Spending Summer Holidays in Latvia

By Isabella Olsen

With its captivating scenery, Latvia is a great destination all year round. It is particularly magical during summer, though. During this time, Latvia offers very long days (up to twenty hours) of partying on white sandy beaches, swimming in the Baltic Sea and hiking across lush forests - all reasons to spend your summer holidays in Latvia.




Latvia has one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe, so start your summer holidays by spending some time there. Head out to Jurmula, the country's premier coastal resort just beside Riga, where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing, or relax while enjoying breathtaking views at Cape Kolka.



The city of Liepaja has alluring beaches, too, although it is more popular for its party scene. The third largest city in Latvia, Liepaja plays host to the country's annual rock festival and largest beach party, so make sure you stop by for a night of dancing and mingling with the local crowd during your summer holidays in Latvia.



For another way of experiencing the outdoors, visit the Gauja National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. There are many hiking and cycling trails in the park, as well as interesting wildlife and rock formations. You can go on a canoe ride, too, and even camp for the night.



The weather is great for touring, too, so spend some time during your summer holidays in Latvia to take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of Riga while admiring the Art Nouveau architecture or go to Sigulda and take a tour of some old castles. The Turaida Castle is one of the best castles in Latvia, which was built in 1214 and restored in the 1970s.



There are also several summer festivals you can attend while in Latvia. The biggest festival is the Jani festival, which is a public holiday in Latvia celebrating the summer solstice. During the Jani festival, there are bonfires and flea markets. It is also the local tradition to wear wreaths and pick herbs.



The Cesis festival is another large summer festival held in the town of Cesis in August. To commemorate the town's medieval heritage, there are shows with medieval knights. There are also classical concerts and operas, as well as various arts exhibits.



Indeed, there are many ways to have fun during your summer holidays in Latvia so that no matter what you do or where you are in Latvia, you're sure to have a summer you'll never forget.



Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Latvia, by car. To book your car hire Latvia or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit http://www.zencarhire.com/.



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