Gargzdai, which is 17 km from Klaipeda, is the municipal centre. The western part of the region lies within the coastal lowlands, while the eastern part extends to the plateau of West Zemaitija, reaching a height of 148 m near Zvaginiai. The region has coasts on both the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The most important towns and villages are Kretingale, Priekule, Veivirzenai, Vezaiciai and Dreverna.

Gargzdai. This thriving town of 15,000 people covers 600 ha on the right bank of the Minija River, close to the Zemaiciai Road (the old Kaunas-Klaipeda Road). It is mentioned in historical records as early as 1253, and gained prominence in the 15th and 16th centuries because of the manor of the Zemaitija Elders. It gained Magdeburg Rights in 1792. A parish school and later a public school functioned here in the 19th century. During the period when the Lithuanian language was forbidden, Gargzdai was an important underground distribution and delivery station for Lithuanian literature. The town suffered several fires during the inter-war period, and was completely destroyed in World War II.

Kretingale. This village of 800 stands on the bank of the Dane River, 24 km outside Gargzdai. An Evangelical Lutheran parish of all local ethnic Lithuanians was organized here in 1550. One of the founders of Lithuanian periodical publications, Fridrichas Kelkis, taught at the school here from 1850 to 1867.

Dreverna. This fishing village of 600 stands on the shore of the Curonian Lagoon, and goes back to the 13th century. The King Vilhelm Canal, which provided a shipping route direct to Klaipeda from the Nemunas River, bypassing the Curonian Lagoon, runs past the village.

Veivirzenai. This town of 1000 people lies 21 km from Gargzdai. Its origins go back to the mid-15th century. It was granted Magdeburg Rights in 1792, and a school has been in operation here since 1804. The ancient town structure has been retained, and there are a few buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Centre of Gargzdai town.