Resort towns of Latvia. Sanatoriums in Latvia

Having visited Latvia once, I simply fell in love with this extraordinary country. And, perhaps, the most important thing that surprised and even amazed me is how such a small state can be so different. What I mean? Wherever you go, in every corner you can find something special, different from other areas of the country, something that you will like and that will become so close to you.

As for where exactly is the best place to relax in Latvia, I would advise you to start your acquaintance with the country from Riga, its capital, and then go in search of an attractive place for a more relaxing, educational, active or even glamorous vacation. Why do I say this? Probably because Riga combines all the features of the rich Latvian culture; it is in this city that you can get acquainted with amazing rich history country, enjoy its impressive architectural heritage and plunge into the comfort of this friendly city. After all, you can find amazing things in it a large number of not only monuments, but also very interesting museums, get to one of the extraordinary exhibitions or concerts, and also join the European youth holiday. There is probably everything you could want here - from places and events to broaden your horizons or to “feed” the highest fibers of your soul to fashionable shops, huge shopping centers and bars with nightclubs. Thus, Riga, as a real capital, combines many attractive functions or places for tourists (here it’s up to you to choose) and therefore, in my opinion, deserves the special close attention of its guests.

However, the noise and rhythm of a large, albeit rather measured, European city may seem unnecessarily tiring to some. And you might just want to relax by the sea (unfortunately, you won’t find it right in Riga) or enjoy the freshest air and the delightful atmosphere of ancient Latvian forests. In this case, after spending a day or two in the capital, we can advise you to go to conquer other cities and towns of Latvia, each of which, believe me, is no less interesting and attractive.

Where do most travelers head first?

If the main purpose of your trip is to relax by the sea or relax at popular spa resorts, you can head to Jurmala, which has been popular since Soviet times. The main advantages of a holiday here are the close location of the resort from Riga (only about half an hour by bus or train from the center of the capital, and transport links in this direction are very well developed and travel is quite inexpensive), a long coastline with clean sand, developed tourist infrastructure ( from shops and cafes to all kinds of entertainment and events), as well as a large selection of accommodation options designed to suit absolutely any budget. And although some may find it rather boring to go to a traditional resort, I can say that it is still one of the most popular coastal villages in the country and truly deserves the attention and approval of its guests. True, in the summer, during the high season, it can be a little noisy there, and the prices in the establishments will not always please you with their budget (summer, after all).

Therefore, if you are not chasing big names and are not focusing on holidays in exclusively famous places, be sure to take a closer look at other coastal towns and places in Latvia, especially since a holiday in most of them will give you real peace and comfort. Among those places that especially captivated me personally, I can mention the small town of Saulkrasti, located about forty kilometers from Riga.
The beach, starting right behind the forest, amazes with its beauty, the sea there is surprisingly calm, and the atmosphere and air are such that you inevitably want to stay there as long as possible. By the way, this place is good not only in the heat, but also in spring or autumn, as you can simply wander along the almost deserted beach, enjoying the charm that surrounds you, or walk along special walking paths in the pine forest located right next to the shore.

In addition, local residents love to go to the sea in the area of ​​​​Liepaja or Kolka, located on the territory of a national park. And although it will take a little longer to get there, the charm of this place also attracts many who want to relax under the soft Baltic sun.

If you are going to Latvia for impressions and vivid emotions, you can take a closer look at such an amazing town as Sigulda, also located among dense forests Gauja National Park.
Among its main attractions are the amazing Turaida Castle, lost among vast forests, the largest Gutman Cave in Latvia, as well as many other natural attractions. In addition, these places also attract lovers of thrilling experiences and active tourism, because not far from the city there is a forest amusement park “Tarzan”, an aerium on the territory of which you can literally fly above the ground, as well as a cute yellow trailer that transports curious tourists around cable car at a considerable height and allowing you to enjoy the surrounding landscapes to your heart's content. And this is not all that you can do in the vicinity of Sigulda. So if you are young and hungry for new experiences or traveling with the whole family, be sure to take a closer look at these places where (trust me) no one will be bored...

Of course, these are not all the places that you can see when you are in the country, or where you can spend a wonderful, unforgettable weekend. But only the most popular ones. However, even from these lines it is clear that every town in Latvia, and especially its capital - the city of Riga, definitely deserves attention and will be an excellent holiday destination for absolutely all travelers.

Latvia is not considered a country intended for an ideal seaside holiday. To do this, you should go further south. The Baltic Sea is quite cool, and in summer it warms up to +21°C, +23°C. And then, only by July. However, the beach season in Latvia lasts from May to September, and the country's main resorts are known throughout Europe. It is comfortable to swim in the second half of June and until mid-August. They sunbathe since the end of spring.

