As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, finding an affordable getaway can seem like an almost impossible task. City breaks are popular but these can be very expensive, especially if you’re heading to somewhere touristy like Barcelona or Rome.

However, there is a lesser-known city that could prove much cheaper. And a direct flight from London will get you there in less than two hours, from £17.

When Poland comes up in conversation, the usual suspects of Krakow and Gdansk capture most people’s imaginations. But the lesser visited city of Szczecin awaits discovery.

Known as the “green city” for its lush environment, and home to only around 400,000 people, Szczecin is peppered with eye-catching vistas around every corner. Steeped in a Parisian-style street system and gracing the banks of the Oder River, its allure is undeniable.

Must-see attractions include the historic Castle of Pomeranian Dukes, the delightful Pogodno district, and a man-made beach nestled on an island complete with DJs and open-air cinema experiences.

For those drawn to nature, Szczecin does not disappoint, offering both the Emerald Lake and the vast expanse of the Puszcza Bukowa forest skirting the city’s south-eastern edge. And for those who want to pack another country into their trip, the German border is just a stone’s throw away, putting Berlin within easy reach for a quick day out by train.

For those partial to a pint, beer in this Polish city will reportedly set you back around £1.68 per glass. Ryanair offers direct flights to Szczecin from London, with the most affordable one-way fares starting from £17, or £35 for a round trip, per passenger.