Palanga

Although Lithuania has a rather modest shoreline, this is where the action takes place in summer. Mostly in the city of Palanga. There are even places for people who don`t want any action, but those are more secluded and a bit more up market. Being the number one resort city (in the more common understanding of the Word, that is) of Lithuania, Palanga is the place to go for people who want the BEACH. People, parties, hustle and bustle included.




Palanga beach. With seemingly clear, blue water, despite the apparent absence of restrooms. 

Since Lithuania’s coastline is a sandy beach from one end to another, one can easily pitch a tent in some remote location and find solitude. If on the other hand you want the infrastructure of a resort city, Palanga is where you want to go. Here there are food, drinks, entertainment, shopping opportunities, spa treatments and the like. Along with a mix noisy children, drunk men and fuzzy women - confined in an owecrowded area.




Probably the most popular Beach in Lithuania. You rather need to be a "people-person" to enjoy this type of thing. At least there are plenty of "Cold cebureks and warm alus" at hand.

 

The main cultural attraction in Palanga is the Tiškevičiai Palace, which is home to both an amber museum and a rose garden. Neither of which are, in all honesty, particularly interesting to the common tourist. The rose garden now shamelessly claims to be a botanical garden, despite not not having much other botanical material on display than the roses, and the amber museum fails in even convincing visitors that amber is so remarkable that it deserves a separate museum. Most vistiors just end up taking a picture outside. With the nice statue that is not related to either of the museums.



The castle in Palanga. Despite being a horrific example of social injustice, it survived soviet times.
Nowadays, it should be quite safe.

The heart of the city is a main street, which ends in a nice pier. If I recall correctly, its name is Basanavičius street. It is filled with all kinds of restaurants and shops, and in combination with the nearby beach it is all you will ever need. For a careless visit, just book a hotel within walking distance, and enjoy yourself. Cepelins, vodka, and the beach is all within an arm’s length. What more can the common visitor desire?




No such resort would be complete without a pier.

If you like people more than nature, this is the place for you. If your preferences are opposite, you will be better off elsewhere. For instance somewhere in Neringa.