IF you are looking for a bargain beach holiday this year, there’s a European destination that you might have never considered before - and it’s more accessible than you’d think.
Nestled on the picturesque Baltic coast, Hel Peninsula is considered to be “paradise on earth” by some avid beachgoers.
Others even refer to it as Poland’s answer to the Scilly Isles.
Flights there are cheap, too - with direct return journeys from London costing as little as £40 even during the peak summer holiday season.
That might be why this hidden gem is attracting eager holidaymakers looking to soak up the sun and beat the crowds, all while saving a packet.
Horror tattoo bungle leaves woman blind after eye-inking goes wrong
Stretching 21 miles, Hel Peninsula is becoming popular with beach-goers looking for a cheap getaway without the bustling crowds during the busy summer season.
While some might deem it an unlikely destination for sun-worshipping, Hel is known for its long stretch of sandy shores.
People on TripAdvisor have raved about the beach.
One man said it was "heavenly," adding: "If you prefer quiet and virgin beaches, walk to the southernmost tip of the peninsula."
Another added: "Heavenly Hel – Some of Europe's longest and most beautiful beaches."
A third wrote: "Miles of beautiful uncrowded sandy beaches bordered by fine forests made for a wonderful day trip from Gdansk."
Hel Peninsula also has huge sand dunes and dense forests surrounding it for tourists who fancy a hike.
There are also charming fishing villages scattered along the peninsula with restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood.
Hel is also known for its majestic lighthouse - being the highest point on the island, it offers stunning panoramic vistas of the peninsula.
Woman, 21, blinded by tattoo artist's botched effort to dye her eyeballs black
Perhaps the best part about visiting Hel Peninsula is how cheap it is to get there with one way flights starting from £15.
From London, both WizzAir and Ryanair operate two flights daily to Poland’s Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, which is just over an hour’s drive from Hel Peninsula.
For example, you can currently book a four-day break in early July - Tuesday to Saturday - for just £44 return with WizzAir, flying from Luton.
