Golden sand and smooth pebbles, high cliffs and pine forests stretching along 4500 kilometres… Holiday by the Baltic Sea is never boring. This sea has a strong character – that becomes crystal clear in stormy weather when gigantic waves whisk the water into white froth. When the winds subside, hunting for amber, brought to shore from the depths of the sea, can begin. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches that you should definitely put on your Baltic holiday itinerary.
- Jūrmala, Latvia
- Liepāja, Latvia
- Kolka, Latvia
- Saulkrasti, Latvia
- Curonian Spit, Lithuania
- Melnragė, Lithuania
- Šventoji, Lithuania
- Mändjala, Estonia
- Pirita, Estonia
- Pärnu, Estonia
Jūrmala, Latvia
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Resort city Jūrmala lies just 20 km from Riga Airport, and it boasts a 26 km long, uninterrupted sandy beach.
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People have long flocked to Jūrmala for rejuvenating SPA procedures with healing mud and mineral waters. At the beginning of 19th century, many sanatoriums were built, while most wooden houses were designed by Baltic German and Latvian architects. Nowadays, several hundred buildings bear the status of a cultural monument; fantastic architectural gems seem to pop up wherever you look.
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If you don’t know where to begin, head to Jūras iela (Sea street). The name of the city literally translates to “sea side”, so wherever you decide to stay, it’ll be a short walk from the sea. Besides, pine forests are everywhere, and their scent cleanses the body and does wonders for the mind.
Liepāja, Latvia
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In a song about Liepāja, it’s referred to as the “city where the wind is born”, so no wonder the beach is popular among windsurfers and kite boarders.
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The white sand coast is 50 to 80 metres wide and suitable for people with mobility issues and poor vision; there’s even an aquatic wheelchair available.
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Karosta is a very special part of the city; in the Soviet times, this was a closed military territory, but nowadays visitors can explore the impressive fortification system right by the sea. Once done, spite the wind and walk 4 kilometres to the North Pier that stretches into the sea for nearly 2 kilometres.
Nearby you’ll find the Jūrmala Park, one of the largest dendrological parks in Latvia.
Kolka, Latvia
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Kolka cape is a unique location, the meeting point of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga – standing on the edge of the border of Latvia you can watch waves crashing against one other.
Lift your gaze and spot the lighthouse located on artificial island, built to warn seamen of tricky currents and shoals. The sea is very cunning here, which is why there’s loads of sunken ships at the bottom of the sea, often visited by divers.
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Cape Kolka is part of a protected nature park, so it’s the perfect place for bird watching. There are several hiking and cycling trails in the vicinity; just be sure to pack some lunch before you head out – we suggest local smoked fish.
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And don’t forget to take a picture at the cemetery of the White Pines – washed up tree trunks bleached by the salt.
Saulkrasti, Latvia
The biggest perk of this sandy beach is the 18-m high sand dune, used by fishermen as a landmark in earlier times. It was shaped at least 350 million years ago! There’s a nature design park in the dune, so before you go for a swim, walk the 3.5 km long Saulrietu (sunset) path.
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They say the linden trees were planted by the Russian Empress Catherine II. That’s not it for Saulkrasti though – there’s also a bicycle museum that houses the largest collection of ancient bikes in the Baltics.
Curonian Spit, Lithuania
The calmest and prettiest beaches in Lithuania are undoubtedly located along the Curonian Spit – a peninsula with the highest dunes in Northern Europe. Besides, this territory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Some say that whole spit is one large beach, while some call it a desert. Why not go around it on a sailboat and see for yourself? The German writer Thomas Mann used to spend summers there, and his residence is open to visitors.
The windows of gift shops will shine in Lithuanian gold – amber. Once you are done shopping in Juodkrantė village, explore the Hill of Witches – don’t worry, it’s just a sculpture park in the forest.
Melnragė, Lithuania
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There are two beaches just a few kilometres from Klaipeda – Melnrage I in the south and Melnrage II in the north. It used to be a busy fishing village, but today it’s easy to find yourself having a nap in the warm sand, book in hand.
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For those who enjoy a more active holiday, the second beach will be a better choice – it even has a beach basketball court. Spend your morning at the surfing school, and enjoy your evening on the terrace of a cafe, observing the ships in the distance. This beach is also suitable for people with mobility issues. The best thing – the beach won’t be packed!
Šventoji, Lithuania
This resort town is referred to as the little sister of Palanga, and its main attraction is, of course, the peaceful seaside.
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Several camping sites and hotels lie near the wide sandy beach, but spending the night in Palanga is also an option, as it’s just 12 km away. Perhaps it’s time to learn water skiing? If you’re not up for that yet, pick snorkelling – the water in Šventoji is extremely clear.
Mändjala, Estonia
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When in Estonia, a visit to one of its 2222 islands is a must. How about the largest one –Saaremaa – since it has a white-sand beach? There’s a bar on the shore and hammocks in the trees: it does not really get more romantic than that!
It’s the largest beach on the whole island, and it has the warmest water of all the beaches of Estonia, courtesy of the leading southerly winds. Mändjala is a place for finding peace and quiet, or for enjoying such activities as SUP boarding or kite boarding. You choose!
Pirita, Estonia
You’ll be looking to cool down when exploring the capital city Tallinn. No need to go anywhere far – the suburbs have a great beach with changing cabins, and lifeguard patrol on weekends. In good weather, it has a panoramic view of Tallinn’s downtown, but keep in mind that its farthest nook is a nude beach.
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If you spot people grabbing surfboards and heading into the sea suddenly, it’s clear there’s a ferry coming from Finland that will bring some larger waves, great for catching adrenalin.
Pärnu, Estonia
Pärnu is a fantastic holiday destination, with the beach located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre. There’s mini-golf for grown-ups, and swings for the kids; they can also play in the fountains, conveniently located by the benches on the promenade.
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If it gets too hot, the nearby park will be a saviour; it also guards the beach from rough northern winds, so the seaside feels very nice in the summer. Plus, Pärnu is one of the best spots in Northern Europe for learning to surf!