Malopolska region (Lesser Poland in English) located in the south-east part of Poland is one of the most beautiful and dynamically developing regions in Poland and Eastern Europe. It is located on the crossroads between the South – Slovakia and Hungary and the East – Ukraine, has unique advantages and attracts 12 million tourists each year, new investments and young people studying at Malopolska universities like the Jagiellonian, one of the oldest universities in the world.

The landscape of Malopolska region of Poland

Malopolska region has approximately 3.4 million inhabitants and covers the area of 15.2 thousand square kilometers. The capital of Malopolska is historic Krakow with over 769 thousand inhabitants, the second largest city in Poland – the cradle of the Polish state. The city is the home for more than 200 thousand students. Tourists admire the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Old Town, the vibrant with life Kazimierz district, museums, galleries, theaters and music stages. Krakow Airport, the second largest in Poland, supports approximately 5.8 million passengers each year, offers direct flights to the majority of European countries.

Carriages on Krakow’s UNESCO Old Town Market Square

Charming cafe on Krakow’s UNESCO Old Town Market Square

From Krakow, the roads lead to other urban centers of the region like Tarnow, Nowy Sacz and Zakopane. Zakopane, Polish capital of winter sports and tourism is located south of Krakow and in the sub-region Podhale – home to the Polish highlanders, in the heart of the Tatra Mountains – the most beautiful range of Polish mountains.

Highlander musicians from Malopolska region of Poland

Malopolska region strongly cares about the natural environment protection. There are six national parks, numerous landscape parks and protected areas. As many as eight historical sites in the Malopolska region – including the Old Town of Krakow, Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp have been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Malopolska is also traditionally a place visited by the amateurs of winter sports, climbing, mountain hiking, biking and water tourism. Visitors can enjoy a golf fields, canoe tracks and horse farms.

Rafting on the Dunajec River Gorge in Malopolska region of Poland

Regional sheep cheese from Malopolska – “oscypek”

Wine tasting at Srebrna Gora winery outside of Krakow, Malopolska region of Poland

We invite you to discover Malopolska region with Poland Culinary Vacations in 2019 on one of four exciting small-group tours we offer every year to the region:

“Cooking Your Way From Krakow to Zakopane” and Pierogi Festival in Krakow

“Spa & Wine Vacation in Southern Poland and Krakow”

“The Magic of Christmas Markets in Poland” 

and our NEW wine tour: “Five Days with Polish Wine in Lesser Poland + Krakow” 

See you in Malopolska (Lesser Poland)! – Do zobaczenia w Malopolsce!

Malgorzata (Sarna) Rose, is a native of Poland. Poland Culinary Vacations grew out of her love and passion for travel and everything Polish, including fine Polish cuisine, eventually blossoming into a first-class culinary travel company. While growing up in Poland, she experienced the great joy of cooking with family and friends. Using her grandmothers' recipes and fresh ingredients from their gardens, they prepared food for weddings, parties, and traditional holidays. Now, through Poland Culinary Vacations, she wants to share that experience with you, and show you the best of everyday Polish living: the special people and their hospitality, and the heritage and traditions unique to each region. Only a native can help you discover and fully experience the authentic Poland! Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.