Jurmala and other beach resorts in the Gulf of Riga

The best seaside holiday in Latvia is, of course, in Jurmala. In addition to the resort town itself, there are many villages stretching along the Gulf of Riga. Popular among them are the resort centers of Bulduri, Majori, Dubulti, Dzintari, Jomas, Vaivari, Kemeri and Jaunkemeri. Jurmala is considered a good option for families with children; there are many comfortable hotels and sanatoriums.

Liepaja

In addition, a tour to Latvia with a seaside holiday includes Liepaja. The city is located between the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepaja. Beach festivals take place here and there are many beaches to suit every taste. The city has a wonderful Seaside Park and a nice sandy coast.

Ventspils

If you need a holiday on the beaches of Latvia, go to the third major seaside resort, Ventspils. This is a well-developed port city; the residents of Latvia themselves like to relax here with their children.

The cities and resorts of Latvia offer a variety of pastimes, because Latvia is a country where fans of beach holidays, excursions, those who want to improve their health, and lovers of natural beauty can go. Here old architectural monuments coexist with modern buildings. Tourists are offered a lot of excursion programs. There is also something to do for fans of active recreation. On the map of the country you will find many interesting places who can give unforgettable experience. It is noteworthy that most local residents speak excellent Russian. Therefore, any problems are excluded: you definitely won’t get lost here.

Cities and attractions (excursions)

Speaking about the beautiful cities of Latvia, first of all it is worth mentioning its capital. Taking a walk around Riga, you will undoubtedly enjoy it, because it is one of the most beautiful European capitals. When planning a route around the city, it would be a good idea to include the following places.

• Visit to the Dome Cathedral of the 13th century, where the world-famous organ is located.
• A very beautiful and unique historical center of the capital.
• House of the Blackheads, built in the 14th century.

In addition, the capital has a huge number of museums: maritime, porcelain, architecture, decorative arts and even the occupation of Latvia.

Fans of excursions should also pay attention to other cities and places. Sigulda attracts with its medieval and charming hilly nature. In the village of Pilsrundale, it is worth visiting the Rundale Palace, where the interiors and furniture of the 18th century have been preserved. In Daugavpils you can see one of the outstanding fortifications in Europe - the Dinaburg Fortress. And connoisseurs of antiquity should visit the city of Cesis.

And that's not it. The cities and resorts of Latvia offer many interesting excursion routes.

The best health resorts

The relatively mild climate and natural features contribute to the creation favorable conditions for the operation of medical resorts and institutions. In particular, healing properties mineral waters are used in various establishments in Jurmala, and in the sanatoriums of Druskininkai mud is used for treatment.

There are many medical institutions and sanatoriums of various profiles. The services of local specialists in the field of cosmetology, dietetics and aesthetic surgery are also in great demand. This is also facilitated by attractive prices, which are 20–40% lower than in Russia.

Beach resorts

It is impossible not to mention a wonderful holiday in Latvia on the Baltic Sea coast. You can organize an unforgettable vacation at the following beaches.

• Riga. There are 4 fairly large beaches here. Vetsaki is considered to be the best among them.
• Jurmala. Who doesn’t know about this wonderful city with a line of beaches 33 kilometers long?
• Liepaja. Excellent coastline, awarded the Blue Flag.
• Ventspils. In the “city of fountains and funny cows” you will find not only a beach holiday, but also an interesting excursion holiday.

Ski resorts

Despite the fact that the most high point on the map of Latvia is located at an elevation of only 312 m, in winter time Here you can have a good rest ski resorts. Sigulda, recognized as the ski capital of the country, is popular. Tourists also actively travel to Žagarkalns with trails of easy and medium difficulty, to Riekstukalns (there is a snowpark that will appeal to freestyle lovers), to Mezhkalni (there is a “black” track where you can develop decent speed during the descent).

In general, when choosing cities and resorts in Latvia, you are guaranteed to find a suitable place to relax.

The Baltic coast is famous for its cultural, historical and natural values. Latvia is an amazing country; centuries-old folk traditions and masterpieces of architectural buildings have been preserved here. A wide variety of resorts will allow each tourist to choose the most suitable destination. It’s amazing, but despite all the local beauties, not many vacationers come here every year, and even the famous Jurmala does not suffer from overcrowded hotels.

Latvian resorts are divided into three groups: climatic, mud, balneological. IN last years Medicine began to develop rapidly in Latvia. Today, many tourists go to this country for treatment.

Jurmala.

