Wadowice
A small town in southern Poland, Wadowice is internationally known as the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. Located on the Skawa River, the locality is also within close proximity of the cities of Wisla and Krakow. The areas surrounding the town offer views characteristic of the Silesian Plateau. The city provides plenty of attractions, many of which are connected with John Paul II. One such attraction is the feast commemorating the birth of Karol Wojtyla, celebrated every May 18th and commencing the local Days of Wadowice Festival. Apart from the festival, visitors can take a look at the Museum of the Holy Father Family, which offers insight into the early life of Karol Wojtyla. Other sights worth seeing include the 15th Century Parochal Church, Mikolaj Komorowski Manor and Pope John Paul II Square. Koniakow Laces
Quite possibly, Koniakow would've been a rather insignificant village if it were not for its main export product. However, due to handmade laces, the village is enjoying international popularity, especially amongst manufacturers of materials and the fashion industry. Koniakow Laces have come a long way from the early 20th Century, when the production of laces was launched on a larger scale by the local women. The tradition of lace-making had been popular in the region long before, as the local aristocrats enjoyed lace ornamentation on their clothes in the late Middle Ages. To meet the demand and to follow the fad, soon the schools of lace-making were open in Koniakow to train young ladies in the art of producing complex lace patterns, unique lace pillows, and highly ornate tablecloths. The last of the items became so popular that it brought Koniakow the title of the world's lacing centre. Today, apart from tablecloths, the Koniakowian School of Lacing is also known for its collection of skimpy lace swimsuits and tiny lace bikinis. Szczyrk
Szczyrk is a town situated in the Beskidy-Slaski Mountains, in the picturesque valley of the Zylica River. With barely 6,000 inhabitants and few roads, the locality is a cultural and economic emblem of the region. Despite its deceivingly provincial appeal, Szczyrk provides excellent conditions for active winter holidays, and is a training centre for the Polish Winter Olympics representatives. You can take advantage of over 60 km of ski routes, which are served by 30 ski lifts. The surrounding Beskidy Mountain range, with the peaks of Skrzyczne (1,257 metres) and Klimczok (1,117 metres), are fairly easily accessible and perfect for taking your first steps in skiing or snowboarding. In the summer, the area is also a popular hiking and biking spot. Zywiec
Situated at the foot of a mountain and near a prominent lake, Zywiec is a traditional Polish town, as well as being one of Poland's greatest tourist resorts. Indeed, this rather small locality is very tourist-friendly, providing visitors with recreation and numerous attractions such as 18th-Century edifices, breweries of Poland's most popular beer, Zywiec, and great wild forests. If you're into active holidays, Zywiec offers well-maintained hiking and cycling routes, a big swimming pool, a couple of tennis courts and a sports hall. Moreover, every year Zywiec organises such celebrated sporting events as the Three Dams Rafting Contest and the Lake Zywiec water sport contests. During the winter season, you can take advantage of Zywiec's two ski-lifts, which will take you to attractive, though not very challenging skiing routes.