Hello to all Hivians!
Jurmala is the most popular sea resort in whole Latvia and a really nice place to spend your free time.
Yesterday I told you a bit about the history and the most famous sights in the second largest city in Latvia. In fact, the post ended with a delicious dinner and a traditional Latvian beer in the centre of Daugavpils. The next day we caught the fast train from Daugavpils to Riga, the capital of Latvia. We decided that the most convenient transport was the train, which covered the distance between the two cities in about 3 astoromic hours. But the views on the way were amazing. Suddenly we were moving from one season to another. Leaving Daugavpils it was snowing and the temperatures were just below zero. Somewhere in the middle of our journey the snow stopped and the sun showed up clearly. Even with its appearance the temperatures were not the highest. At the Riga train station the thermometer showed only 4 degrees.
Here was the moment when we had to decide what to do for the rest of this already short day. One of my friends saw that there was a train to Jurmala in 30 minutes. For those of you who don't know this is the most famous seaside resort in Latvia. The distance from Riga is no more than 30-40 minutes by train and the ticket price is only 1 euro. We didn't have to give it much thought and here we are on the train to Jurmala.
My personal advice to you is if you decide to visit Jurmala initially check which train station you should get off at. The trains are extremely well heated, there is an audible alarm to let you know which station you are at, but the problem comes from the fact that the stations do not carry the names of the settlements. For example, if you want to get to Jurmala, you have to get off at Majori train station.
I honestly don't think you'll need a tourist map or navigation. As soon as you get off the train you can follow the crowd, which is obviously headed towards the centre, since this is the only street from the train station.
Almost everywhere there are signs to orient you to where you are and ones that point out the more important places in this vibrant resort.
Before you know it, we are in the centre of Jurmala and walking down the main street - Jomas Street.
On both sides of this street are stalls with souvenirs and traditional Latvian amber.
I have a feeling that this place is extremely beautiful in summer when it is full of tourists. But we visit it after the summer season has passed. Walking along the street we pass a number of restaurants and cafes.
They appear as a consolation for the tourists who dare to visit Jurmala at this time.
Although the hour was already around 15:00 a traditional breakfast always contributes to gaining strength and continuing with the tour.
Near the beach is the famous Jurmala globe, made of bronze. I think this statue is a symbol of environment.
Walking along Turaidas Street we reach one of Jurmala's most iconic hotels, Villa Alvine.
A big attraction for tourists is its entrance - in the form of Rapana.
Finally, we are now on Majori Beach, which is also when we found out where the name of the train station comes from. This so beautiful sandy strip is approximately 30 km long. The sand is so fine and soft, and the waves are so strong and high, that one is tempted to take the opportunity to go for a swim.
The only prudent explanation for not doing so was that we would get hypothermia.
There are a number of restaurants along the beach and if one manages to come here in the summer, will definitely not regret it.
Time was getting pretty short and we had to catch the last train from Jurmala to Riga. However, we couldn't miss buying some souvenirs and taking a few more photos on our way back.
Arriving in Riga we enjoyed one of the most beautiful sunsets.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)