Latvia is a small Northern European state located on the coasts of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. Latvia is a fairly popular destination in the tourism business, especially for many citizens of the Russian Federation. This country is a neighboring state and an attractive resort with reasonable prices. Moreover, you can get to the capital of Latvia not only by plane, as in most European countries, but also by train, and the most economical option is a bus tour from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Riga, the duration of which will take you from 10 to 14 hours.
When going to Latvia on vacation, tourists plan a rich excursion program with a mandatory visit to local beaches. On the territory of the Republic of Latvia there are several charming resorts that are perfect for a luxurious beach holiday.
The most famous of them are:
Riga
Riga is the capital of Latvia, which has extensive opportunities to attract many tourists from all over the world. There are various attractions here, including both architectural monuments of the history and culture of the city, and the natural beauty of the local area with green parks and luxurious gardens. But the wealth of this city is not limited to this - the convenient location of the capital makes it possible to attract travelers here with a quality beach holiday on the shores of the Baltic Sea. There are four sandy beaches here, the best of which is Vetsaki Beach. This is a popular resort area near Vecdaugava. Along the sea coast you can see private buildings, many shops and restaurants offering tourists national cuisine. On the beach itself, comfortable conditions have been created for vacationers with children's and sports grounds, locker rooms and the necessary rescue station towers. A special feature of this beach is that it belongs to the territory of the Pijura seaside park, which extends along the entire coast to the town of Saulkrasti.
One of the most famous and popular resorts in the entire Baltic region is the city of Jurmala, located on the coast of the Gulf of Riga, not far from the capital. Like most tourist centers in Latvia, Jurmala has such recreation areas as beach, sightseeing and healing. The entire summer season is lively and fun, but at the same time there are no large crowds of tourists. The mild climate with healing sea air promotes a luxurious holiday with the effect of healing the whole body. The entire territory of the resort is divided into separate settlements, each of which has its own characteristics and attractions. For example, for a relaxing beach holiday amid ideal silence, you can choose the Asari or Melluzi resort, for a full treatment in sulfur springs and mud lakes, choose Kemeri and Jaunkemeri, and the Vaivari resort will appeal to children thanks to the local water park with water attractions. The velvety sand of the beaches of Jurmala, stretching for 33 kilometers along the Gulf of Riga, as well as the wonderful air and amazingly mild climate, made this region an ideal Baltic resort. The quality of recreation is no different from the famous European resorts, and local beaches are also marked with the blue flag of the European Union.
This is a very young resort, having acquired this status only last year. Daugavpils is a picturesque town in Latvia, located on the banks of the Daugava River. The city has a rich history and a huge number of attractions, thanks to which it is gaining increasing fame in the tourist environment. Every year Daugavpils develops and takes on a modern look with comfortable hotels and sanatoriums with therapeutic procedures and mud baths from local sources. Also on the territory of this resort there are 15 beautiful lakes, which have become a favorite place for travelers with artificial beaches and cool fresh water. The local nature also amazes with its beauty - blooming lilies, delightful alleys of pink chestnut trees, green parks and charming temples - this is what awaits you on an unforgettable trip to one of the resorts in Latvia.
Liepaja is one of the oldest climatic and balneological resorts in the Republic of Latvia, located on the Baltic Sea coast. The resort is located in a charming location between the lake of the same name and the sea. The resort's shore is covered with golden sand 70 meters wide. Liepaja beach is also famous for its cleanliness, for which it received the coveted blue flag status. Also on the territory of Liepaja there are several mineral springs and a pool with peat mud used for medicinal purposes. Despite its rather modest size, the city is strewn with green parks and lush vegetation. Another feature of the resort is the production of amber, products from which can be purchased at local markets at a good price.
On the territory of Latvia there is an attractive city of Ventspils, popularly nicknamed the city of flowers, fountains and funny cows. In addition to its resort status, the city is also a major industrial center of the country. Scattered throughout the city are amazing sculptures of colorful cows depicting one activity or another. The resort is located on the banks of the Venta River and has access to the Baltic coast, creating excellent conditions for a beach holiday. The atmosphere of the city amazes tourists with its regularity and leisurely pace. Here you can enjoy perfect silence amidst stunning natural scenery. The sandy strip of the local beach is always filled with tourists and locals, but this in no way spoils the impression of a wonderful vacation.
