Table of Contents
Introduction
Latvia’s capital Riga offers grand architecture, vibrant culture and exciting nightlife. But there’s much more to discover in this Baltic country beyond its famous capital. Latvia boasts nearly 300 miles of Baltic seacoast dotted with historic port cities, seaside resort towns and fishing villages. Sandy beaches, pleasant sea breezes and a slower pace make Latvia’s coastal towns popular summer holiday destinations. Inland, medieval castles, forested national parks and charming rural towns await. For those wanting to experience more of Latvia’s natural beauty, history and relaxed coastal ambience, it’s worth venturing beyond lively Riga.
Jurmala
No trip to Latvia is complete without visiting Jurmala, the country’s premier seaside resort town. Located just 25km from Riga, Jurmala boasts miles of sandy beaches, beachfront promenades lined with cafes and restaurants, and many spas with healing mineral waters. During the summer months, Jurmala’s population swells as city dwellers flock to the coast seeking sun, sand and sea breezes. Beachgoers can rent chairs and umbrellas, join in volleyball games or simply relax while breathing in the fresh Baltic air. Away from the beach, explore Jurmala’s famous wooden Art Nouveau summer cottages and the Livu Aquapark, with water slides and indoor pools. After the sun sets, Jurmala entertains visitors with open-air concerts, festivals and lively bars and clubs.
Liepaja
On Latvia’s west coast, the former naval port city of Liepāja charms visitors with sandy beaches, historic architecture and youthful energy. Locals flock to the Blue Flag-certified Karosta beach during the summer months. The distinctive Northern Breakwater, extending nearly 1km into the sea, offers picturesque views. Wander the streets of Liepāja’s Old Town to see ornate wooden residences reflecting late 19th and early 20th century styles. Visit the ornate Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, one of the largest houses of worship in the Baltics. Explore Karosta, the former military port area, including the creepy Karosta Prison which now operates as a hotel and museum. In the evening, Liepāja comes alive with trendy cafés, cutting-edge art galleries, live music venues and bustling nightclubs.
Ventspils
Dubbed Latvia’s summer capital, the port city of Ventspils makes a great warm weather destination. Visitors are drawn to Ventspils’ Blue Flag-certified stretch of beach dotted with playgrounds and sports amenities. Beach cabanas and umbrella stands line the sand, while blossoming flowerbeds and fountains grace the scenic seaside promenade. In town, check out the interactive Ventspils Museum, showcasing the city’s history and maritime traditions. Climb to the top of the Lielais Kristaps crane, once used for loading cargo, for panoramic views over Ventspils’ harbor. At night, locals and tourists alike flock to the lively bars and restaurants in the pedestrian-friendly Old Town. The buzzing Ostas Square comes alive with outdoor concerts and celebrations during the summer.
Cesis
The charming town of Cēsis serves as the gateway to the Gauja National Park, Latvia’s pride and joy. Cēsis’ beautifully preserved Old Town features the ruins of a 13th century castle built by the Livonian Order. Wander the castle grounds, once home to Latvia’s dukes, before strolling picturesque cobbled lanes lined with historic churches, monuments and 18th century bourgeois residences. Cēsis also boasts a popular medieval festival every summer. Just outside town lies scenic Lake Gauja along with hundreds of miles of hiking and cycling trails, perfect for enjoying Latvia’s great outdoors. Visitors flock to Gauja National Park for its 500 odd cultural and historical monuments dotting a diverse landscape of lush forests, sandstone cliffs, caves and rapids.
Sigulda
The small town of Sigulda lies just 50km from Riga, making it an easy day trip. Often described as the Latvian Switzerland, Sigulda is situated in a picturesque valley carved out by the Gauja River. Visitors can admire the red brick ruins of Sigulda Castle high on the cliffs above town. The surrounding Gauja National Park offers hiking trails to the cave lairs of ancient knights and daredevils can take a thrilling ride down the bobsleigh track used for training Olympics athletes. A cable car provides breathtaking views over the river valley and park beyond. Culture vultures will appreciate Sigulda’s Opera Festival held each summer at the open-air amphitheater. Afterward, relax at a sidewalk café or sample locally brewed craft beer.
