Travel expert says 'most underrated beach' is in unexpected European country

If you're looking for a seaside escape in Europe but fancy something away from the crowds and the norm, one woman claims to have discovered the "most underrated beach holiday" on the continent - and it's in a country you probably wouldn't expect. Emma Matthews turned to TikTok to show off her coastal surroundings - and it was worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of more popular destinations including Spain, Italy or Southern France.

"I bet you have never heard of going to Poland for a beach holiday," she began in a video. Emma proceeded to explain that Gdańsk, a historic port city on the Baltic coast in northern Poland, sits roughly seven miles from the seaside destination.

The location in question? "Sopot is known as the Polish Riviera and it boasts regular cheap flights from the UK," she enthused.

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Displaying a screenshot of various travel options, Emma pointed out that flights from London, Leeds and Liverpool to Gdańsk cost just £23, £31 and £33 respectively in September.

She described Gdańsk as among the "most beautiful" European cities she had visited and highlighted its Museum of the Second World War as an essential place to visit.

"The pedestrianised Old Town is lined with coffee and pastry shops and they're perfect people-watching spots," Emma added. And regarding the climate, it's "always extremely pleasant" with "gorgeous views at sunset," she advised.

Back in Sopot, Emma shared that the town is located a 20-minute train journey from Gdańsk, followed by a 15-minute stroll to the beach. "The staff all spoke English too," she told her followers.

Emma continued to praise the town, stating: "It's a beautiful town with lots of shops and restaurants," while highlighting the beach's pale sands. She also mentioned the "lovely promenade area" along the front, similar to the beaches back home.

"I went to the beach in the evening as I didn't want to get burned in the daytime - and it was still super busy," she concluded. "There were lots of families and lots of [sunbathing] beds to rent as well."

Writing in response, another British tourist said of the area: "You can also rent bikes in Gdansk, and ride along the coast to Sopot. its around 5km, and the bikes are really cheap. There's a paved bike path all along the coast. I took the bike, all the way to Gdynia last year."

Meanwhile a second person raved: "It's the most amazing place I brought my kids 3 years in a row. I actually found it on Google maps that's how I discovered it."

Poland's tourism website describes the town as "a famous seaside resort and spa town." It adds: "Since 1961 [Sopot has been] the organiser of the world-renowned Sopot Music Festival at the Lesna Opera. It also has the longest wooden pier in Europe.

"From the base of this pier visitors can take a stroll along the most famous main street in Poland, Heroes of Monte Cassino Street. During the summer months, during the height of the season, it gives the impression of being the most crowded place on Earth. The entire street is filled with countless cafes, restaurants, bars and shops which serve the sole purpose of making the visitors happy."