Vilnius opens 15 public beaches for summer season

The summer beach season officially began in Vilnius on Monday, with 15 designated swimming areas now open to the public, the city’s maintenance company Grinda announced.

Residents and visitors can choose from eight lakefront beaches—located at Balsys, Balžis I and II, Tapeliai I and II, Salotė, Gilužis, and Dvarčionys—and seven river beaches along the Neris and Vilnia rivers in Žirmūnai, Valakampiai I and II, Grigiškės, Vingis Park, Naujoji Vilnia, and Trakų Vokė.

“These beaches make the capital unique, as locals don’t need to travel far to enjoy a holiday atmosphere—all can be reached in under 30 minutes,” said Jonas Davidavičius, director of Grinda.

All sites are staffed with lifeguards and equipped with rest areas, changing cabins, toilets, and information boards. Three beaches—Balsys (Žaliųjų Ežerų), Valakampiai I, and Valakampiai II—have been awarded the international Blue Flag certification, recognizing high environmental and safety standards.

Throughout the summer, Grinda will publish real-time water temperature and quality updates. New this year: drinking water stations and digital screens displaying air and water temperatures, along with safety guidelines. Preparations included spreading over 4,000 tons of sand across the beaches last month.