Jurmala is one of the most famous Latvian resorts. It is small: its population is about fifty thousand inhabitants. This cozy and hospitable city is located on the shores of the bay, about twenty kilometers from the Latvian capital. It is chosen by those tourists who prefer a full beach holiday, comfort and peace. Summers are warm here: the air temperature during the day averages 23 degrees Celsius. The swimming season lasts from June to August.
Russians have long appreciated this resort as a great vacation spot: in the 2000s, many of our compatriots bought summer cottages here. Those who do not own real estate in the city, but also want to enjoy the sea air and the unique atmosphere of the resort, come here every year, staying in hotels, apartments and guest houses. In this article we will talk about where is the best place to stay in Jurmala, in which areas of the city it is preferable to stay for vacationers.
City districts
Once upon a time there were several fishing villages on the site of the city, which eventually turned into resort ones, and in the 20s of the XX century they were officially united and formed the city. The names of these villages have been preserved in the names of the city districts.
Some of these areas are of no interest to the traveler: there are no attractions or tourist spots. Other areas, on the other hand, are invariably centers of attraction for tourists; here are the names of several of them:
- Majori;
- Dubulti;
- Dzintari;
- Kemeri;
- Bulduri;
- Pumpuri;
- Melluzi.
Many travelers prefer to stay in these areas in order to be closer to city attractions and tourist attractions. It is also necessary to mention Priedaine, Kauguri, Sloka, Vaivari and Lielupe: guests of the resort often stay there too. However, the whole city is a great place to live, and the choice of a particular area depends on your personal preferences.
Majori
Perhaps this is the most interesting area of the city. The history of the resort once began with it. It is his landscapes that you are likely to see on an advertising brochure dedicated to the city. The main pedestrian zone is located here, it is also one of the oldest streets in the resort.
It is here that two of the city's most famous sculptures are located: one of them depicts a globe, the other a huge turtle. These are a kind of "visiting cards" of the city. Travelers love to be photographed next to them. A monument to two famous Latvian writers, Rainis and Aspazija, is also erected in this area.
A pedestrian street leads directly to the beach, which is part of the area. Tourists love to stroll in this pedestrian zone, between tall trees, looking out at the blue sea behind slender trunks. Also in this area of the city there is a small bazaar selling fresh vegetables and fruits.
Speaking about the disadvantages of the area, it is necessary to note the high prices. This is one of the most expensive places in the resort. But this high cost is quite justified: the most luxurious hotels in the city are located here.
Hotels: Hotel Jurmala Spa, Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA, Balta Puce, Good Stay Eiropa Hotel, Pegasa Pils Spa Hotel, Sunset Hotel Jurmala, Villa Joma, Elina, Boutique Hotel Mama, Guesthouse Airava.
Dubulti
This place is the administrative center of the city, as well as the oldest part of the resort. In the first half of the 19th century, Barclay de Tolly lived here. Currently, there are two churches (one of them is Orthodox, the other is Lutheran) and several historical buildings.
The area can be roughly divided into three parts. The first of them is a former fishing village, the streets of which are quite narrow and winding. The second part is a shopping area, and there are also historical buildings. The third part is residential high-rise buildings. According to the reviews of some tourists, the general impression of the area is something like this: elegant Art Nouveau dachas here side by side with typical Soviet multi-storey buildings.
The area is also famous for the fact that at one time many famous cultural figures rested here. The streets and houses here still remember Vladimir Vysotsky and Bulat Okudzhava, Alexei Arbuzov and Vitaly Bianki.
Hotels: Cottage Dubulti, Dubulti, Djuna Dubulti.
Dzintari
The area was once famous for the Russian-language music and humorous festivals taking place here, but due to political differences between Russia and Latvia, these events are no longer held here. Nevertheless, the area is still a fairly popular tourist destination. It is perfect for beach lovers.
The area is considered one of the most prestigious in the city. At the end of the 19th century, representatives of the Russian aristocracy settled here. Many tourists come here just to admire the beautiful buildings or take pictures in their background.
