Latvia's Nida Offers Tranquility and Nature Unseen in Lithuania

Travel journalist Orijus Gasanovas describes Latvia's Nida as a stark contrast to Lithuania's bustling seaside resorts, offering unparalleled peace and a rustic, natural environment. He notes that Lithuanian resorts are constantly crowded, which can be a "romance for some, a tragedy for others." Gasanovas points out that roads in the area are often unpaved, a factor that deters some visitors.

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We have nothing like it in Lithuania. It's never this calm, empty, and rural by the seaside – Lithuanian resorts are constantly buzzing with people.

Just a kilometer from the Lithuanian border, a guesthouse owned by Lithuanians has become a magnet for tourists, particularly from Poland, Germany, and the United States, though Latvians visit less frequently. The guesthouse, managed by a grandmother and her grandchildren who invested in its upkeep, offers wooden houses and rooms for rent. Gasanovas met Rasa, a resident of Kaunas, who has vacationed there for ten years, discovering the spot accidentally after her parents frequented a different Lithuanian farmstead nearby.

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This place is adored by tourists from Poland, Germany, America. Latvians hardly ever come here, but it's full of Lithuanians. People, according to the owners, fall in love with this place and want to come back.

Access to the sea from the guesthouse involves a walk through a beautiful forest, with the constant scent of the sea. Gasanovas describes the beach as feeling almost private, noting that while it has fine white sand, it also contains many small pebbles, which might not appeal to everyone. A key distinction from Lithuanian resorts is the complete absence of commercial activity in Latvia's Nida; there are no candy floss stalls, amusement rides, trampolines, or kiosks.

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We don't change our holiday destinations; we've been vacationing here for 10 years. Our parents used to go to a Lithuanian farmstead further away, and we accidentally discovered this place.

This lack of commercialization allows for a focus on nature, dunes, and shared family activities, such as cooking over a campfire. Rasa, the vacationer from Kaunas, appreciates this natural setting for her children, stating, "We can concentrate on joint activities, being together, we cook food on the campfire." Accommodation options range from a three-person room for 90 euros per night to four-person apartments for 120 euros. For those seeking more comfort, there are also hotels, including "Skrablas" guest house, which is also owned by Lithuanians and features a restaurant. A night here costs 190 euros, with apartments offering sea views and proximity, just 50 meters away.

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This is like a private beach – you leave the guesthouse and the beach is yours. There's one thing that won't appeal to every Lithuanian – it's not just white sand, but also many small pebbles.