the Temple of Diana, the Burgrave's House, and the Aqueduct here.
The Romantic Park is located right next to the Palace in Nieborów, which allows combining visits to both places into one unique trip.
If you are fascinated by history and monumental buildings, Modlin Fortress is a place worth visiting. Its construction began by Napoleon’s order in 1806, but its greatest development took place during the Russian partition period. The fortress played an important role in the wars of the 19th and 20th centuries, serving as a key defensive point.
Today, it is one of the best-preserved fortification complexes in Poland. You can see the longest barracks building in Europe, a citadel, powder magazines, and numerous bastions here. It is worth climbing to the observation point on the Red-Brzesk tower, which offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. The fortress holds many secrets and can be explored both individually and with a guide.
For history enthusiasts, a great idea for a May holiday trip is the Nadwiślańskie Settlement Open-Air Museum in Wiączemin Polski. This place takes you back in time and shows the life of former Dutch settlers on the Vistula.
The central point of the museum is the Village Homestead, a reconstructed cottage where you can see old equipment, tools, and interiors arranged according to tradition. Visiting the museum is an opportunity to learn about the region’s history, old architecture, and the daily life of former inhabitants of these lands.
If instead of intensive sightseeing you prefer to spend the May holiday in a more relaxing way, Santa Natura Resort & SPA is a great choice.
Located in the outskirts of the Bolimów Landscape Park, it combines elegance with nature. It is a place of true rest; after a good night's sleep, you can enjoy a delicious slow food breakfast, relax in the pool or sauna. You can take leisurely walks, listening to the sounds of nature, and in the evening, with a glass of drink or hot tea in hand, go out to the terrace and admire the stars, far from the city lights.
The May holiday near Warsaw does not have to be boring. Whether you prefer active water recreation, historical discoveries, atmospheric walks, or relaxation at the SPA, you will find something for yourself. One or two days is enough to break away from everyday life and recharge your batteries for the weeks ahead.