Kuldiga
Travelers looking to experience the real Latvia should visit Kuldīga, known as the country’s most beautiful old town. Strolling the pedestrian-only streets, admire the picturesque houses and churches showcasing a variety of architectural styles. The red-brick bridge across the Alekšupīte River offers scenic views and is home to Latvia’s widest waterfall, Ventas Rumba. Watch locals try their luck walking across the falls on a specially built platform. Beyond the historic center, Kuldīga boasts Europe’s widest waterfall, Ventas Rumba, where visitors can watch locals try walking across the falls on a special platform. Kuldīga also lies close to the blue lagoons of Pāvilosta beach – a prime spot for swimming, windsurfing or simply relaxing by the Baltic Sea.
Rundale Palace
Built as a lavish summer residence for the Duke of Courland, Rundāle Palace lies just over the border from Lithuania. This 18th century palace was designed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli who also created the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The grandiose French-style palace is surrounded by symmetrically laid out gardens dotted with fountains, rose bushes, ponds and sculpture. The interior is just as impressive, with a marble staircase, gilded mouldings, inlaid wood floors, frescoed ceilings and opulent Rococo furnishings. The palace hosts rotating exhibitions of artworks and historic artifacts. Visitors can explore the palace apartments, grand ballroom, and Duke’s and Duchess’s suites furnished to reflect the era. The Kitchen Building houses a museum exhibiting carriages and armaments.
Cape Kolka
At Latvia’s northern tip lies a remote headland where the open Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. Cape Kolka is the country’s windiest place, popular for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Birdwatchers flock here during migration seasons to spot rare species. The striking coastline features kilometers of untouched beaches, remote hiking trails and lonely fishing villages inhabited by Latvia’s small Liv minority. Visitors can climb the steep cliffs for panoramic views over the two great bodies of water colliding below. The adjacent Slitere National Park conserves some of Latvia’s rarest plant communities along with ethnographic and archaeological sites. Reaching Cape Kolka requires determination, but those making the journey are rewarded with a dramatic landscape found nowhere else in Latvia.
Conclusion
While Riga offers plenty of attractions for visitors, Latvia’s smaller coastal towns provide an entirely different experience. Seaside resorts like Jurmala and Ventspils entice sun and sea lovers during the summer. Historic port cities like Liepaja and Kuldiga give a glimpse into Latvia’s past while also offering modern amenities. Inland towns like Sigulda and Cesis serve as bases for exploring the magnificent Gauja National Park. More intrepid travelers can visit the windswept Cape Kolka, where two seas collide. Latvia’s scenic coastline holds many treasures waiting to be uncovered beyond the capital’s borders. Venturing further afield provides a fuller picture of this Baltic country’s appealing diversity.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Latvia’s coastal towns?
The summer months from June to August are the most popular time to visit. The weather is sunniest and warmest, and coastal towns have lively festivals and entertainment.
What is the easiest way to get around outside of Riga?
Renting a car allows the most flexibility in exploring Latvia’s coastal region. There are also buses and trains connecting major towns.
Where can I sample authentic Latvian cuisine?
Head to small towns like Kuldiga or venture into the countryside to find traditional Latvian taverns offering homestyle dishes like smoked fish, sausages, rye bread and potato dishes.
What are the best outdoor activities in Latvia’s coastal region?
Swimming, hiking, cycling, sea kayaking, kiteboarding and scenic nature walks are all popular summer pastimes. In winter, head inland for downhill or cross-country skiing.
What are the top highlights for first-time visitors?
Don’t miss Riga, Jurmala’s beaches, Liepaja’s Karosta neighborhood, Sigulda’s castles and parks, Kuldiga’s old town, and Ventspils’ lively summer vibe. Rundale Palace and Cape Kolka offer more off-the-beaten path adventures.