Must See

Jurmala

This resort town is situated about 30 minutes from Riga, and is the biggest resort area in the Baltic. Lined with pretty pine trees, the resort actually comprises 12 small villages, which extend for 30 km along the Gulf of Riga. The endless stretch of white sands, ice-blue seas and sand dunes has earned it the name of the 'pearl of Latvia'. It's a popular holiday spot for people of all ages and during the summer swimmers stay in the water until late at night, on account of the midnight sun. Visitors can also stay in one of the city's renowned spa hotels and indulge in traditional treatments with local natural resources such as mineral waters and mud.

Kuldiga

Watch the cascading jet of water descend from the top of the country's highest waterfall, Ventas Rumba, a place where many people go for weekend picnics. It is situated on the banks of the River Venta, close to Kuldiga, a town founded by Germanic knights in the thirteenth century. The natural waterfall is 240 metres wide, making it possibly the widest in Europe.

Liepaja

Situated on the Baltic Sea, Liepaja is the third-largest city in Latvia and an important ice-free port. It is home to the old Soviet Navy base, Karosta, which includes mansions used by admirals, an impressive Russian Orthodox cathedral, a palace for the czar, as well as underground bunkers and abandoned storehouses. Karosta military prison has now been converted into a hostel (open May - September), where it is possible to spend the night in the guardhouse as a prisoner would have done. On the coast, the waves crash against the shore with such force they leave amber scattered on the beach.

Riga

Stroll through the medieval streets of the capital's World Heritage-listed Old Town, dotted with church spires and other fine Gothic, Baroque, Classical and Art Noveau buildings. Afterwards, why not enjoy a few mellow hours in one of the many charming candle-lit bars.

There are also more energetic nightspots, something that has led to an influx in stag parties. But if that's not your thing, there's still plenty to enjoy away from the pubs and clubs. Climb up to the 72-metre-high viewing tower of St Peter's church for great city views, try ice-skating in the atmospheric outdoor rink, or do some more ambling - this time through the massive Central Market, or the museums.

You can also get a taste of rural Latvian life at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, which was established in 1924. Visitors can walk amongst historical dwellings, windmills, a tavern and workers' homesteads, gathered here from all over Latvia. There's also the chance to see masters of 18 different crafts demonstrate their work.

Sigulda

The health resort of Sigulda, is located on the banks of the River Gauja. Castles and caves are the summer highlights of the area, known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia'. In winter it's a centre for sports and has an Olympic bobsled run. The national park is home to the 13th-century Turaida Castle, as well as a sculpture park where Latvian folk poetry has been captured in stone.

Wildlife

Latvia is a good place for bird watching; the country's wetlands and traditionally cultivated farmland attract significant populations of uncommon and interesting birds, including the corncrake, which is now rare in other parts of Europe. In the national parks, such as Kemeri National Park and Gauja National Park (the country's biggest), there's the chance to spot wildlife such as elk, deer, brown bears and wolves.