Taking a day trip from Krakow to the painted village of Zalipie was one of the highlights of my trip to this area in southern Poland.
Not only is it a jaw-droppingly gorgeous place but also a serene haven not yet touched by crowds of tourists. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
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Why is Zalipie Worth Visiting?
If you’re enticed by hidden gems, colorful villages, countryside vibes, and places with unique local heritage, you’ll adore Zalipie as much as I did.
It is an authentic spot many travelers haven’t heard of, or even if they have, it seems like most people favor other day trips from Krakow.
Check out this amazing Zalipie tour I booked!
In case you decide to visit, you’ll be rewarded with the tranquility of this rural area, and, of course, the vibrance and beauty of Zalipie’s most prominent “feature” – its painted houses, adorned with rainbow-color flowers.
This tradition started over 100 years ago when the local women wanted to give a new look to their home’s interiors, which were covered in soot because they didn’t have chimneys.
It is still very much alive today, though it has evolved over the years in terms of materials and style. Each lady can flaunt her own creative expression, yet somehow, they all match the overall artistic vibe.
Nowadays, flowers are also used to decorate the exteriors of houses, flower pots, beehives, and more, making Zalipie an extremely photogenic and exciting destination to explore.
How to Visit Zalipie as a Day Trip from Krakow
The village is located about 80 km east of Krakow (not too far from Tarnow) and is nestled amidst the gorgeous countryside of Lesser Poland, so public transport is not a convenient way to get there.
You can opt for renting a car, but I recommend you book a guided tour as I did, due to a few reasons:
- The painted houses are not located next to one another, so it’s great that the guide knows exactly where to go and takes you to all the best spots.
- It’s difficult to get to know the village’s history, culture, and traditions without an English-speaking guide because there aren’t any informational placks.
- You don’t have to worry about driving (though the roads are well-maintained) and can simply enjoy the scenic ride. The car was new, spacious, and air-conditioned, and the tour included pick-up and drop-off.
- The locals don’t speak English, but a couple of them were kind enough to let us wander through their yards for a bit, at the request of our Polish guide (one family was actually sitting outside and painting), so you really get that one-of-a-kind experience.
Read more and book your Krakow to Zalipie tour here! Note that I booked a private tour, but you’d also find non-private options.
Must-See Spots in the Painted Village of Zalipie
House of Painters
Serving as a cultural and social community center, this is a great place to marvel at floral art beyond paintings, see a couple of exhibitions, buy souvenirs, and, if you’re lucky, glance at the local ladies working on new pieces.
Just outside the center, there’s a beautiful little area I absolutely loved, with benches, a mini cottage house, and a sun clock, all covered in abundantly colorful designs.
Felicja Curyłowa’s Homestead Museum
Allowing you to immerse yourself even more in Zalipie’s multicolored heritage, I can guarantee you’ve never seen a museum quite like this.
Consisting of several cottages, including the former house of the village’s most famous painter, Felicja Curyłowa (1904–1974), this complex lets you have a glimpse into what the everyday life of the locals used to look like.
My favorite thing about it is enjoying the vividness of the houses’ interiors, from ceilings to furniture to decorative items, but you also get to see some farming tools, traditional costumes, and more.
The museum offers tours in Polish only, yet another reason to book an excursion and explore Zalipie with an English-speaking guide (tickets are included in the price).
Painted Houses across the Village
Zalipie is not the kind of village where you just wander around alleys lined with adjoining houses. Instead, there’s a lot of green scenery dotted with cute cottages, many of which are decorated with the famous floral creations.
If you’re not visiting with a guide, you’ll have to drive around and find them on your own (or try to get a map at the House of Painters) as Google Maps is only helpful in locating the village’s more notable landmarks like its museum and church.
Church of St. Joseph
You wouldn’t expect a religious site to also be covered in flowers, but that’s what you see when you step inside the Church of St. Joseph. Its facade might make you think there’s nothing special about it, but its interiors make it unique.
Overall, visiting Zalipie is an unforgettable experience you cannot miss, perfect for those who want to explore Krakow off the beaten path.
If there’s anything else you want to know about it, let me know in the comments!
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