The Latvian resort city Jurmala is located on the shores of the Baltic sea (Gulf of Riga) and extends along the coast for more than 30 kilometers.
Jūrmala (Jurmala) consists of areas previously it was posylochki, and after the merger and acquisition of the status of the city of Jurmala, each of the villages became a district. They also became the stations. The main areas of jūrmala Dzintari, Majori, Dubulti, etc.
Basically, all the tourists go to Jurmala from Riga. If you get tired of the bustling Riga and examined its sights, it's time to go for a day or two to the Baltic sea in such a measured and quiet Jurmala.
Here we are, visiting the capital of Latvia, Riga, came to the center of Jurmala, in Majori/Maiori, sounds like Marjorie/Majori. In Maiori are all the main attractions of Jurmala and places for walking, is a walking street Jomas, slowly walking around where you will come to the famous concert hall "Dzintari" and the green Park, and then to the Baltic sea and a wide strip of beaches with velvety and soft sand.
To get from Riga to Jurmala is just 40 minutes by train or bus. On the train easier and cheaper, and go often. Read more about how to get from Riga to Jurmala and back, we talked in detail in a previous article, read here.
Majori station is located in the heart of the district. Leaving the station, get on a small area
To the right of the square originates pedestrian street Jomas/Jomas iela, the center and the busiest street of Jurmala.
At the beginning of Jomas promenade is a small square and the area of Horna darzs. In the little Park around the area, places to stay, there is a small Playground and swings. Here are local festivals, concerts and performances. We just got on one of these holidays. On the stage hosted performances by local groups, organized an exhibition of pigeons and pet birds.
Jomas street, the street is long and fairly narrow. Summer on the street crowded and noisy, blooming flowers, fragrant herbs, work outdoor cafes and fountains. In winter, of course, the street less attractive and lively.
On both sides of the street-lots of cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, shops, hotels and spas. In the summer there are entertainment shows and concerts, and in numerous cafes with open terraces round the clock full of life.
While walking are quite interesting buildings
Walk down to the end of Jomas street, we passed a little ahead, and went to green Park Dzintari centuries-old pines.
The road to the Park Dzintari in Jurmala
In the Park, the atmosphere is calm, people are slowly walk, and rest on the benches. Equipped places for walking, rollerblading, skate Park and children's playgrounds.
The most interesting thing in the Park Dzintari, the tower, the top of which is an observation deck, towering above the trees. This lookout offers a beautiful view of the forest, the Gulf of Riga and the surrounding area.
The view from the observation deck
If you do not go to the Park, or as we walked through the Park to get back to Jomas street and turn towards the sea, go out on a small area. Here, almost at the beach, a clock, which you can see the main attraction of Jurmala, not so long ago collected within its walls hundreds of tourists, it is, of course, the famous Concert hall "Dzintari. Although currently in the concert hall and are not familiar festivals, but the room is not empty. Within its walls the performances of artists and conducted the Latvian music festivals.
The road to the concert hall Dzintari
Area Dzintari concert hall on the right
The Dzintari concert hall/Dzintaru
Near the concert hall and square of the small diner. It sell cheese balls and hot drinks. Balls we never ate. Decided to try it. Tasty, very much so. But the coffee was so-so.
As said, just behind the concert hall begins the coast of the Baltic sea. Jurmala, the city, though large enough length, but quite narrow. Its natural boundary on one side is the Gulf of Riga (Baltic sea), and on the other the River Lielupe. In some places the distance from one border to the other is only three streets, and Majori is a good example. So wherever you go you will always come out either to the sea or to the railway tracks and stations.
Beaches in Jurmala are clean and wide. The sand is fine and white, sometimes Golden brown. Summer is a great place for sunbathing and relaxing, and the cold season the beaches of Jurmala contribute to a relaxing leisurely walks at the edge of the sea. In the summer season on the beach there are outdoor cafes and discos are held.
About the beaches in Jurmala we are told in detail in a separate article, read and see pictures here.
So, walking along Jurmala beach, we came back.
The sculpture of the big turtles beside her love to be photographed by tourists, and the children crawling on it and play.
