Palanga Travel Guide

Nestled along the Baltic Sea, Palanga, a city in Klaipėda County, stands as Lithuania's premier seaside destination, enticing visitors with its stunning coastal beauty, amber-rich heritage, and vibrant culture. As a gem of the Lithuanian Riviera, Palanga offers a blend of leisure and history, making it an essential stop for any traveler exploring the Baltics.

The heart of Palanga's allure is its expansive sandy beach, stretching over 10 kilometers and bordered by dunes and pine forests. The beach is a hub for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports during the summer months, with the iconic Palanga Pier offering a perfect vantage point for breathtaking sunsets over the sea.

Beyond the beach, the city is famous for its Amber Museum, housed in the opulent Tiškevičiai Palace. Visitors can delve into the fascinating world of amber, the "Baltic gold," discovering its history, varieties, and the intricate artistry of amber jewelry. The museum is set within the verdant Botanical Park, a serene landscape of flowerbeds, sculptures, and ponds designed by the French architect Édouard André.

The lively Basanavičiaus Street is the city's main artery, lined with an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Here, one can sample the flavors of Lithuania, including freshly caught fish and traditional dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), as well as international cuisine.

For cultural enthusiasts, Palanga hosts a plethora of events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and the renowned Midsummer celebration of Joninės, where locals and tourists alike revel in ancient traditions and folklore.

Palanga also serves as a gateway to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ethereal landscape of shifting sand dunes and quaint fishing villages. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby coastal hiking and cycling trails, which provide a tranquil retreat and an opportunity to connect with the region's natural splendor.