The Swinoujscie beach is a true treasure of the Polish coast, which impresses with its exceptional width and quality. This vast, sandy expanse stretches for several kilometers and at its widest points reaches up to 200 meters - a record for the whole of Poland! Fine, light-colored sand pleasantly massages the feet while walking, and the gentle descent to the sea makes it an ideal place for families with children. It is worth knowing that the beach in Swinoujscie regularly receives the prestigious Blue Flag award, which confirms its cleanliness and excellent infrastructure.

The City Beach, which is the central part of the Swinoujscie coast, attracts the most tourists due to its excellent development. There are numerous lounger and screen rentals, catering outlets serving fresh fish and regional delicacies, as well as sports zones with beach volleyball courts. Interestingly, due to its specific geographic location, the beaches in Swinoujscie are among the longest-sunny beaches in Poland - the sun shines here for an average of 1830 hours a year, an absolute record in the country!

The history of Swinoujscie's beaches is as fascinating as their natural beauty. Before World War II, when the city belonged to Germany, it functioned as an exclusive resort for the German aristocracy. The distinctive spa architecture that still adorns the seaside promenade dates from this period. After 1945, when Swinoujscie was granted to Poland under the Potsdam Agreement, the beaches became a favorite vacation spot for Poles, while retaining their international character.

A unique feature of Swinoujscie's beaches is their microclimate. Thanks to the high iodine content in the air (up to 30 times more than inland), a stay here has therapeutic properties, especially for people with respiratory problems. It is not without reason that Swinoujscie has the status of a health resort - as early as the 19th century the healthful properties of the local air and sea water were appreciated.

It is worth mentioning an interesting natural phenomenon - due to the specific shape of the seabed, the waters at the beach in Swinoujscie heat up faster than in other parts of the Polish coast. As a result, the bathing season starts earlier here and lasts longer. For nature lovers, an additional attraction will be the opportunity to observe seabirds, including rare species that have taken a liking to the area around the Swinoujscie beaches as a resting place during seasonal migrations.

The Mill Pond is undoubtedly the most recognizable symbol of Swinoujscie, which has attracted tourists for years with its unique appearance. However, this white structure, which resembles a windmill in shape, is not an agricultural object, but serves as a permanent beacon. Located on Uzdrowiskowa Street, right at the entrance to the port, it is not only a practical signpost for ships, but also an unusual tourist attraction and a landmark for strollers.

The history of the Mill Pond dates back to 1873, when German port authorities decided to build a distinctive navigational sign to help ships safely enter the port. The structure survived the turmoil of both World Wars, although it was damaged during the hostilities. After Swinoujscie became part of Poland in 1945, the pond was restored and still serves its original function today. Interestingly, its white silhouette with a red roof is featured in the city's coat of arms, further emphasizing its importance to the local community.

The Mill Pond works in a system with the other pond, the Gallery Pond, to form the so-called wharf, an arrangement of two signs that, set one behind the other, indicate a safe waterway. For sailors and ship captains, this is an invaluable aid to navigation, especially during difficult weather conditions. It is worth mentioning that Swinoujscie's port is one of the most important on the Polish coast, and thanks to facilities such as Stawa Młyny, it can operate safely all year round.

Many local legends and stories have grown up around Stawa Młyny. One of them tells of a mysterious guardian of the pond, who on stormy nights turns on an extra light to warn fishermen of danger. Another tale mentions a hidden treasure that is said to have been buried under the foundations of the structure by a German officer just before the end of World War II. Although these are just folk tales, they add to the charm of this historic site.

For tourists, the Mill Pond is a must-see sight in Swinoujscie. It is one of the most photographed places in the city, and a photo with the white 'windmill' in the background is a souvenir that most visitors bring with them. The structure is particularly picturesque at sunset, when the red rays reflect off the white structure, creating an unforgettable sight. It is worth planning a walk along the beach to reach the pond just at this time of day.

There are also many other attractions near the Mill Pond - restaurants serving fresh fish, cafes overlooking the sea and numerous viewpoints. This is an excellent starting point for exploring both the beach and the seaside promenade. In winter, when there are fewer tourists, the area around the pond takes on a special nostalgic character, attracting lovers of photography and quiet seaside strolls.

Crossing the now invisible Polish-German border that runs along the beach, one enters the German resort of Ahlbeck. Strand Ahlbeck, or Ahlbeck beach, is a natural extension of the Swinoujscie coastline, but has its own unique character. This sandy beach, as wide and well-kept as its Polish counterpart, is distinguished by a slightly different organization of space. The beach baskets (Strandkorb), characteristic of the German coast - wicker roofed seats to protect from the wind and sun - are arranged in even rows, creating an orderly structure. The tradition of these baskets dates back to the 19th century and is an integral part of the landscape of Germany's Baltic beaches.

Ahlbeck's history as a resort is extremely rich. As early as 1851 the town received official status as a health resort, and by the end of the 19th century it had become a fashionable destination for Berlin's elite. Many historic villas and guesthouses in the imperial style (Bäderstil), which still adorn the seaside promenade, date from this period. Interestingly, before World War II, the entire island of Usedom, including Swinoujscie and Ahlbeck, belonged to Germany, forming one cohesive resort region. It was only after 1945 that the state border divided the island, although residents of both parts have always maintained close contact.

The real jewel of Ahlbeck is the historic pier (Seebrücke Ahlbeck), which extends 280 meters into the Baltic Sea. This impressive structure, built in 1898, is the oldest of its kind in Germany and one of the most beautiful on the entire Baltic coast. The distinctive white pavilion at the end of the pier, with its ornate dome and Art Nouveau details, is a reminder of the golden age of seaside resorts. The pier survived both world wars, although it required extensive renovation in the 1970s. Today it is not only a tourist attraction, but also a venue for concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events.

There is a romantic legend associated with the Ahlbeck pier about a pair of lovers who arranged to meet there one stormy evening. The girl, despite the dangerous weather, waited for her beloved at the end of the pier, while he struggled against the elements, trying to reach her. According to the story, their love was so strong that it calmed the rough sea, allowing them to meet. Since then, the pier has been considered a place that brings good luck to couples in love, who often leave padlocks there with their initials engraved on them.

It is worth noting the interesting connection between the beaches of Swinoujscie and Ahlbeck - a 12-kilometer long seaside promenade, which is part of the longest of its kind in Europe. Walking along it, you can admire both the natural beauty of the coast and the architecture of both resorts. Fascinatingly, before Poland joined the Schengen zone in 2007, there was a border crossing on the promenade, where you had to show your documents. Today, the only trace of the former border is an inconspicuous stone with inscriptions in both languages.

Comparing the beaches on the Polish and German sides, it is worth noting a few differences. German beaches tend to be more orderly, with clearly demarcated zones for particular activities. Prices on the German side are slightly higher, but the standard of service is comparable. The beach in Ahlbeck offers more attractions for active tourists - water equipment rentals, surf schools or glass-bottom boat cruises. The Polish part, on the other hand, is distinguished by a wider beach and a more natural landscape, especially in the less frequented parts of the coast.