APolish town Gulf tourists are discovering a new summer favorite in Europe. Instead of crowded destinations like London, Paris, or Switzerland, many Gulf families are heading to Zakopane, a charming town in Poland.
Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is quickly becoming a hit for Gulf tourists this year. The reasons are clear: cool weather, affordable luxury, halal-friendly facilities, and family-oriented activities. For Gulf travelers looking to escape the desert heat, this Polish town is the perfect summer escape.
So, what exactly makes this Polish town so special for Gulf travelers in 2025? Let’s dive deeper.
Gulf tourists are redefining European travel
Over the past decade, tourists from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have become some of the most influential travelers in the world. They are known for their high spending power, preference for luxury and comfort, and family-oriented style of travel.
Traditionally, they flocked to big cities like London, Paris, and Milan or the luxury resorts of Switzerland and Austria. But now, many Gulf families are seeking less crowded, more affordable, and culturally welcoming destinations. This shift is giving rise to new hotspots across Eastern Europe — and Poland is one of the biggest winners.
The rise of a Polish town on Gulf travel maps
The town at the heart of this trend is Zakopane, often called the “winter capital of Poland.” Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is famous for its wooden villas, scenic hiking trails, and traditional Polish highland culture.
While Poles and other Europeans have long loved Zakopane for skiing and hiking, this summer it’s Gulf tourists who are filling the hotels, renting chalets, and enjoying the cool mountain breeze.
For Gulf travelers, who often face scorching heat back home during summer, Zakopane offers refreshing weather, dramatic landscapes, and a family-friendly atmosphere — all at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
Why Zakopane appeals to Gulf tourists
Several factors have turned Zakopane into a surprise hit among Gulf visitors this year.
Cool weather and mountain escapes
Gulf tourists travel mainly in summer to escape extreme heat. With temperatures back home often crossing 45°C, destinations with cool climates become essential. Zakopane, with its fresh mountain air, stays pleasant even in July and August, rarely exceeding 25°C. Families can enjoy picnics in the meadows, cable car rides up the mountains, and evenings strolling through the lively Krupówki Street without worrying about heat exhaustion.
Affordable luxury compared to Western Europe
In Switzerland, a family vacation can be extremely expensive, from hotels to food to activities. Zakopane offers a similar mountain-town charm but at much lower prices. Luxury chalets, spa resorts, and private villas are available at costs far below what Gulf tourists pay in Austria or France. This makes Poland an attractive choice for both middle-class Gulf families and wealthier travelers who enjoy splurging but appreciate better value for money.
Halal food and cultural sensitivity
One of the biggest challenges Gulf tourists face abroad is finding halal food and facilities that align with their cultural values. Zakopane has responded quickly to this demand. Many restaurants now offer halal options, and Polish chefs have adapted menus to include Middle Eastern favorites alongside traditional Polish cuisine. Prayer spaces and family-oriented services are also becoming more common. Locals have noticed the increase in Gulf tourists and have adapted to make them feel at home.
Privacy and family focus
Privacy is a top priority for many Gulf families, especially for women who prefer secluded spaces. Zakopane’s villa rentals, mountain chalets, and boutique resorts provide private accommodations where families can relax comfortably. The town also offers plenty of family-friendly activities — from horse-drawn carriage rides to mountain railways, water parks, and hiking trails suitable for children.
Easy accessibility
With growing flight connections between the Gulf and Poland, access has become easier. Direct and connecting flights to Kraków — the nearest major city to Zakopane — are increasing. From Kraków, it’s just a two-hour drive to the town, making it a convenient journey for families.
Tourist activities Gulf travelers love in Zakopane
For Gulf visitors, Zakopane is not just about escaping the heat. The town offers a wide range of experiences that align well with their preferences.
- Cable car to Kasprowy Wierch – Gulf tourists love the panoramic views of the Tatras from the summit.
- Horse-drawn carriages in Morskie Oko – A picturesque lake surrounded by peaks, accessible via scenic rides.
- Shopping on Krupówki Street – Lively markets with souvenirs, wooden crafts, and international brands.
- Thermal spas and hot springs – Relaxing wellness centers that attract families seeking leisure.
- Cultural shows and folk music – Unique experiences that introduce travelers to Polish highland traditions.
Many Gulf tourists also take day trips from Zakopane to Kraków for its historical old town, castles, and halal-friendly dining options.
Poland’s tourism industry welcomes the Gulf
Recognizing this surge in interest, Poland’s tourism industry has started focusing on the Gulf market. Travel agencies are now offering Arabic-language services, dedicated guides, and customized packages for Gulf families.
Hotel staff in Zakopane increasingly speak English and sometimes even Arabic. Marketing campaigns promoting Poland as a halal-friendly, family-friendly destination are appearing in Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.
The Polish government has also eased visa policies for travelers from the Gulf, making the process smoother and encouraging more visits.
Comparison: Zakopane vs traditional Gulf tourist hotspots
| Feature | Zakopane (Poland) | Switzerland / Austria | London / Paris |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather | Cool, fresh mountain climate | Cool, alpine | Mild, sometimes rainy |
| Cost of stay | Affordable luxury | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Halal food availability | Growing rapidly | Limited in smaller towns | Readily available |
| Privacy options | Private chalets, villas | Hotels mostly | Hotels, limited privacy |
| Family-friendly | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Accessibility | Easy via Kraków | Easy but costly | Easy |
Voices from the Gulf: Why they love Zakopane
Many Gulf tourists who visited Zakopane this summer shared positive reviews:
“We usually go to Switzerland, but Zakopane gave us the same mountain feeling at half the price.” – A family from Saudi Arabia.
“The halal restaurants made our stay so much easier. We felt very comfortable.” – A tourist from Kuwait.
“My children loved the horse carriage rides and cable cars. It was perfect for families.” – A visitor from the UAE.
These testimonials highlight why Zakopane is becoming more than just a trend — it’s building a loyal fan base among Gulf travelers.
What this means for future tourism in Poland
The popularity of Zakopane among Gulf tourists could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Poland’s tourism industry. As more families share their experiences, word of mouth is spreading quickly across Gulf countries.
If the trend continues, we may see:
- More direct flights between Gulf capitals and Kraków
- Expansion of halal restaurants and prayer facilities
- Specialized luxury resorts catering specifically to Middle Eastern families
- Increased marketing of Poland as a summer destination for Gulf travelers
This could not only boost the local economy of Zakopane but also position Poland as a major player in Europe’s summer tourism market.
Final thoughts
The story of this Polish town’s sudden rise among Gulf tourists shows how travel patterns are shifting. Instead of the usual Western European cities, Gulf families are exploring new, affordable, and welcoming destinations like Zakopane.
Cool weather, privacy, halal-friendly services, and family-centered activities make Zakopane the perfect summer getaway. For Gulf tourists, it offers everything they want — comfort, culture, and a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
And for Poland, it’s an opportunity to shine on the global tourism map.
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