The city is about 200 years old and has a beautiful wooden architecture. Jurmala was once used as an escape from noisy city walls, which it still does nowadays. A walk threw the resort of Jurmala is a pure delight – you will find here very beautiful, romantic houses in Art noveau, Neoclassicism style with wood carving decors, verandas or ornamental towers. Most central place in Jurmala is Jomas street – pedestrian street with everything for tourists – cafes, restaurants, shops, souvenirs and cinema.
The thing, why people come to Jurmala the most is Jurmala beach. This white sand beach stretches in total length of 24 km. This beautiful beach is surrounded by pine trees and filled with a lot of holiday makers in the summer season. It’s shallow sea makes it perfect for families with children. The bathing season in Jurmala is from June to August. Jurmala beach is divided in quite and active areas, so every one can find what’s best for them. Don’t miss other beautiful beaches of Latvia as well – Jurkalne with its steep banks, Tuja – with its rocky shoreline, Saulkrasti, Liepaja and many more, as Latvias shoreline is more than 500 km long.
Jurmala is rich in fresh air, mineral water springs, sulfur water springs, which are used to improve health. The first spa house in Latvia was opened in part of Jurmala – Kemeri. Nowadays in Jurmala there are plenty of SPA hotels and sanatoriums offering wide range of procedures.
For those who prefer more active holidays, there is plenty to do in Jurmala. Obstacle park “Jūrmalas Tarzāns” has 5 tracks with 98 obsticles to challenge visitors of any age. The tracks are situated above the ground – starting at height of 2 m till 8 m. In Jurmala there is also largest water-park in Baltic states “Līvu akvaparks”. Park features 20 slides, 10 swimming pools and many other attractions. Of course there is a lot of water activities available – kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding or stand up paddleboarding.
Kemeri national park
Kemeri national park is the third largest national park in Latvia. Most visitors come to Kemeri national park to experience the walk on Great Kemeri bog boardwalk, which can be reached in less than 30 minutes drive from Jurmala center. This place is very popular with photographers, especially during sunset or sunrise. Visitors can see untouched nature up close – moss, pine trees, small dark lakes, cranberries and wild birds. There are two trails you can walk – shortest – 1,4 km and longest -3,4 km. If taking the longest trail, you’ll be rewarded with observation platform and its gorgeous views. You can enjoy bog boardwalk free of charge all year round.Engure lake national park
Engure lake national park is paradise for birds – 186 species of birds nest here. For bird-watching there are a few viewing towers. Orchid trail is 4 km long walking trail in Engure lake national park. If visiting from May till July, you will see orchids blooming here. On this trail you will be able to see wild horses and wild cows as well. Maybe even – Latvian blue cow! All this you can see only 55 km far from Jurmala.Cape Kolka
Cape Kolka is a place where Riga gulf meets Baltic sea. In stormy weather you can witness here waves clashing together, which sometimes can reach height till 7 m. This natural beauty can be reached in 2 hour drive from Jurmala. The place is not recommended for swimming because of strong shifting currents and sands.There is a 1.8 km long trail called Cape Kolka pine trail, that will give you an opportunity to walk through these gorgeous, old pine forests, beaches, dunes and enjoy the 15 m tall watching tower with spectacular views over the cape Kolka.
Sabile
Heading west from Jurmala, after 90 km you’ll reach beautiful Abava river valley and town called Sabile. Sabile is old, charming town that is also famous for having the northernmost open-air vineyard in the world. To celebrate this, every year in July there is a wine festival taking place in Sabile. Just 4 km away from Sabile, you can find Abava River Waterfall. It is very unique nature object that is about 35 m wide and about 1m height – very popular place in summer season for relaxation in nature.Another draw of this charming little town is the Pedvale open air museum. It is located on Abava river valley with scenic views and local artists modern art installations.