The attractiveness of the popular resort city of Jurmala stems from its almost 26 km of white sandy beach and extensive pine forests.
The central part of Jurmala is Majori, where you can swim, sunbathe and dine at one of the many restaurants on the main pedestrian street Jomas.
In the Pape Nature Park you can get acquainted with unique natural ecosystems and enjoy beautiful landscapes: the Baltic Sea coast with dunes, Lake Pape, the Nida raised bog, wild horses and shepherds' chimneys in floodplain meadows.
When you go to Liepaja, be sure to stop by the military port - we recommend visiting the Northern Forts, which are located on the very seashore and make up only a small part of the city’s grandiose fortification system. While in Karosta, it is worth walking 4 km along the sea from the Northern Forts to the Northern Pier.
Kolkasrags is the largest earthen cape in Latvia, located at the confluence of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, which form impressive whirlpools here. In the waters of Kolkasrags there are sunken sailing ships - interesting objects of inspection for divers.
The White Dune is considered one of the most beautiful dunes in all of Latvia. We recommend taking the 3.5 km Sunset Trail, which leads from the White Dune to Peterupe.
On the Vidzeme seaside you can find almost all possible types of beaches, but its main attraction is a rocky beach 20–40 meters wide, which stretches for 12 km between Tuja and Vitrupe and is part of a nature reserve.
Veczeme rocks are the most impressive and striking group of sandstone rocks on the Vidzeme seaside. This is a steep coast up to 6 meters high with exposure of red sandstone cliffs several hundred meters long, in which there are shallow abrasive caves, niches, grottoes and other formations.
These are just some of the beautiful beaches along the 500 km long Latvian coastline. If you want to know more, read these articles!
The simplest solution for finding a beach in Riga is go to Jurmala and, if you do this, you will be right, because in translation from Latvian the word Jurmala means “sea shore”.
All beaches of Jurmala are equally good for relaxation. There are no paid beaches here; renting an umbrella and sunbed costs 5-8 euros. The beaches are usually equipped everything you need: shower, toilet, changing cabins, there is always a cafe nearby.
Beach season here is not too long: from the end of June to the end of August. Sea water temperatures may rise during the season up to 22 degrees. At other times, the sea becomes cool, but the endless sandy beaches remain just as inviting.
The best beaches in Jurmala
Bulduri Beach
This beach is one of the best in Jurmala, for which it was awarded the highest award "Blue Flag", just like the other beaches of Jurmala that we are telling you about. Not far from the beach there is an Arboretum where you can walk in the shade of trees.
Dzintari Beach
Usually the beaches in Jurmala are named the same as the areas in which they are located. Dzintari is no exception. This is the most luxurious area with luxurious houses and the most expensive real estate, and the beach in this area is also known far beyond the borders of Latvia. Although in fact, in terms of the quality of services provided, it is no different from other beaches.
Majori Beach
This beach is located in the very center of Jurmala, not far from the main walking street Jomas. The beach is perfectly clean, equipped with everything you need, there are many cafes and entertainment for children and adults. On the beach you can play volleyball or do other sports.
Dubulti Beach
Another city beach where you can have a great rest. There is always free space here, there are cafes and shops nearby, there are changing cabins and beach equipment rentals.
Jaunkemeri Beach
If you want to have a relaxing holiday, then you need to go to this beach. There are usually very few people here, the water in the sea is very clean, and the seagulls are very impudent. The beach is located far from the center, so people usually go to the popular Dzintari or Majori, where life is bustling and music is loud, and to Jaunkemeri they go for relaxation.
In addition to these beaches in Jurmala you can go to Kauguri and Vaivari, which are equipped for people with disabilities, as well as on Pumpuri beach, which will appeal to those who like to ride surf and others active recreation. On Lielupe fishermen and those who want to go boating come, but in general in Jurmala everyone will find something for themselves that they will remember with a smile.
