Liep?ja is situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea in the south-western part of Latvia. The westernmost geographical point of Latvia is located approximately 15 kilometers to the south thus making Liep?ja Latvia's furthest west city. Liep?ja is situated between the Baltic Sea and Liep?ja Lake with residential and industrial areas spreading north of the lake. The Trade Channel (Tirdzniec?bas kan?ls) connects the lake to the sea dividing the city into southern and northern parts, which are often referred to as the Old Town (Vecliep?ja) and the New Town (Jaunliep?ja) respectively. The city center is located in the southern part and, although called the Old Town, is relatively more developed. Most of the administrative and cultural buildings are found here as well as the main leisure areas. Along the coast the city extends northwards until it reaches the Tosmare Channel (Tosmares kan?ls). North of the Tosmare Channel is an area called Karosta which is now fully integrated into Liep?ja and is the northernmost district of the city. Liep?ja's coastline consists of an unbroken sandy beach and dunes as does most of Latvia's coastline. The beach of Liep?ja is not as exploited as other places (e.g. the Gulf of Riga, J?rmala and P�rnu in Estonia) but also lacks the tourist infrastructure needed for a fashionable, modern resort
