Best Baltic Sea resorts: from Jūrmala to Pärnu

When choosing a resort for a beach vacation, you are unlikely to think of the Baltic countries. It's always cold there! At least that's what most tourists think. But is it really true? Let's find out!

Klaipėda, Lithuania

The picturesque resort city has two main beaches located close to the center. It has a mild climate with cool summers. The air temperature ranges from 21°C to 25°C, with the warmest months being July and August.

Melnrage Beach has a well-developed infrastructure and all conditions for people with disabilities. The Smiltynė Beach coastline is distinguished among others by its sandy shore with a gentle entrance to the water. Nearby is a protected area with a perennial pine forest.

Be sure to take a stroll through the Theater Square. It is here that the Ännchen of Tharau, a fountain sculpture dedicated to the poet Simon Dach, is located. There is a belief that if you throw a coin into it, you will get great happiness in your family life.

To learn more about the country's history, we recommend going to the Museum of Lithuania Minor. It has about 80 thousand exhibits. The exhibits are open-air and represent individual settlements.

Also, be sure to visit the marine exhibition building with an aquarium and a dolphinarium. Outside, you can see an ethnographic demonstration in the style of a typical fishing village. And to explore the incredible wealth of flora, we recommend a trip to the Klaipėda University Botanical Garden. More than 500 species of medicinal and aromatic plants and more than 1200 ornamental plants grow here.

For lunch, we suggest trying traditional dishes: cepelinai (potato zrazy), grybai (mushroom-shaped cookies), and kibinai (puff pastries with lamb).

Jūrmala, Latvia

The resort is located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga, not far from the capital. It's an ideal place for those who want to escape the heat. In summer, the air temperature here ranges from 20°C to 23°C.

The most popular beach is Majori Beach. It is located closest to the city center and stretches for almost 1 kilometer. The entrance to the sea is gentle and the shore is sandy. There are also changing cabins, benches, soccer and volleyball courts, and water equipment rental available for visitors. The coast is also awarded the Blue Flag.

To learn more about the region, we recommend starting with a trip to the observation tower of the Dzintari Forest Park. It offers incredible views of Jūrmala. The Ķemeri National Reserve is located 18 kilometers away, a real treasure trove of primitive nature. It was founded in 1997. Here you can find the Great Ķemeri Bog, Lake Kaņieris, ancient mainland dunes, Zala sulfur springs, etc.

Also, visit the house of the poet and playwright Aspazija, one of the most famous women in Latvian history.

And, of course, we recommend trying traditional dishes: putra (porridge with vegetables, bacon and smoked meat), aukšta zupa (cold soup), sīpolu sitenis (specially prepared meat), and gray peas with bacon and onions.

Pärnu, Estonia

The resort is often called the summer capital of the country. It has a temperate maritime climate. In summer, the air temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C. Kabli Beach is located in the southern part of the city. It is secluded and uncrowded, so it is perfect for those looking for solitude.

Valgerand Beach also has no crowds of tourists. There is an observation tower, a playground and an entertainment center for kids and adults.

Most often, vacationers choose the central beach. Here you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also lifeguards and several surf clubs. Moreover, the location annually receives the Blue Flag award as an environmentally friendly and safe harbor. By the way, in early August, the Weekend Festival Baltic electronic music festival takes place here. It lasts for four days.

To dive deeper into the history of the resort, we suggest going to the town hall. It was built in the classicist style at the end of the 18th century. The Church of St. Elizabeth has the largest organ in the country. And in the Local History Museum, you can learn interesting facts about the region. It houses household items, antique vehicles, weapons, etc.

By the way, Pärnu often organizes kayaking trips to Manilaid Island, the least populated island in Europe. It is also part of the cultural space of Kihnu, which is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.

As for traditional cuisine, we recommend trying kartulipuder (mashed potatoes with bacon and fried onions), kiluvõileib (herring sandwich), and silgusupp (fish soup).

There is still time to vacation this summer. Choose a destination and go on a trip!

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