The best beaches in Riga
Daugavgrive beach
This beach is located near Primorsky Natural Park. Here you can calmly sunbathe by the water, or engage in active recreation. The beach is equipped with changing cabins, showers and toilets, and there is a small parking lot on site.
Vecaki Beach
Address: Selgas iela 20, Riga
The beach is located on the outskirts of the city, which does not prevent it from being the favorite beach of the townspeople. There are changing cabins, showers and toilets, and you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella. Lying on the beach you can hear the pine trees rustling in the forest.
Vakarbulli Beach
This beach is officially considered nudist. Nevertheless, everyone can find a place to relax in the area of this beach. The beach has a large parking lot, changing areas, shops and cafes. Vakarbulli is equipped with everything necessary for a beach holiday.
Beaches of Saulkrasti
If you don’t want to go to ordinary beaches, but want something unusual, go towards the city of Saulkrasti. The city is located 47 km from Riga and the entire road to it is a work of art. At the entrance to the city, you will find white sand dunes, endless beaches, equipped and wild places for recreation, sandy slopes on which pine trees grow, the wind blowing through the dense crowns of trees... People here know and love to have a good rest, and also take care of their guests, so people come here for a couple of days. Average price for a double room 35-40 euros. Find hotels and guest houses in Saulkrasti at the lowest guaranteed prices on the website
They say that preparation for the holiday is better than the holiday itself. Almost the same can be said about the upcoming journey. Waiting for it, preparing for it is a very good time. Moreover, it is necessary. Upon returning, it’s a shame to find out that, being next to something interesting, you didn’t look, tasty, you didn’t taste, unusual, you didn’t feel it. You should not make such a mistake; you need to study the information about holidays in the country in advance.
We are going to visit Latvia. What do we know about her? A small country located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The capital is the beautiful Riga. The state was once one of the republics of the USSR. For a Soviet person, this is almost a foreign country - well-groomed, elegant, with small cafes and restaurants. Older people remember the names of Vija Artmane, Lilita Ozolini, Vilis Latsis.
Times have changed. What do we know today? The country is a member of the European Union and applies the rules of the Schengen zone. A visa is required to travel. The monetary unit is the euro. Names: composer Raymond Pauls, singer Laima Vaikule. Broadcasts from Jurmala. This is approximately the set of knowledge about our northern neighbor.
How to get there
You can get from Moscow to Latvia by bus, train, plane, or by your own car.
If you go during the day, taking the bus is very interesting. Much, albeit briefly, can be seen along the way. Such a journey is physically difficult, you need to calculate your strength, the possibility of spending 14 hours on the bus. Weather or customs may increase travel time.
The second way is the Moscow-Riga train. Delivery in 16 hours.
The plane flies to Riga for about two hours. The airport is located seven kilometers from the city.
It is convenient and interesting to travel in your own car. Entrance to Latvia through Zilupe, along the route there are all hotels with parking lots. The car must not be tinted, have windows without cracks, without damage to the body, the driver must have a Green Card.
Travel within the country
Vacationers who find themselves in the country without a car will have to get acquainted with public transport. The impression will be the most positive.
A very good type of transport is the train. The carriages are clean and the seats are comfortable. Tickets can be purchased at the station or on the train, where they are slightly more expensive. Intercity bus tickets are relatively expensive. The buses are comfortable and strictly adhere to the schedule.
Buses, trolleybuses, trams, and minibuses run inside cities from five in the morning until 11 in the evening. At night, security guards are on duty occasionally. Taxi calls are free. Traveling at night on any type of transport will cost more.
You can rent a car. To do this, you need to have an international license, a credit card, and pay for insurance.
It's interesting and nice to see that locals often use bicycles. A very useful form of transport. It must have a registration number, and its owner must have a license. In Riga and Jurmala you can rent a bicycle and ride around the city.
