Short breaks in this self-catering holiday house

This holiday house is located in Rabka-Zdroj, a spa town and skiing resort in between Krakow (Cracow) and Zakopane. It is available for a minimum of 3 nights for short breaks. It's ideally located for trips to Zakopane or skiing locally, or for touring the Malopolska part of south Poland if staying longer.

Summary of the self-catering accommodation:

• 3 living areas: living room, dining room with table to seat 6-8, Polish-style leisure room. TVs in 2 rooms, DVD, Video etc.
• 5 bedrooms to sleep 10 adults, 1 child, plus optional additional 2 on sofa bed in log cabin room, with a mattress topper for a comfortable nights' sleep.
• Cot and highchair provided.
• Almost all rooms have access to a balcony. The large lower balcony has outdoor seating and a barbecue.
• Family bathroom , 1 bathroom with jacuzzi bath & shower over, 2 shower rooms en-suite to upper bedrooms, 2 WC's
• kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and all essentials
• garage, driveway
• full gas central heating, fireplace for a log fire in log cabin style leisure room
• Wi-Fi internet access - bring own laptop
• A selection of toys, books, DVDs and videos, board games.

Click on Tour House above to view photographs and details. The house would make a good base for touring the part of Poland between Cracow, Zakopane and Szczawnica. Great for the independent traveller.

Information about the town of Rabka Zdroj is available via the menu below.

Good times to visit for short breaks

Poland is an all year round short break destination - it all depends on your own interests.

Skiing season is January to March. You will find ski slopes with ski lifts in the town of Rabka, a toboggan run, and an outdoor ice skating rink. The large ski resort of Zakopane is just 40km away.

Summers tend to be warmer than in the UK. Enjoy the countryside and lazy days exploring this lovely part of Poland with several national parks and tourist attractions. See places to visit in Poland.

There are events and reasons to visit at all times of year.

Flying into Cracow, Balice Airport

The nearest airport is Krakow (Balice, and alternatively names as John Paul II airport).

There are various scheduled airlines and cheap operators. Book in advance for best prices. Some companies such as Ryanair offer very cheap flights during the winter months excluding school holidays.

A car is essential to get the most out of a holiday in this part of Poland unless you're staying in Cracow only. The taxi fare from Krakow to the house is about £40 or £55 for the hire of a mini bus to seat up to 20.

Car rental for the week can be as little as £170. We have found Budget Cars trouble free. Arrange in advance for quick collection at the airport. An automatic car will make driving on the right-hand side of the road much easier.

Value for money holidays

One of the bonuses of a holiday in Poland is that your money goes a long way. Dining, skiing and most activities are inexpensive compared to the UK. For example, entry to a castle is likely to cost about £2.

Poland is a large mainly rural country with plenty of space,especially in the great outdoors. It's wonderful for hill walking and outdoor pursuits.

If you enjoy being pampered, beauty treatments, massages and hairdressing are available at very attractive prices. Perhaps not as pleasant a thought - dental treatment in Poland can save you a fortune.

Wildlife and flowers

Several national parks within a shortish drive from the house (one can just about be walked to). The Tatra National Park near Zakopane is only 40km away plus three other national parks within half an hour's drive.

Enjoy the plentiful wildlife including the unusual dark squirrels with white bellies. There are still brown bears and wild boar roaming the woods. Deer are common.

Bird watching is interesting even for those withot an active interest - it's quite exciting to see storks nesting atop telegraph poles and wonder how on earth the young manage on their first flight.

It's an excellent location for walkers, offering both uphill, and flattish, paths and trails with beautiful scenery.