Jurmala has rightfully won the fame of the largest and most popular Latvian resort. It is conveniently located between the Lielupe River and the Gulf of Riga. Just imagine, along the 32-kilometer embankment stretch white sandy beaches, cozy colorful cafes, coastal sports facilities and an unrivaled pine forest, full of clean air and natural resources. But not only a beach holiday can interest you in Jurmala. Many architectural monuments of the city are under UNESCO protection. What's good about this resort? There is no oppressive sultry heat here, so it is ideal for a calm, measured holiday.

Many people come to Jurmala with their whole family, and this is not surprising. Parents will not have to fear for their children again, because the sea here is shallow and crazy fidgets can safely splash in the water. In addition, you can always captivate your children with modern playgrounds located right on the beach. A huge open-air play complex has been built near the Dzintari Concert Hall; it is suitable for children of any age.

Hotels in Jurmala meet European standards, here you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay: swimming pools, SPA, GYM's. This city is ideal for solitude with nature. You can throw away the unnecessary fuss and, bypassing roads, get from one place to another on foot or by bicycle, enjoying the silence and fresh sea air.

One of the main attractions of Jurmala is the Livu water park. It gained great fame among vacationers thanks to the abundance of slides and pools. A special salt room, an infrared sauna, a spa area, a water play center, reflexology, a counter-current pool are just a few of what awaits you at the Livu water park.

Liepaja.

This famous Latvian resort honorably bears the title of one of the largest cities in the state. Geographically, it is located in the Western part of Latvia, right on the coast of the Baltic Sea.

The name of the city was not given by chance. Officially it is translated as “city under the linden trees” and, indeed, there are countless linden trees in Liepaja. The city is rich in its historical and cultural heritage, but many vacationers love it for its clean beaches, mineral springs and healing mud.

Arriving in Liepaja, you should definitely take a walk in the Seaside Park; it is considered the largest in Latvia. The length of green spaces is about 3 km, where more than 170 species of shrubs and plants grow.

Liepaja traditionally hosts music festivals not only on a national, but also on an international scale. In this city you will definitely have something to see and where to go; here every tourist will find something to his liking.

Here are some popular attractions in Liepaja:

• St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral. This cathedral was built back in 1903 and has a very rich and eventful history. Throughout its existence, the cathedral was repeatedly attacked. During the Soviet era, it actually housed a sailor’s club. Only in 1992 the building was completely restored and re-lit.
• The Church of the Holy Trinity fascinates with its architectural beauty and exquisite interior. This church houses the largest organ in Europe.
• The promenade is the old embankment of Liepaja and a great place for romantic walks. It is unlikely that you will be able to ignore the original fountain in the shape of a sea wave and the irresistible amber clock that adorns this place...

Ventspils.

Ventspils is considered one of the most popular tourism centers in Latvia. This is a rapidly developing city that has made a colossal breakthrough over the past 5-10 years. Locals Ventspils is even called “Latvian Dubai”! The city manages to actively develop its tourism infrastructure due to its favorable location. Today it is not only a large industrial port, but also a concentration of various tourist facilities that are equipped with the latest technology. What to see in Ventspils?

• Castle of the Livonian Order. It was erected back in the 13th century. Very few such well-preserved buildings from those times have survived to this day. On the territory of the castle there is a historical museum; its exhibitions will delight even the most experienced traveler. Medieval archery is an unusual activity that anyone can try in the castle courtyard.
• Ventspils Adventure Park is open to city guests all year round. Try to overcome this obstacle course, ride the kicking swing and jump on the trampolines. A lot of bright impressions are guaranteed to you!
• Ski hill “Lembergs Hat”. Named after the hat of the famous mayor of Ventspils, who managed to maintain his post for quite a long time. The snow embankment on the hill is artificial, the total length of the route is about 180 m.

Here they are - best resorts Latvia. There is a lot more that can be said about these places, but nothing beats personal experience! Discover your Latvia - an original, distinctive and amazing country!

The charm of small towns Latvia is not only Riga - a modern, architecturally diverse metropolis with a rich history. Latvia is not only about green nature and magnificent landscapes. Latvia is also about small cities – each more interesting and exciting than the other.

Unique historical buildings, medieval castles, cozy small hotels and taverns - this and much more give the cities a special charm, for which tourists from all over the world visit them.

Pearl of Kurzeme – Kuldiga

The pearl of Kurzeme, Kuldiga, has always been considered the most beautiful Latvian town of all times. One of the oldest cities, a member of the Hanseatic League, the capital of the Duchy of Courland, a city thriving in the Middle Ages, the power of which ended at the beginning of the 18th century due to the Northern War and the subsequent plague. Then the city was restored again. Since Kuldiga was not damaged in either the First or Second World War, the city has preserved ancient buildings, its historical center is a wonderful place for a walk - a leisurely observer will pay attention to the decorations of the windows and doors of houses, as well as other places with wood carvings. Kuldiga is also called the Latvian Venice, because the Aleksupite flows right past the walls of buildings through the entire city.

