Jūrmala

Jūrmala, a coastal town in Latvia, has historically been a restful haven for city-weary folks from nearby Riga. Its charmingly languid pace and long stretches of sandy beaches draw visitors who seek respite from the fast-paced rhythm of city life. The Baltic Sea, often calm and quiet, sets the mood for leisurely days.

However, it's not all sun, sea, and sand in Jūrmala. The town is also known for its wellness offerings, particularly its mineral-rich mud sourced from the nearby Lielupe riverbed. Several spas in the city offer treatments utilizing this local resource. A unique cultural blend of Latvian and Russian influences also characterizes the town's culinary scene. Local eateries serve everything from Latvian rye bread to Russian pelmeni.

Visitors should be aware that the town can get quite crowded during peak season. Moreover, a small entry fee is charged for beach access during summer. While English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants but less so among older locals.

A traditional seaside resort town

Just a short drive from Riga, Jūrmala is a seaside resort town with beautiful beaches, forests, parks, and many mineral springs, making it a popular destination for spa and wellness tourism. It is located on the country's Baltic Sea coast.

Jūrmala is known for its wide, white-sand beaches, which stretch for over 30 km along the coast. There are numerous parks, gardens, and dune landscapes, all of which are popular with visitors. The town is also home to many cultural attractions, including the Jomas Street pedestrian promenade, the Jomas Park, and the popular Jomas Open-Air Museum.