Nightclubs are abuzz with flowing bottles of Moet. This scene is ordinary in Sopot, located on the Polish Riviera. Ever since Frenchman Jean Haffner established a sauna and beach cabins in 1823, this seaside enclave has exuded a reminiscent South of France ambiance – according to Daily Mail.
Welcome to the Polish Riviera! Disregard St Tropez – set your sights on Sopot by the sea, where you can revel in luxury and elegance at a fraction of the cost. What sets it apart from destinations like Cannes or Nice, apart from the weather, is the exceptional affordability. At the heart of the resort is the Sofitel Grand Sopot hotel, which has hosted luminaries like Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo.
You can explore the Sopot seaside haven this year, which offers a similar charm to the South of France. Sunbeds are neatly aligned along Sopot’s 2.5-mile beach, leading to Europe’s longest wooden pier, which serves as a sort of runway above the ocean. Bikini-clad women hold onto their chihuahuas, while sleek yachts elegantly dock nearby. Hip individuals sporting Ray-Bans casually approach, extending invitations for jetski rides – describes Daily Mail.
Further along the pier lies Mamuszki 15, an eatery boasting 200 beach chairs on the glistening sand. It possesses its own sauna and Balinese massage studio, situated on the same grounds where Jean Haffner originally constructed his bathhouse two centuries ago. The Haffner Hotel continues the wellness traditions initiated by Monsieur Haffner.
The midday meal consists of Baltic herrings masterfully grilled to perfection, accompanied by a consomme infused with dill.
This delectable dining experience is priced at a mere five units of currency, and patrons are granted access to the restaurant’s private pool as well. In the 1920s, a few swimmers embraced nudity, a practice attributed to Sopot’s affiliation with the Free City of Danzig (in proximity to Gdansk), which was later absorbed into the German Reich.
During the vibrant Roaring Twenties, Deutsche Luft Hansa facilitated the direct transportation of affluent vacationers onto the beach via a seaplane originating from Berlin. Sopot boasted lively cabaret performances, yet the predominant activities revolved around collective displays of robust positivity. Period snapshots showcase contests of pier-diving, synchronised group gymnastics, beachside archery, and grand Wagnerian opera presentations. Even then, Sopot emanated an air of sophistication.
A leisurely stroll along Sopot’s exquisite Belle Epoque villas proves intriguing; these residences command some of the highest real estate values in Poland. Among these opulent structures, the most extravagant villa serves as the home to the Sopot Museum.
„In 1961, Poland’s first rock club, Non-Stop, opened in Sopot” – says museum curator Justyna Gibbs.
An exclusive contingent of holidaymakers hailing from socialist nations like the Soviet Union and Hungary made their way to the town. Even Fidel Castro arrived to indulge in cigar smoking against the backdrop of the sandy shores.
Polish vacationers embarked on a direct train journey from Warsaw, all the while tuning in to The Beatles courtesy of Radio Luxembourg. Amid the festivities of the Sopot International Song Festival, Boney M delivered an energetic rendition of „Rasputin,” bedecked in shimmering pantaloons.
Much like its St. Tropez counterpart, Sopot was originally a fishing village. This unique history allowed for the discreet delivery of foreign clothing and prohibited books directly onto the beach. Gibbs remarks – „Sopot was a window on the West and probably the most liberal town in Poland”.
A budget-friendly £5 train departing from Sopot stops at various destinations, including Jurata (a surf beach favored by the Instagram generation), Jastarnia (hosting Riviera-style hotels), and Chałupy (home to Poland’s initial naturist beach). Ultimately, the journey concludes at Hel, a stylish coastal escape. The Hel Peninsula boasts an expansive 20-mile stretch of pristine white sandy beaches. The city proves to be a heaven for beachcombers, seafood aficionados, and swimmers, despite the Baltic Sea’s water temperature seldom surpassing 21°C.
Author: Patrycja Bodzek-Kurzyńska
Cover phote: Twitter @StateOfPoland
Photos: Caroline Byczynski