Hotels: Dzintars Hotel, Boutique Spa Hotel Pegasa Pils, Juras 59.
Kemeri
In Soviet times, it was thanks to this area that the city was popular as a balneological resort, and in this respect it was considered one of the best in the country. The area was famous for its curative peat mud and sulphurous springs. All this was discovered here in the 19th century. It was then that the area gained popularity - first among the local nobility, and then abroad.
There is a huge park on the territory of Kemeri. In fact, it occupies most of the area. If you like to live among greenery and breathe the wonderful air filled with its aromas, you should stop here. To say that it is easy and good to breathe here is to say nothing. Vacationers love to stroll along the shady alleys, over the canals, through which graceful bridges are thrown. In the park, you can see many plants that are listed in the Red Book of the country. There is an unusual observation tower - a floating one, designed specifically for viewing the lake and observing the life of waterfowl.
The area is considered one of the quietest in the resort. This is not surprising, because trees are natural protection from wind and noise.
Where to stay: Kemeri, Melnais starkis, Amber Coast.
Bulduri
Here, according to the reviews of tourists, the most beautiful wooden buildings of the city are located. But this is not all that the area attracts the guests of the resort: there is a yacht club here, and there is also a water park on the territory of the area. Another local attraction is the gardening school. This educational institution has a solid history: it is one of the oldest in the region. On the territory of the district there is also an operating resort and rehabilitation center, built in Soviet times.
This area is sometimes called "Russian". In the middle of the 19th century, the situation was completely different: the Riga Germans built houses here, and therefore the area was called at that time a "German fortress". Many of these buildings have survived to this day. They have become local attractions.
The area is one of the most prestigious in the city and, accordingly, one of the most expensive.
Apartments and hotels: Bulduri Park Apartment, Jurmala Bulduri, Exclusive apartment Bulduri.
Pumpuri
The main thing that attracts tourists to this area is the intricate architecture of the cottages, as well as the beach (although its dunes, slightly overgrown with grass, are more suitable for walking than a beach holiday). In Soviet times, there were pioneer camps here. The nature of these places is considered beneficial for creativity and creative people: the famous Latvian poet Rainis claimed that poetry is written very well here. He loved to wander under the crowns of the local pines, it was here that the lines of his famous creations came to him.
The layout of the area is very simple: long streets run parallel to the coastline, and are crossed by several shorter streets leading to the beach.
Where to stay: Pumpuri, Bella Jurmala Hotel, House in Jurmala.
Melluzi
In the 19th century, this area was actually the cultural center of the city. At that time, a stage was even built here, intended for performances by musical groups. Concerts of local performers were often held here. Currently, such performances on the stage no longer take place, and it itself has become a historical landmark of the region.
In the old days, the surrounding forests were rich in blueberries. It is from the Latvian name of this berry that the name of the region originated. It is believed that in one of the restaurants that were once located here, Laima Vaikule's musical career began.
The area is perfect for those who seek peace and quiet. Families with small children often stay here. Elderly people also like to relax here.
Where to stay: 12A hostel, Guest House Eco home, Daina Jurmala Beach Hotel.
Priedaine
This area will appeal to those who value outdoor recreation. At the beginning of the 20th century, residents of the Latvian capital built summer cottages here. This place was considered prestigious. At that time, about a hundred houses were built here. It should be noted that this area is not on the sea coast, but near the river, but this did not reduce its popularity; according to the reviews of tourists, this area is magnificent even now.
If you settle in this area, you will live a stone's throw from the famous landmark - the White Dune, a natural monument of national importance. Its length is eight hundred meters, and its height is about seventeen meters. The dune began to form around the beginning of the 19th century. From the foot of this natural landmark and from its top, magnificent views open up.
Where to stay: Guest House and camping Jurmala, Lielupe Hotel SPA & Conferences by Semarah, Amber Spa Boutique Hotel.
