The beach in Świnoujście is almost 200 metres wide in places, with fine sand and a gentle slope into the water. Here is what is worth knowing before you lay out your towel.
One of the widest beaches in Poland
What sets the beach in Świnoujście apart is above all its width. In places it is almost 200 metres from the dunes to the water, which puts it among the widest beaches in the country. In practice this means two things. First, even in high season it is easy to find a spot without neighbours at arm’s length. Second, it is a fair walk to the water – with a sunbed, parasol and toys, a beach trolley or light packing helps.
The beach is regularly awarded the Blue Flag, the international label for bathing sites that meet standards of water quality, safety and facilities.
The sand and the way into the water
The sand is pale, fine and loose, with no stones. Children can build with it easily and adults can walk barefoot in comfort. Closer to the shore, where the waves reach, the sand is firm – this strip is the easiest to walk on, and a trolley with large wheels will roll along it too.
The seabed slopes gently. For a long stretch the water is only knee- or waist-deep, which is why the beach is popular with families with small children. Shallow water also warms up faster. Bear in mind, though, that the Baltic is changeable: in strong wind, waves and currents can catch you out even where it was calm the day before.
Beach entrances and the dunes
About a dozen entrances lead from the promenade to the beach. They pass through a belt of dunes covered with grass and pines. The dunes are protected – you must not walk or lay out a blanket on them, so keep to the marked crossings. Some entrances are paved or have boardwalks, which makes access with a pushchair easier. The main entrance is in the central part of the promenade and is the busiest in season; walk a few hundred metres to either side and you will have far more space.
Lifeguarded bathing areas
In the summer season lifeguards are on duty on marked sections. The rule is simple: a white flag means swimming is allowed, a red flag means it is forbidden. No flag means no lifeguard on duty. With children, the guarded sections are the best choice. The dates and hours of lifeguard cover change every year, so check the current details before heading to the beach.
What you will find on the beach in season
- Beach baskets and sunbeds – hire points operate by the main entrances. A hooded beach basket gives good shelter from the wind, which on the Baltic often matters more than shade.
- Beach bars – in summer by the entrances and on the beach itself.
- Sport – the wide strip of sand is ideal for beach volleyball, kite flying and running along the water’s edge.
There is no natural shade on a beach this wide. A parasol or beach tent, sun cream and hats for the children are essentials, and a windbreak is more often useful against the wind than against the neighbours. On hot days the sand further back gets very hot, so flip-flops are a good idea for the walk to the water.
If you are bringing a dog, check the current rules in advance – restrictions apply on some bathing areas in season.
The beach out of season
In autumn and winter the beach changes character. The baskets and bars disappear, leaving a wide, empty space, the sound of the waves and the birds. It is a good time for long walks: turn left (facing the sea) and the shore takes you to the border and on to Ahlbeck in Germany; turn right and you reach the breakwater and Stawa Młyny, the windmill that is the symbol of the town.
After storms many people search the shoreline for amber. It is easiest to spot in the morning, in the line of seaweed and small twigs left by the waves. Out of season you will want a windproof jacket and a hat – it is windier on the open beach than on the promenade. The sun sets early then, so the sunset fits neatly into an afternoon walk.
A day on the beach is simpler when you can pop back for a forgotten towel or for lunch in a few minutes. Our apartments stand by the promenade, a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Ask about available dates or have a look at our apartments – you book directly with us.