Jurmala

Beach Coastal Beaches

Population: 52k

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (Latvian Railways (Latvijas Dzelzceļš) - Riga to Jūrmala commuter rail)

Bus Access: Yes (Jūrmala public buses and regional buses connecting to Riga)

Weather: Jurmala has a temperate maritime climate with cool, often cloudy summers and cold, snowy winters; the Gulf of Riga moderates temperatures but keeps the weather changeable throughout the year.

Jurmala emerged in the 19th century as a Baltic seaside retreat, transforming from a quiet fishing village into Latvia's premier coastal destination. Today it stretches along the Gulf of Riga for nearly 25 kilometers, a ribbon of sandy beaches, pine forests, and art nouveau villas that give the town its distinctive character. The architecture tells the story of its golden age—ornate wooden houses and grand hotels from the early 1900s sit alongside Soviet-era sanatoriums and contemporary developments. Jurmala functions as both a summer escape for Latvians and an international beach destination, with a relaxed pace that quickens during the warm months. The town is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own flavor: Majori remains the cultural and commercial heart, while quieter sections like Dzintari and Bulduri appeal to those seeking tranquility. The combination of beach access, forest trails, and wellness facilities—many inherited from its spa-town legacy—makes it a year-round draw, though summer is when the place truly comes alive.

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