This resort has been attracting tourists since the 19th century when holidaymakers came here in droves for fresh air, white sand beaches and spa treatments using local mud and seawater. In the beginning of the previous century people built cute summer cottages here and during the Soviet era huge concrete hotels and rehabilitation centres were erected on this narrow strip of land between the Baltic Sea and the River Lielupe. Most people take a 40-minute train ride from the Riga station to Jūrmala’s capital, Majori, which has a lively pedestrian street called Jomas iela, that’s packed with restaurants, and a Blue Flag beach. The beach is also lined with summer terraces offering plenty of food and drink, but on a hot summer day the place will be packed with sunbathers. Decent public toilets, a lifeguard and changing stations are also available.