Sopot is a hidden gem – its our favourite family holiday destination and we only discovered it by accident!
Unheard off by most people we happened to hear of it from a friend who had been there on a work trip and then later took his family for a holiday. He highly recommended the location (Sopot) and the hotel (Sofitel Grand Sopot).
I was very reluctant initially as I’d never heard of Sopot or Gdansk (the airport we would be flying into) and I was keen to go to a more ‘known’ or ‘popular’ destination. The only reason we booked is we were getting flights at a good rate to and fro on the dates/times that suited us (this was five years back!). Our lovely Si was only a year old then!
We were so blown away by the place that we’ve been going there every single year for the last five years! Who would have thought!!??
We fly into Gdansk (which is a Polish city on the Baltic coast) and take a taxi to our hotel in Sopot (about 45 minutes). For the last four years we’ve gone there for the August Bank Holiday weekend (adding a day or two more). This is the first time we went early August (it was my birthday trip!).
On all trips (except for the odd day or two) we’ve been blessed with good weather, however this time the weather was outstanding! Possibly because we went early August and not towards the end of the season. Gloriously sunny days lazing on Sofitel Grand Sopot’s private beach, enjoying the pristine golden sands and the beautiful Baltic breeze! It was pure heaven and we didn’t want to return!!!
Sopot, Gdnask and Gdynia together form the famous tricity in the north of Poland along the coast of the Baltic Sea. Sopot sits in the middle and is the smallest of the three and is a very famous holiday destination for the locals. It is famous! Only I had never heard of it!!! Its nicknamed by Poland as the Monte Carlo of the north! Here’s what locals often say – “Live in Gdynia, work in Gdansk and party in Sopot!”
We did a day trip to Gdynia couple of years ago and its a lovely historic city that’s definitely worth visiting. We would go there again on one of our future trips when the children are a bit older and able to appreciate and enjoy the history more.
Some things to do in Sopot…
Sopot “Molo” (Sopot’s pier)
The “Molo” is the most famous landmark in Sopot and is the longest wooden pier in Poland with some brilliant views of the Baltic Sea. The walk is wonderful and even through its quite crowded specially at peak times….that’s part of its charm! Its great to see so many people strolling, enjoying the stunning views and the cool Baltic breeze (it can get very very breezy!). There is a small entrance fee to the pier (8 zloty per person) – but its totally worth it. And there are also some lovely bars and restaurants in the area.
Visit the Krzywy Domek (The Crooked House)
Sopot’s quirky Crooked House is located on Monciak Street. Its an unusually shaped building constructed in 2004. Inside it houses bars, cafes and nightclubs.
Hotel Sofitel Grand Sopot
Overlooking the Baltic Sea and having its own private beach the luxurious Hotel Sofitel Grand Sopot offers exceptional facilities and a very comfortable stay! There is a rich history associated with the hotel having entertained a long list of international celebrities. Rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished in a traditional style. The staff is very attentive and have always been friendly and extremely helpful.
We’ve stayed at this hotel every single time we’ve come here and wouldn’t stay anywhere else! Yes, it is expensive but well worth it!
One of the things we love about this hotel is that its got its own private beach, and since we’ve come here so many times and does all the ‘touristy’ things we just spend most of the day lounging around the beach. There is a beach bar and restaurant with service available all day and once again the staff is very helpful and attentive. We often have breakfast at the beach though we’ve had it at the hotel a few times and its very nice with a huge selection!
The pool and the spa are also top notch! If we’re not on the beach the kids love to splash around in the pool for hours till you drag them out! And they also have a lovely children’s play area which we’ve used a few times when the weather hasn’t been perfect.
I would highly recommend staying at this hotel if you are visiting Sopot, but even if you don’t stay here its worth coming in for a meal – the restaurant is lovely and again the staff there extremely helpful and friendly and the food delicious!