The Jomas street from the beach will trim another street, Juras/Juras iela. On this narrow streets located mostly private cottages and homes, as well as hotels and apartments. Great place to stay if you want one side to be in the silence, and the other within walking distance of Central beach and the heart of the city, the Jomas promenade.
That brings me to the end of our day in Riga, we boarded the train and went back to Riga. As you can see, nothing special in Jurmala there. Quiet, peaceful resort. The main attractions of which, nature: centuries-old pine trees, wide white beaches, sea and most importantly fresh air, beneficial to health.
How to go to Jurmala
In the fall, winter and spring, to relax from the city bustle and take a leisurely walk, a couple of days will be enough. We had the head of and one day.
In summer you can spend in Jurmala and longer. To lie under the sun on the beach. Swim in the sea. Although the Baltic sea is quite cool in summer warms up to a maximum of 23 degrees, the month of August, but still dive and swim.
Where to stay in Jurmala, hotels/apartments
In the centre of Jurmala it is best to stay in Maiori. Here and Park, and the promenade and beach, all within walking distance. You can find both solitary relaxation and entertainment.
Directly on the Central beach of Jurmala:
Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA. The best five-star SPA hotel Jurmala. Located on the coast, in the heart of Jurmala. The hotel has direct access to the sandy beach and just 200 metres from the Central Jomas street. It features an indoor pool with sea water, private garden, children's Playground, free Wi-Fi and Parking. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, Minibar and safety Deposit box. Most rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the Baltic sea, the Park or the city. Working certified medical Spa offering a choice of over 400 Spa and relaxation treatments.
Baltic Beach Apartments. This apartment is also located close to the beach and just 200 metres from Jomas street. Apartments are part of a garden Villa built in a protected area Spa hotel Baltic Beach. All guests are free to use the private beach and facilities including 25-metre indoor swimming pool with sea water, gym, children's Playground, Parking and Wi-Fi. In addition, you can stroll through a private Park with pine trees.
On the Central promenade the promenade Jomas street, in the heart of Jurmala:
Majoru Promenade, this hotel is located directly on the promenade-Jomas street. Rooms come with a TV and a refrigerator. A private bathroom with Hairdryer and shower. It offers a terrace, a bar, a meeting room and a children's Playground.
Hotel Jurmala Spa. Modern resort hotel with conference centre is located just a short walk from the beach, Central Jomas street. It offers free Parking and Wi-Fi. A Spa and Wellness centre, several pools with different temperatures, hot tubs, 5 saunas, a Solarium and a bar.
Apartamenti Alto & Co. This apartment is also located on Jomas street, just 2 minutes ' walk from Majori station. The apartments feature air conditioning, a TV with cable channels, a Seating area and a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a refrigerator. The Windows offer views of the city. Guests can use free private Parking.
A tranquil location among pine trees, five minute walk from the beach and promenade of Jomas street in Jurmala:
Good Stay Eiropa Hotel, a four star hotel located on a quiet green street runs along and just 100 metres from the beach. The hotel is well suited for a relaxing family holiday. On the one hand, the hotel is not so noisy as on the beach or on the main street Jomas, with another - to Jomas street and the beach three minutes walk. There are standard rooms and suites, and on-site sauna and hot tubs. Every morning the hotel restaurant serves Breakfast buffet.
Parus, a three-star hotel is also situated in a quiet location near the street Juras, of beach and promenade-Jomas street. There are facilities for Barbecuing.
Despite the large variety of places to stay in Jurmala, accommodation is better to book in advance. In high season, as a rule, all the best rooms sold out well in advance. All hotels of Jurmala, Maiori and you can view and book here.
How to get to Jurmala
As we have said above, from Riga there are several ways:
taxi;
- car, personal or rental;
- on the bike, this along almost the entire route from Riga to Jurmala bike trails. Bikes can be rent in Riga;
bus;
- train.
Read more about all the ways how to get from Riga to Jurmala here.
Airport in Jurmala there. The closest in Riga. There are regular direct flights and transfers. Direct flight from Moscow to way in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
