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Jūrmala

Visited in August 2018

At a glance

Country
Latvia
Region
Latvia
Population
52,926
Best time to go
June to August
Main airport
Riga International (RIX)
Coordinates
56.96°N, 23.75°E

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Overview

Jūrmala is a string of seaside villages strung along a narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe river. Its long white-sand beach, backed by pine forest, has drawn holidaymakers since the 19th century.

Hundreds of carved wooden villas give it a gentle, old-fashioned charm. It is an easy day trip from Riga, but a night or two lets you enjoy the quiet evenings and the spas.

Things to see

  • Jūrmala beach
    Photo: Trogain, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Jūrmala beach

    Around 30 kilometres of fine sand and shallow water, lined with pine woods and beach cafés.

  • Wooden villas

    Ornate timber houses with turrets and verandas, especially in Dzintari and Majori.

  • Dzintari Concert Hall
    Photo: Okras, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Dzintari Concert Hall

    A historic open-air concert hall in the pines, hosting music festivals through the summer.

    Tickets and tours

Things to do

  • Ķemeri bog boardwalk
    Photo: Gatis Pāvils, Public domain

    Ķemeri bog boardwalk

    A wooden trail through a peat bog in Ķemeri National Park, with an observation tower and wide views.

  • Stroll Jomas iela
    Photo: Егор Журавлёв from Smarde, Latvia, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Stroll Jomas iela

    The pedestrian main street of Majori is lined with cafés, restaurants and shops just behind the beach.

  • Spa day
    Photo: Rafa52, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Spa day

    Jūrmala has a long tradition of mud and mineral-water treatments, still offered at its spa hotels.

  • Cycle the coast
    Photo: Sludge G, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Cycle the coast

    Rent a bike and ride the cycle paths and quiet streets through the villages and forest.

Where to stay

  • Majori

    The liveliest part of town, with restaurants and the main shopping street close to the beach.

    Hotels in Majori

  • Dzintari

    Quieter streets of villas near the forest park and concert hall.

    Hotels in Dzintari

  • Ķemeri

    Further west and more secluded, near the national park and its walking trails.

    Hotels in Ķemeri

Getting around

Trains along the coast stop at each village, and the flat streets are ideal for cycling.

Trains from Riga reach Majori in around half an hour, and the airport is about 20 minutes away by road.

When to go

June to August is beach season, with long light evenings and summer concerts. Spring and autumn are quieter for forest walks, while winters are cold but peaceful.

Plan your trip to Jūrmala

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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