A special romance of the city is also created by the ancient brick bridge over the Venta, which is one of the longest brick bridges in Europe (164 m) and claims a place on the list of world monuments. cultural heritage UNESCO, and directly in front of the bridge there is the widest waterfall in Europe - the Venta Rapids Falls (about 250 m wide and 1.75 m high), where in the spring you can watch fish jumping to spawn.

The picturesque towns of Kandava and Sabile

Not so large, but no less picturesque and beautiful cities are Kandava and Sabile, located on the banks of the Abava River, on the road from Riga to Kuldiga. The ancient valley of Abava with its banks, numerous natural monuments, ancient settlements and picturesque landscapes in itself deserves special attention, as does Kandava located on its banks. On Talsu and Sabiles streets, as well as on Loka Street, buildings characteristic only of Kandava have been preserved - houses with closed courtyards, driveways, the noteworthy Kandava Knight's Castle, the mighty Powder Tower, and from the Curonian settlement there is a magnificent view of the ancient Abava valley and the oldest stone bridge in Latvia, connecting the banks of this river.

In a small area in Sabile, many cultural and historical monuments are concentrated; the historical center of Sabile is an urban monument of the 15th–19th centuries. Sabile is also proud of the most remote vineyard in the north, inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the Pedvali open-air art museum.

City on Nine Hills

The picturesque surroundings attract every guest and resident to another town in Kurzeme - Talsi. It is located on nine hills, surrounded by two lakes. The historical center of Talsi has changed little since the 19th century; narrow cobbled streets can still be found in the city; the buildings here are distinguished by buildings with gable roofs that are characteristic only of Talsi. And the landscapes of the North Kurzeme Upland located in the vicinity of Talsi with wild forests, steep mountains and deep valleys have been declared a natural park. In many places at the foot of the hills there are ski trails, and near the Jankalnu house there is a folklore trail. Not far from Sabile you can see an impressive, by Latvian standards, waterfall on the rapids of Abava, which always attracts water tourists.

City on a peninsula

In Zemgale, be sure to check out Bauska – ancient city, formed on a peninsula at the confluence of the Musa and Memele rivers. The castle of the Livonian Order is hidden there - the thickness of the walls of Bauska Castle reached 3 meters, there were five towers, some of which have survived. The old town of Bauska is a fascinating object to explore, and not far from the city lies the majestic Mezotne Palace - the most striking monument of classical architecture in Latvia, as well as Rundāle Palace - a pearl of the Rococo and Baroque of the entire Baltic.

The towns of Subate and Ilukste, located in the north-eastern part of Zemgale, have a completely different aura. Subate stands on the shores of two lakes, the historical center of the city is a monument of urban planning of national importance. And Ilukste is especially interesting for its surroundings, where the fascinating nature reserve Pilskalnes Siguldiņa with many hiking trails was founded.

Bright Sigulda

Of course, the town most visited by tourists is Sigulda. Its beauty has been famous for several centuries, when Sigulda, called Vidzeme Switzerland, became
travelers flock from all over the world. The main value of the city is Gauja with its ancient valley and many natural, historical and cultural monuments. The picturesque river valley is beautiful in all seasons, sandstone outcrops and caves in them, ancient fortifications and stone knight's castles, of which Turaida Castle deserves a special mention, a winter sports center with the Sigulda luge and bobsleigh track and many ski slopes - this is just part of the picturesque Sigulda located in national park"Gauja".

Ancient Cesis

On the banks of the Gauja there is another place worth seeing - Cesis. This is one of the oldest cities in Latvia, a former member of the Hanseatic League, with a powerful castle of the Livonian Order, many unique objects to explore. Cesis Castle was once the strongest fortress in the Baltics, and a walk through the old town of Cesis and the castle park is a real dessert for romantics and connoisseurs of antiquity. Žagarkalns awaits winter sports lovers. Interestingly, in the nearby town of Cirulishi, a Holy Spring flows from one rock, the water of which has healing properties.

Luxurious Rezekne

The cultural and historical flavor of Latgale can be enjoyed in the city of Rezekne, called its heart, and its picturesque surroundings, distinguished by beautiful Catholic churches; the oldest city in Latvia - Ludza, which stands on several hills, on the shores of three lakes, and here the ruins of the majestic order castle are still preserved, and in the historical center of the city, after several devastating fires, wooden buildings of the 19th century with closed courtyards have survived; and also in Kraslava - one of most beautiful places on the steep banks of the Daugava.