The Maldives continue to top many people’s travel destination bucket lists with its pristine beaches and luxury hotels made even more irresistible thanks to the influence of celebrities and social media personalities. Yet for many Brits the dream of ever visiting the island fades fast when faced with the eye watering cost of hotels and long travel time.

But for those seeking a budget-friendly slice of the Maldives, there are plenty of hidden gems much closer to home, all tucked away across Europe. Albania has already been discovered as an alternative to the popular holiday destination with the same sun soaked and luxury feel, but now Poland in the centre of Europe is the latest viral alternative to the Maldives.

Situated in the Jaworzno area, only a 40 minute drive from the cheap Polish city of Katowice, Park Grodek is a former dolomite quarry now converted into a scenic recreational park after mining activities came to an end in the area. Spanning nearly 60 hectares, the area features picturesque scenery with clear blue water as well as a wooden walkway joining the whole area together in the style of many expensive Maldivian resorts, which has earned its nickname “The Polish Maldives”.

Entry to the park is free and visitors are able to walk across the wooden walkway and take in the sights, with previous guests revealing that the duration of the trail can take up to 2-3 hours. However, visitors are unfortunately not permitted to swim in the water surrounding the area despite the cleanliness of the waters how tempting it may be due to its deepness at certain points along the reservoir.

One visitor delighted over the area saying: “Clean water, nature and free of charge. Place is super nice for pictures and outdoor activities.”

Whilst another review read: “Such a lovely place! Great for long walks, crystal clear water and lots of people in the summer season but definitely worth it to go there and see the place. Highly recommend.”

The parks location being just a stone’s throw away from the incredibly cheap Katowice, where a pint costs just over £2, is an added bonus. Flights from London cost just over £40 and the city itself has plenty to explore, from the Silesian Museum to the charming historic old town and bustling market square, making Park Jaworzno the perfect day trip for those seeking a mix of culture and nature.