Are you looking for a beach escape but do not know where to start? Finding a quiet spot near a big city is hard. I will show you how to find Jurmala.

Jurmala is a famous seaside resort city in Latvia located on the Gulf of Riga, roughly 25 kilometers west of the capital city, Riga. It consists of a 33-kilometer stretch of white sand beaches and is easily reachable by a short train ride.

I remember my first trip to this “Pearl of the Baltic.” I was surprised that such a calm, forest-filled escape sat so close to a busy capital. It is not just a single beach, but a long chain of 15 coastal villages. You can go from the city center to the sea in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

Quick Facts for Your Trip

• Country: Latvia

• Distance from Riga: 25 km (approx. 30 mins by train)

• Main Attraction: 33km White Sand Beach & Art Nouveau Wooden Villas

• Best Train Station: Majori

• 2026 Update: The newly completed Coastal Promenade is now fully open for electric bike rentals and seaside cycling.

How do you find Jurmala on a map?

You can find Jurmala on the northern coast of Latvia, sitting right at the base of the Gulf of Riga. On a map, look for the large bay that cuts into the land. Jurmala is the thin, green strip that hugs the southern shoreline of that water. It sits perfectly between the Baltic Sea and the Lielupe River, making it look like a long peninsula of sand and pine trees.

I find that many people think it is a remote area, but it is actually a neighbor to the capital. The city is very narrow. In some parts, you can walk from the river side to the sea side in just fifteen minutes. This unique shape means you are always close to the water. The Lielupe River runs parallel to the beach for many miles. This creates a landscape where you see blue water in almost every direction. When you look at a map of Northern Europe, find Riga and move your finger just slightly to the left.

The layout of the Baltic Riviera

To navigate the area like a local, you should understand how the neighborhoods are spread out along the coast:

• Majori: The busiest part and the cultural heart of the city.

• Dzintari: Home to the famous concert hall and a beautiful forest park.

• Bulduri: A quieter area known for its beautiful gardens and wide beaches.

• Lielupe: The closest part to Riga and great for river activities.

Why is Jurmala a world-class wellness destination?

Jurmala is famous for its natural healing resources, including mineral water springs, medicinal mud, and a unique pine-scented microclimate. For over 150 years, people have traveled here not just for the view, but to improve their health. I noticed the air feels heavy with the scent of pine and salt. This combination is famous for helping people with breathing problems or high stress levels.

I spent time exploring the “sanatorium” culture here, which is much more advanced than a standard spa. The city has several high-end centers that use local resources. They take mud from nearby swamps and mineral water from deep underground wells. However, you do not need to spend money on expensive treatments to feel the benefits. Even if you do not visit a spa, simply walking through the pine forests and breathing the sea air is a free and powerful form of therapy. The city is essentially a giant outdoor hospital. You can feel your energy levels rise just by spending a few hours walking under the tall trees.

The pillars of the Jurmala spa experience

The wellness tradition here is built on three main natural elements that you should try:

1. Peloid Mud Therapy: Local black mud is used in body wraps to reduce inflammation.

2. Mineral Water Baths: Natural springs provide water rich in sulfur and bromide for relaxation.

3. Climatotherapy: The specific mix of sea air and pine phytoncides that cleanses the lungs.

4. Nordic Walking: Most hotels offer guided walks along the soft sand to improve heart health.

Why is the architecture in Jurmala so famous?

Jurmala is home to over 4,000 historic wooden buildings that are protected as architectural monuments. These houses give the city a fairytale look that you cannot find in modern beach resorts. I love the fact that these villas use intricate wood carvings and glass verandas. They were built in styles like Art Nouveau and Romanticism during the late 19th century.

I found that walking through the residential streets feels like visiting an open-air museum. Most of these houses were built as summer retreats for the elite of Europe. The bright colors and delicate designs make every corner look like a postcard. Even the newer buildings try to match this style to keep the city’s identity. This architecture reflects the soul of the city. It shows a time when life was slower and focused on the beauty of nature.

A comparison of regional seaside spots

How do you travel to Jurmala from Riga?

The best way to travel to Jurmala is by taking a 30-minute train from Riga Central Station toward Tukums or Sloka. Trains run very often, usually every 20 minutes during the summer. I always take the train because it is very cheap and avoids the heavy traffic on the main highway. You can buy a ticket at the station or through a mobile app for about 2 Euros.

I found that driving can be stressful because you must pay a small entry fee for cars during the summer. Taking the train is much easier. If you want a more romantic trip, you can take a riverboat from Riga during the summer months. It takes about two and a half hours, but the views of the river banks are beautiful. Many locals also choose to cycle. There is a flat, paved bicycle path that runs 20 kilometers from Riga all the way to the beach.

Practical tips for your first visit

To make your trip smooth, keep these simple tips in mind:

1. Station choice: Get off at Majori for the main pedestrian street or Dzintari for the concert hall.

2. Bring comfortable shoes: Jomas Street is a long pedestrian road that is best explored on foot.

3. Explore the 2026 Promenade: Rent an electric bike and enjoy the newly connected path along the coast.

4. Visit the Forest Park: The Dzintari Forest Park is free and has a great observation tower.

5. Book a spa early: If you want a professional mud treatment, call the sanatoriums a day in advance.

Jurmala is a coastal city in Latvia, 25km from Riga. It is famous for its long sandy beaches, pine forests, and historic wooden houses.