Top 5 beaches in Vilnius

It is the time for swimming in Vilnius. It is the only capital city in the Baltics that does not have an access to the sea. The Baltic Sea is located about 300 kilometers from the city, which is about 4 hours by train. So, what to do during hot days in Vilnus, you might ask? The answer is: go to the beaches of Vilnius, swim in the river or lake and enjoy beautiful beaches with perfect facilities and views. So, here are the top 5 beaches in Vilnius.

Lake Balžis

Lake Balžis is my favourite one for sur. I love it for the pine trees all around, for the smell of fresh air and beautiful sunset. For us, the Lithuanians, those pine trees remind us of otheseaside, so it is a very cozy feeling being in this spot. This lake has all the facilities: toilets, changing rooms, gold sand, lifeguards and even the BBQ place. It is around 16 kilometers from the city center, so it is easily accessible by car, bike and public transport, buses no.115 and no.39.

Green Lakes

As I already wrote a little bit about the Green Lakes, this is one of the most popular swimming spots in Vilnius. Green Lakes belong to the Verkiai regional park and it includes six lakes: Balsys Lake, Gulbinas Lake/Swan Lake, Mažasis Gulbinas Lake/Little Swan Lake, Akis Lake/Eye’s Lake, Raistelis Lake/String Lake and Baraukos Akis Lake/The eye of Barauska Lake. The main beach is near Balsys Lake, with some nice sand, places for a picnic, volleyball court, boat rent and of course green water (do not be scared too much, you won’t look like Shrek after a swim there). You can reach the Green Lakes with the buses no.66 or no.76.

Valakampiai Beach

How about you try to swim in the Neris River, especially in these hot days when the water is a little bit refreshing? The Valakampiai Beach is a popular place for the old and for the young people. This spot also has all the most common beach facilities and is closer to the city center - just about 7 kilometers from Cathedral Square. You can take the buses no.114 or 5G and explore the panorama of the city with the refreshing Neris River.

Tapeliai beach

Located around 13 kilometers from the city center, Tapeliai Lake is a place for a perfect escape. Look for a bus stop “Karačiūnai”, which is about 4,5 kilometers from the beach. It is not too much, but just a good exercise before swimming. The water and surroundings near this lake are very nice, as well as the pine trees and white sand. The beach of this lake is natural. There is just a place for BBQ.

Žirmūnai Beach

Just 5 kilometers from the Old Town and easily accessible by walk, the Žirmūnai Beach is very liked by the locals because it is in the middle of the city center. Take a nice walk along the Neris River, and you will reach the beach easy, or take a trolleybus no.16 or bus no.114.

These are the top 5 beaches in Vilnius for your perfect swimming time. I hope that my recommendations will help you to choose the beach that suits you - in the city center or outside it. So, while it is still hot, enjoy the summertime in Vilnius.