Climate
Another common knowledge about the Baltics is rain, rain. It's actually not that scary. There are approximately 150 cloudy days a year. August is the champion in terms of precipitation. May holds the lead in dry and sunny days. Latvia is a country with a transitional climate – from maritime to continental. The weather in the west and center of the country is influenced by the sea and the Gulf of Riga; in the east this influence decreases. A piercing wind blows from the sea. This inconvenience of winter and autumn makes the weather comfortable in spring and summer.
Despite frequent cloudiness, Latvia has a favorable climate. What makes it so is the sea air, pine and other forests, and the absence of hazardous industries. Temperature changes are significant. Summers are warm, spring and autumn are mild, but winters can be cold.
Conventionally, there are three parts of the country where the climate is different. These are the Central, Western and Eastern regions. In the table below you can see the average temperatures.
Accommodation
Latvian tourism is on the rise today. There are many hotels to accommodate tourists. These include luxury brands Ramada and hostels. Suffice it to say that there are 462 hotels in Riga, and 23 in little Cesis. Hotels are rated by stars as in Europe. In a hotel of any star rating, breakfast is included in the payment. If the premises have five or fewer rooms, it is a guest house. Lots of campsites and youth hostels.
Many hotels have bought and renovated well-known hotel brands. The rooms have a minibar, TV, international telephone, Internet access, safe, air conditioning.
Service at a high level. Even in Soviet times, Latvia amazed unpretentious guests from other republics with this, but now there is nothing to say. The rooms are kept in order. Accommodation with children of any age is allowed. An additional cot will incur some costs. But a four-legged friend or other animal will not be allowed into the room; you will have to look for another place to stay, which is not at all difficult.
The hotels provide a bellhop service and each has parking, which is free for guests.
There are saunas, fitness rooms, restaurants.
You can decide on housing from home via the Internet. If people travel, change places of residence and do not want to limit themselves to time limits, they can find housing when they arrive in the city.
There are not very many 4* and 5* hotels. Even in Riga there are less than ten of them. Compared to Moscow, prices are moderate, about 200 euros per day. Of course, for most it is expensive. There are hotels that fall into the “above average” category. There the cost of a room is from 80 to 150 euros. The golden mean is mid-level, budget hotels. Most of them correspond to the level of three stars with good service. Price from 30 euros per day.
Apartments are a good alternative to a hotel. It is cheaper and, for many, more convenient. The price depends on the location, area, furniture, amenities offered.
What else can I add about temporary residence in Latvia? Good to know:
- The country is calm, there is no crime. You can walk at night. The exception is station areas and ports.
- In Riga and Jurmala, tap water is safe to drink. In other cities it is better to use bottled.
- Many currency exchange offices.
- For foreigners, medical care is expensive. Just in case, you need to have insurance and some medications.
- In the dark, pedestrians are required to wear reflectors and are fined if they do not have them.
Behavior rules
When going to another country, you need to know the rules of behavior in it. They sometimes differ from the houses we are used to. Of course, politeness, attentiveness, and calm behavior are valued everywhere. But each country has its own characteristics.
Smoking in public places is prohibited in Latvia, and the ban is being enforced. A bottle of alcohol in the hands of a passer-by is nonsense. It must be in the package. You cannot walk on the lawns, sit or lie on them.
Tipping is a national tradition. They are received by waiters, taxi drivers, and hotel employees. This is approximately 10% of the payment amount. Sometimes tips are included in the bill.
Latvians are loyal to all religions. There is no fanaticism. There is respect that is good to follow. There are no restrictions on clothing.
Of course, we must maintain cleanliness and order. It's a little strange that I have to remind you of this. You should not use obscene language; your confidence that they do not understand may turn out to be false.
Kitchen
Fish and potatoes are a popular food among Latvians. Baltic salmon in all types, herring casserole, potato casserole with cheese. You can try bacon pies, steak with onion sauce and much more. Prices in restaurants are moderate. There are many cozy restaurants in Latvia that are very pleasant to sit in. There are also risky gastronomic experiments in the form of beer soup with dried fruits or black bread jelly with cranberries and honey, and even peas with kefir.
