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Jūrmala, Latvia -

A 30-minute drive from the capital city of Riga, Jūrmala is a resort town known for its sandy beaches, pine tree forests, and Soviet-era sanatoriums.

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Jūrmala, Latvia -

Once the spa capital of the Baltics, Jūrmala was where Soviet generals and officials would recharge. Today, it's a popular beach destination.

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Pärnu, Estonia -

In the summer months, Estonians flock to Pärnu to enjoy its many hotels, restaurants, and large beaches. 

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Pärnu, Estonia -

Located 80 miles (128 km) south of the capital, Tallinn, this resort town offers activities for the whole family, such as bike rentals and beachside mini-golf.

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Rügen, Germany -

Germany's largest island, it was here the Baltic beach craze first started, thanks to 19th-century aristocrats. Trains from Berlin and Hamburg connect to Binz, the largest seaside resort in Rügen.

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Rügen, Germany -

With chalky cliffs and white beaches, this island is also home to the controversial Nazi building, the Prora, which was built as a holiday resort in the 1930s.  

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Świnoujście, Poland -

Located on the border with Germany, Świnoujście is the widest beach in Poland, reaching almost 650 feet (200 meters) in some places. 

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Świnoujście, Poland -

A great seaside retreat, the 19th-century lighthouse has an observation deck with views of the harbor and the Baltic Sea.

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Gotland, Sweden -

Sweden's largest island, Gotland is famous for its UNESCO-protected medieval town Visby, viking heritage, and natural scenery.

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Gotland, Sweden -

A popular summer destination, the northwest coast consists of rocky beaches and the southeast coast of sandy beaches. 

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Curonian Spit, Lithuania -

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a peninsula with the highest dunes in Northern Europe. It's also shared by two countries, Lithuania and Russia.

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Curonian Spit, Lithuania -

A favorite amongst locals, Spit offers white sand beaches, steep sand dunes, and pine forests. You can rent a bike and visit different beaches and fishing villages.

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Hanko, Finland -

The sunniest place in Finland, Hanko is a peninsula located on the nation's southernmost point. Once a Russian spa town in the 19th century, Hanko's spa heritage lives on.

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Hanko, Finland -

There, you can visit fine sand beaches and beautiful rocky coves, as well as traditional Finnish saunas, of course. 

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Łeba, Poland -

On a sunny summer day, the vast white sand at Łeba, northwest of Gdańsk, almost feels tropical. Until you dip your toe into the water, of course.

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Łeba, Poland -

A great place for sailing and windsurfing, the beach is part of the Słowiński National Park, sometimes referred to as the Polish Sahara. 

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Pirita, Estonia -

Looking to cool down after a day exploring the capital city of Tallinn? Head to Pirita, a beach in the suburbs with changing cabins and lifeguard patrol on weekends.

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Pirita, Estonia -

In good weather, it has a panoramic view of Tallinn's downtown and the ferries coming over from Finland and Sweden. 

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Bornholm, Denmark -

Located between Poland and Sweden, the Danish island of Bornholm boasts half-timbered houses, historic churches, and an abundance of beautiful beaches.

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Bornholm, Denmark -

Extending some 19 miles (30 km) almost without interruption, the white Dueodde beach is located on Bornholm's southeastern tip.

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Eckernförde, Germany -

Located 18 miles (30 km) north-west of Kiel, Eckernförde is a popular German beach town. 

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Eckernförde, Germany -

On top of its magnificent sandy beach, Eckernförde also offers a lively old town and a romantic harbor to stroll around. 

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Liepāja, Latvia -

Once an important Soviet naval base, the city of Liepāja is now a popular hub among Latvia's windsurfers and kiteboarders. It's also a good spot for amber-hunting after storms!

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Liepāja, Latvia -

Pines back the four-mile (8-km) long sandy beaches of Liepāja, which has been a popular resort since the 1860s.

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Usedom, Germany and Poland -

The longest stretch of beach in Europe runs for an unbroken 24 miles (40 km), along the northern shores of the Usedom island. The island is divided between Germany and Poland.

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Usedom, Germany and Poland -

Known as the Kaiserbäder, or "Imperial Spas," Usedom was a popular destination with the Prussian royal family. 

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Palanga, Lithuania -

The largest resort town in Lithuania, Palanga gets busy during the summer months. The center of the beach is the pier, which is also the best place to admire the sunset. 

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Palanga, Lithuania -

One of the main attractions in Palanga is the Amber Museum, so if you're tired of sitting in the sun, head there to learn about Baltic amber. 

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Sopot, Poland -

Located between the larger cities of Gdynia and Gdańsk, Sopot was a popular destination for the rich and famous during the '20s and '30s, thanks to the beach and its casinos. 

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Sopot, Poland -

A popular summer destination to this day, Sopot is still a place people come to relax and party by the sea. 

Sources: (The Guardian) (Air Baltic) 

See also: The best islands to visit in the Stockholm archipelago

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