Jūrmala, also known as Latvia’s Pearl of the Baltics, is one of Northern Europe’s earliest resort towns. It is endowed with an expansive, white, sandy beach that extends for 33 kilometres on the shores of the Gulf of Riga; healthy, fresh, seaside air; pristine, pine forests; healing mineral water springs and medicinal mud that is applied as a skin treatment.
Jūrmala is well-known for its sanatoriums and spa centres, which offer a wide array of wellness and health procedures, including hot baths in mud that is locally obtained and said to have healing, medicinal properties.
Jūrmala is proud of its unique, wooden buildings, which have distinguished this city from other urban centres in the region since the 19th century and which blend in harmoniously with the city’s numerous pine trees. Many of these buildings are ornately decorated in various architectural styles.
Tourism is a top development priority for the city, which has many fine cafes, restaurants and hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. Jūrmala is an ideal location for family trips, with various facilities, such as amusement rides, that are particularly suited for children. Jūrmala is also home to one of the largest water parks in Northern Europe – Līvu akvaparks, which is open all year round. It offers more than 45 rides and other attractions for visitors of all ages. The Dzintaru outdoor concert hall hosts musical performances and festivals all summer long. Jūrmala is also the location of several museums and two nature parks.
Jūrmala has an advanced sports infrastructure, including a new football stadium, an ice rink, beach football and volleyball fields, tennis courts, numerous swimming pools filled with seawater or mineral water, other water sports facilities and a new gold court.
The resort town is located only 25 kilometres from Riga and 15 kilometres from the Riga International Airport, which is why many international business, political and cultural events have been held there, including the Baltic Environmental Forum, the World Tourism Organization Conference, the International Physiotherapist Conference, and many others.
