Where to swim in Latvia: the best beaches

On an 8-kilometer beach with incredibly white and fine sand, everyone has something to do: from kiteboarding and windsurfing to quiet walks in an untouched nature. For young parents, a separate room has been created where you can take care of children.

The central zone of the coast is equipped with radio beacons and swimming chairs for people in wheelchairs, and a wide trail leads from the rescue point to the sea. So people with visual and motor impairments can have a comfortable time here.

Remember about safety — among amber dumped on the shore, you may find particles of toxic white phosphorus. It is easily confused with amber, but it is slightly lighter and looser than the “sun stone”. After drying, white phosphorus is easily flammable and can cause burns. Therefore, in no case should you put the newly found “amber” in the pockets of clothing.

There used to be a fishing village here. Now the beach is used for resting and bathing not only by locals, but also tourists from different countries. Nevertheless, it is much calmer and quieter than in Jurmala.

Golden sand, the purest sea and pines growing near the shore — this is what the beach is famous for. The bottom of the sea is not steep, so the entrance is quite comfortable. The water is calm and warm.

From entertainment: volleyball, football and children’s playgrounds. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Unfortunately, there is only one cafe here, so take care of the food in advance.

Changing cabins and a small parking lot near the beach is a good option, but in the high season there is not enough space for cars. Keep in mind that you can get here on a bicycle — along the beach there is a bike trail to the city.

Vakarbulli is the only Blue Flag beach in Riga. Here you will find everything you need to relax with children: a large number of playgrounds, as well as a mother and child room.

For active leisure — equipped places for playing football and volleyball. You can also conquer the waves on a kite or practice windsurfing. The beach has everything you need: changing booths, sunbeds and umbrellas, toilets, shops, cafes and bars. The beach is also equipped with wooden ramps for the descent of wheelchairs. Near the beach there is a large parking lot.

More than a kilometer of pure white sand is waiting for you on the beach of Ventspils. The depth is felt after 10 meters from the shore, however, the entrance is quite smooth. From the side of the windy coastline, the beach is covered by sand dunes located above the sea at a height of 20 meters, and from the sea — a stone mole about a kilometer long. At the end of it is an observation deck — go there and admire the fascinating sunset.

During summer there are a lot of people on the beach, so it’s divided into zones: for surfers and kites (as much as half kilometer), for all sunbathing and swimming people (the rest of the coast), as well as a separate smoking area (smoking is prohibited on the rest of the beach). Feel free to come with children — there are many playgrounds for them. It is safe on the beach, the rescuers are carefully watching after the vacationers.

If the sea seems cold to you — there is a water park in the city itself, where children and adults can enjoy warm water any time of the year.

You can get from Riga to Ventspils by bus (about 3 hours). Beautiful bike paths connect the city with the capital — just in case you’re an advanced cyclist.

Thanks to the natural phenomena — the White Dune, which rises above sea level — the beach is windless, and therefore very pleasant to walk on warm days.

The length of the beach is several kilometers. There are usually not as many vacationers, when compared to Jurmala. Yellow, fine sand and many pine trees along the coast. Entrance in the sea is smooth, the water is calm. We recommend coming here for a walk or a run.

On the beach there are cabins for changing clothes, several cafes and points for renting beach equipment. Ride catamarans, canoes or jet skis.

From the White Dune begins a natural park — the Sun Path. This is a beautiful pine forest with pedestrian paths. If you don’t own a car, you can get to Saulkrasti from Riga by train or bus. The journey will take about 45 minutes.

In Daugavpils 2 beaches were awarded the Blue Flag: “Stropu vilnis” beach and the central beach of the city. They are connected by a 3-kilometer promenade located on the shore of the Great Strop Lake.

The central beach is perfectly landscaped: a pedestrian path that is illuminated even at night, an asphalt bike path and a gym. Beach volleyball court, changing rooms, benches and parking — everything is thought out.

The main feature of the central beach is the structures on the water. 25-meter outdoor swimming pool with 4 lanes, towers for diving, children’s pool. Umbrellas and sunbeds are provided free of charge.

Come with children — there is a playground next to the beach. They can play, swing and even jump on a trampoline.

There is only one cafe here but you can count on a refreshing drink and ice cream.

On the nearby beach “Stropu vilnis” camping “Chill&Grill” is located — here you can have a picnic, tent or stay in a house on wheels. Of the activities — next to the camping there is an adventure park “Daugavpils Tarzāns” with 9 obstacle courses. This activity will surely appeal to both children and adults.

This beach is more of a beach sports complex. There is a beach volleyball court and even stands for fans of water competitions. Street gym equipment is available for athletes. You can also rent a boat or a water bike.

There is also a specially fenced swimming pool — you can swim in and outside of it. The water is clean and warm. Keep in mind that there are quite a few fish in the lake (they’re not dangerous).