Ainazi invites you to relax and experience life in a traditional coastal community. The town is set on the Baltic Sea and combines a rich maritime heritage with beautiful beaches. Explore the atmospheric Old Town, visit the maritime museum and enjoy authentic Latvian cuisine.
Things to do in Ainaži
Explore the characterful Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past pastel-coloured houses. Well-preserved buildings recall the town’s heyday as a shipbuilding hub in the 19th century. St. Arseny Church towers over the Old Town and features a handsome red-brick façade and dome-topped spires.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on Ainazi Beach. Bask in the sunshine and take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea. The northern end of the beach is flanked by an enormous stone breakwater that marks the border between Estonia and Latvia.
Learn more about the town’s seafaring legacy at the Museum of Ainazi Naval School. The museum is housed in a historic naval college and showcases a fantastic collection of model ships, navigation tools and maritime artefacts.
Spend the day in Salacgriva, a neighbouring town set at the river mouth. Visit the postcard-perfect lighthouse and brush up on history at the Salacgriva Museum, which features engaging exhibits on the local fishing industry.
Dine at local restaurants and savour hearty Latvian dishes like “borscht” beetroot soup, smoked mackerel and “kartupeļu pankuka” potato pancakes. Pair your meal with a glass of “gaisais” Latvia lager. Bakeries will tempt you with “klimpas” blueberry dumplings and “speķrausi” buns stuffed with bacon and onions.
Getting around Ainaži
Ainazi is compact and easy to get around on foot, while bicycles allow you to cover longer distances. The town is in the Vidzeme region, a 1.5-hour drive from Riga. Rent a car for the freedom to visit Ainazi and explore the region at your own pace. Riga International Airport is a two-hour drive away.