Jūrmala

Jūrmala is Latvia's coastal pride, stretching along the gorgeous Gulf of Riga with its 33 kilometers of sandy beaches. Only a 20-minute drive from Riga, this beach town has been a popular getaway since the late 19th century when Russian nobility discovered its charm.

What makes Jūrmala special is its distinctive wooden architecture - colorful, ornate villas from the early 1900s that give the town its unique character. Today, many have been restored to their former glory, standing proudly alongside more modern developments.

The area is famous for its healing mud and mineral waters, which led to the development of several spas and sanatoriums during the Soviet era. These wellness traditions continue today with modern spa centers offering treatments using local natural resources.

Jomala Street, the town's main pedestrian area, comes alive in summer with cafes, street performers, and locals enjoying ice cream. The town has a relaxed atmosphere that shifts with the seasons - bustling in summer and quietly peaceful in winter when the beaches are often covered in snow and brave locals take icy dips in the Baltic.

Fun fact: Jūrmala technically consists of 14 different small towns that merged together over time, each with its own personality, making it feel like you're discovering new places as you travel along the coast.