Our memories of beaches and towns of the Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is a unique sandy peninsula that lies in the west of Lithuania between the Baltic Sea on the west and the Curonian Lagoon on the east.
Famous for its one of the highest sand dunes in Europe, sandy beaches and well preserved unspoilt nature, it is considered one of the most beautiful Baltic seaside resorts.
The Curonian Spit (or Neringa, as the Lithuanians call it) is one of my favourite spots in Lithuania and I was eager to show John the place where I used to spend my summer holidays.
I always remember it as a charming, fairy tale-like peninsula with its amazing sand dunes, fishing villages, scented pinewoods and pieces of amber washed up on the beach.
John was pleasantly surprised to find that within Lithuania lies such a beautiful and romantic site with a unique landscape that is different from the rest of the country.
Both of us loved staying on this beautiful peninsula, as a true sense of freedom and unspoilt nature can be found in every corner of it.
Enjoy this video about the mystical Curonian Spit
The fact that you are walking on a landscape shaped by the winds and sea for over 5000 years, makes it an even more charming and mysterious place.
Everywhere you go in the Curonian Spit you will see examples of art, architecture and culture of Kursiai tribe that once lived there.
According to the history Kursiai or Curonians were excellent sailors and fishermen who worshiped pagan gods.
The authentic architecture of a fishing village has been preserved in the Curonian Spit.
John and I loved strolling along the streets lined with blue, white and brown wooden houses with red tiled or thatched roofs.
They are also very appealing for holidaymakers who may wish to stay in the cosy fisherman’s houses.
As for other accommodation you can also rent a spacious villa on the waters edge or a modern apartment in the centre.
Fish, smoked according to the ancient recipes of the Curonian fishermen, remains the local specialty.
John and I still remember the pleasant smell of smoked fish coming from almost every other house in the street. (Smoked eel, which was our favourite, is well worth a try).
The history of the Curonian Spit is closely interwoven with myths and legends.
We came across wonderful wooden sculptures impersonating some hero or a fantasy creature coming from the Lithuanian fairy tales.
John and I mainly stayed in Nida which is the largest resort town in the Curonian Spit.
Nida is a very pretty and memorable town with its majestic sand dunes, boats lining the pier, fishermen huts and a forestry path leading to Nida beach.
John and I share one of the best memories watching the sun setting from the top of the dunes.
Nida has a number of museums, waterside restaurants and amber selling stalls.
It also offers different water sport activities
For a couple of days we stayed in the idyllic village of Juodkrante, which is the second largest in the peninsula.
It is a charming fishing village with a fine stretch of the elk forest, sandy beach and wonderful legend themed park called "The Hill of Witches"
We brought back some fond memories of wandering among skilfully carved wooden fairy tale creatures.
It’s very tempting for me to say that once you visit the Curonian Spit a part of your heart will probably remain there forever especially if you are a nature and history lover, however,
for those who love a beach holiday of partying and nightlife,
Palanga
is another Lithuanian seaside resort which would be an option.
John was pleasantly surprised to find that within Lithuania lies such a beautiful and romantic site with a unique landscape that is different from the rest of the country.
The authentic architecture of a fishing village has been preserved in the Curonian Spit.
For a couple of days we stayed in the idyllic village of Juodkrante, which is the second largest in the peninsula.
Blink
Del.icio.us
Digg
Furl
Google
Simpy
Spurl
Technorati
Y! MyWeb