Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in Latvia.
Latvia blends medieval charm with Art Nouveau splendor in the heart of the Baltics. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga to pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea, this compact country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature.
The best beaches Latvia has to offer.
Latvia's most famous beach resort stretches 23km along the Gulf of Riga with fine white sand. The section between Majori and Dzintari is the liveliest, backed by Art Nouveau wooden villas and the pedestrian Jomas iela.
A favorite weekend escape for Rigans who want to avoid Jurmala crowds. Pine-backed dunes shelter a clean stretch of sand with clearer water than the gulf beaches. Easy to reach by public tram line 11.
Charming small town with a long clean beach on the open Baltic Sea coast. Famous for the Saulkrasti Cycling Path running behind the dunes and the White Dune — the tallest sea dune in Latvia.
A long unspoiled stretch of Baltic Sea coast known for strong winds and decent surf. The Northern Beach is cleaner and more scenic while the city beach has more facilities. Liepāja is known as the windiest city in Latvia.
Where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga at the tip of the Kurzeme peninsula, Kolka is one of the most dramatic natural spots in Latvia. The beach is wild and windswept with no amenities — pure untouched nature.
Ventspils has earned the Blue Flag designation multiple times for its clean, well-maintained beach. Backed by a promenade, the beach features a waterpark, children's areas, and good facilities making it excellent for families.
Find the perfect beach for your style.
Head to Saulkrasti, Kolka, or the beaches of the Slīteri National Park for empty stretches of white sand backed by pine forest — rarely crowded even in summer
Jurmala (Majori-Dzintari) and Ventspils have the best facilities for families including lifeguards, playgrounds, shallow water, and beach cafes
Liepāja beach suits kitesurfers and windsurfers, Saulkrasti has excellent cycling trails, and Jurmala has beach volleyball courts
Jomas iela in Jurmala's Majori district is the social hub with restaurants, bars, and a lively promenade scene during summer weekends
Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.
Things to do at the beach and in the water.
The Gulf of Riga warms to 18-22°C in July-August making it pleasant for swimming. The gulf is calmer and shallower than the open Baltic Sea coast. Jurmala and Ventspils have supervised swimming zones.
Latvia's prevailing westerly winds make the open Baltic coast ideal for wind sports. Liepāja and Ventspils have dedicated spots with rental and lesson providers operating May through September.
Courts are available at major beaches throughout the summer season. Jurmala hosts national beach volleyball competitions and has multiple permanent courts along the beachfront.
An extensive network of cycling paths runs behind the dunes from Riga to Jūrmala and along the Saulkrasti coast. Bike rental is available at Jurmala train stations and in Saulkrasti town center.
After storms, Baltic amber washes up on the beaches of the Kurzeme coast. The best spots are Liepāja and Cape Kolka where Atlantic storms push amber onto the shore. Best time is early morning after a rough night.
What you need to know before heading to the beach.
June-Aug peak; May and September shoulder
Jurmala and Ventspils have full facilities; remote beaches have none
Most beaches are public and free to access
Sunbeds €5-10/day at Jurmala; most beaches free to use without equipment
Stay safe while enjoying the water.
Always check local conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. Swim in designated areas only.
Be aware of currents, tides, and marine life. Don't swim alone or when flags indicate danger.
Protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm).
Keep valuables secure or leave them at your accommodation. Don't leave belongings unattended.
Get our complete beach guide with seasonal tips, packing checklists, and activity recommendations.
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