Popular resorts
Latvian resorts are divided into balneological, climatic and mud resorts. The level of Latvian medicine is high, which allows treatment in Latvia to take its rightful place among hospitals in the European Union.
Jurmala is the most popular. There are many hotels, sanatoriums, resort and rehabilitation centers in the city, where people are treated with mud baths and mineral water. The famous Kemeri mud is located there. The city has all the conditions for recreation with children.
Liepaja is also a resort city. It houses a large Seaside Park. The beaches with fine sand are famous.
The city of Ventspils is attractive for recreation. It has clean beaches with blue flags and playgrounds for children. There is an Adventure Park, a water park, and an Olympic Center. In general, this resort is great for families with children. In the center there is a large park for children with various slides, large and small, swings, climbing frames. The children will definitely be happy.
Famous youth resorts are Bulduri and Majori. There are also EU flags on their beaches.
The best time for Latvian beach resorts is July-August, and to decide on a place to stay, we suggest reading.
There are many ski resorts in Latvia. You can name Sigulda, Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Riga highways. Kurzeme and the Riga trails are the most suitable for families with children. All routes pass among pine trees, which is great for your health.
The capital of the country will be of interest to everyone in terms of excursion holidays. Walking around the old town of Riga is interesting even for children, especially if you book a guide for 2-3 hours.
Souvenirs
It is impossible to return from a trip without gifts and mementos. Amber is the most common souvenir from Latvia. It is cheap and available in almost all stores. The main thing is that it is a beautiful stone, considered a family stone that brings happiness to the home. Moreover, it has healing properties; it is recommended to be worn by those who have thyroid problems.
Famous Latvian souvenirs are leather goods - bookmarks, book covers.
We sell beautiful wool sweaters in the national style. Lots of linen products - fashionable and wearable.
It’s good to bring Riga balsam in a clay bottle and local beer from your trip. You can grab smoked cheese with beer, as well as cheese with cumin.
Riga sprats are no less famous than balm. They are considered the best in the world.
Latvia has very good and tasty bread. The store has up to 30 varieties. You can take away a loaf of the variety that seems the most delicious. And don’t forget about Riga gingerbread - a delicious addition to a cup of hot tea.
To at least roughly plan, read the article with approximate prices and popular vacation expenses.
Shopping
Shopping is rarely the main purpose of a trip to Latvia. Compared to other European countries, prices are, however, somewhat lower, but the choice is poorer. Still, you can’t do without shopping.
In Riga, it is worth visiting Galerija Centrs. This is the oldest passage in the city.
The ultra-modern Galerija Riga is located nearby. In addition to the fact that branded items are sold there, there is an observation deck on the roof, where you can admire the city from above.
There is an Origo shopping center near the station.
If you want to buy something from Baldinini, Dolce&Gabana, Brioni, Calvin Klein, Gussi, you should go to the boutiques located near the Hotel De Rome.
You can make good purchases during the sales period. They usually occur in January and early July.
On weekends most shops are closed. On normal days they work from ten to 19 without a break.
All major shopping centers in Riga and other cities have playrooms where you can leave your child while shopping.
Things to do
The sights of Latvia are a separate topic of discussion. A country with a rich history, with carefully preserved traditions, there is a lot to see. Everyone knows about the Old Town in Riga, where not only the buildings, but also every stone in the paving stones is living history. Of course, you should take advantage of your stay in the country and see as much as possible - walk around and travel on your own, go on excursions. The country has many small towns, a walk through which is a pleasure, old castles with their own mysterious legends.
Vacation with children
In Latvia, everything is done for a comfortable holiday with children. Convenient beaches, ski slopes, hotels - everything is suitable not only for adults, but also for children. Very . In Riga there is the Livu water park, the Aura aquatic center, the Aqualandia water adventure park, and a similar park in Ventspils. There are zoos in Riga and Cesis. Many entertainment complexes. This is about entertainment. In addition, there is the issue of health. Holidays in the Baltic climate conditions are more favorable than in hot countries. This applies to both adults and children.
