Ventspils International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Ventspils airport is about 3.7 km from the centre, a 10-minute taxi ride: since airBaltic's attempt in 2008, which lasted only a few months for lack of demand, it has had no more scheduled flights and today is a runway for private flights and air taxis. Those who do arrive this way still find one of Latvia's fastest-growing seaside resorts, with a historic centre of warehouses from the Seventeenth Century and a white-sand beach over a kilometre long, Blue Flag certified. The choice is between the centre, a stone's throw from the Livonian Order Castle, and the seaside area, a 15-minute walk from the centre's streets.

Historic centre

City centre · 10 minutes by taxi from the airport; no regular direct bus, given the airport's limited traffic.

Best for: Travellers who want the Livonian Order Castle, the cobbled streets and the market of the centre within walking distance.

Pros

Livonian Order Castle and the city market reachable on foot from your room
Blue Flag beach 15 minutes on foot, among the cleanest in Latvia

Cons

Nightlife limited compared with Riga, especially outside the summer months
No direct public transport to the airport, a taxi or a car is always needed

Recommended hotels in this area

Aparthotel Pils 17: 200 metres from the House of Crafts and a few steps from the historic centre, recently renovated; beach 2.7 km away.
40 Saules: A guest house 5 minutes' walk from the centre and about 15 minutes' walk from the Blue Flag beach.

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Seaside area

Neighbourhood · 10-15 minutes by taxi from the airport; from the city centre, about 15-20 minutes on foot.

Best for: Travellers who want the white-sand beach a few minutes' walk away, accepting being a bit further from the historic centre.

Pros

Blue Flag beach with changing rooms, showers and lifeguards a few minutes' walk away
A quieter area than the centre, useful for those seeking sea and silence together

Cons

Fewer restaurants on the immediate streets compared with the historic centre
Some properties are more isolated and suit mainly those with a car

Recommended hotels in this area

ArSa: Recently renovated, close to Ventspils beach and the House of Crafts.
Amrai: About 2.4 km from the centre, with spa area, sauna and children's playground: better suited to those seeking calm than beach life.

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