Spas: A Longtime Tradition
In Poland, there are several spas with long traditions. They are located mainly in the south of Poland, in Carpathian and Sudeten Mountains and at the Baltic Coast. They offer stays with some or no medical treatment.

The most popular spas are Krynica, Zegiestow and Piwniczna in Beskid Sadecki, Szczawnica in Pieniny, Rabka at the foothills of Gorce, Polanica, Duszniki and Kudowa in Ziemia Klodzka, Cieplice in Kotlina Jeleniogorska, Swieradow in Gory Izerskie and Miedzyzdroje, Kamien Pomorski and Polczyn in Pomorze. The biggest spas in the plateau region are Ciechocinek and Inowroclaw in Kujawy. Konstancin near Warsaw is becoming a world famous rehabilitation center.

The curative properties of Polish spas have been known for a long time. People traveled to the waters for health as well as for social reasons. One of the oldest spas in Poland is Cieplice Zdroj - its records date back to the year 1281.

Polish spas treat a variety of complaints, including Locomotory disorders, Rheumatic conditions, Circulatory disorders, Respiratory disorders, Digestive tract complaints, Gynecological problems, Throat and skin diseases, Endocrinological disorders, Metabolic disorders and Urinary tract diseases.

Horseback Riding:
Horse breeding has an extremely long history in Poland. Polish horses are famous throughout the world. The lovers of these beautiful animals come from all over the world to the auctions organized in Warsaw, Iwno, Janow Podlaski, Ksiaz, Sopot and Lobez.

Vacations in the saddle are very popular. Numerous equestrian centers throughout Poland welcome the enthusiasts of this sport. Horseback riding lessons are available for beginners. Experienced riders may gallop off into the beautiful countryside. Rides in horse-drawn carriages are also organized. The best-known centers are Bialy Bor, Sierakow, Czerniejewo, Lubniewice, Ksiaz near Walbrzych, Tack, Boguslawice, Janow Podlaski, Iwno and Kadyny.

Camping:
Throughout Poland, particularly in mountain areas, the Board of Polish National Parks maintains a network of well marked trails where visitors can hike or bicycle. In forested areas, hikers and cyclists will frequently come across shelters, portable kitchens, and places especially designated for camping and campfires.

Shopping:
Among the first Western franchises to stake a claim in Poland were Benetton, Puma and Christian Dior. Unbeguiling state shops have moved to less prominent quarters on side streets to make space for upscale boutiques and restaurants.

Galleries sell new works by highly skilled silversmiths and goldsmiths. Unique jewelry, from elegant necklaces of strung beads to amber brooches set in 18th century style silver design, is very reasonably priced. Much of the jewelry is made with natural Polish materials, such as amber washed up on the Baltic shores to the north. Other good buys are silver table settings, crystal and antiques.

Cepelia shops, state-owned stores that sell Polish handicrafts, are a find. In some parts of the cities, the Cepelias have already been transformed into boutique atmospheres complete with fancy window awnings and displays of superior handicrafts.

There are numerous options open to the dedicated shopper. An interesting feature throughout Poland is the weekday open air market and bazaar. For the patient shopper they offer excellent bargains in everything from farm fresh eggs to wooden folk carvings. An event not-to-be-missed is the August Dominican Fair in the old town area of Gdansk. Started in A.D. 1260, this annual event provides two full weeks of pageantry and fun combined with the sale of artistic works, souvenirs and flea-market items. Those visiting the International Fair in Poznan may want to set aside some time for shopping, especially those seeking bargains in porcelain and folk art.