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Jurmala Beach in Latvia is the perfect cheap getaway (Image: Getty) The gorgeous city of Jurmala is a little-known destination in the Baltic state of Latvia. With its surprisingly picturesque beach, Jurmala is located just 30 minutes away from the country's capital, Riga. Many Brits may want to avoid anything with the word ‘Baltic’ for their summer holidays, but trust us, Jurmala is not your typical Northeastern Europe holiday destination.

The average temperature in July is a very warm 23c. The city’s seashore area has a centuries-old swimming culture, with 11 perfect beaches to choose from. The beaches are famous in Latvia for having perfect white sand and it's a fantastic place to take the whole family, with safe and shallow swimming areas, and onsight playgrounds and cafes.



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If you fancy something a bit more cultural than relaxing, there’s plenty more to do. Jomas Street is at the heart of Jurmala’s hustle and bustle, with a host of nightlife and shopping destinations. Jurmala has an average temperature of 23c in the Summer (Image: Getty) Trending SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.

This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy The street even holds a festival during the summer every year, where residents put on workshops, theatre shows, concerts, fairs, and sporting events.

As well as being a beautiful place, Jurmala has some interesting history. Back when Latvia was part of the Soviet Union, the beach played host to high-profile Communist Party officials such as Leonid Brezhnev and Nikita Khrushchev. Many of the buildings from the pre-WW2 era remain in Jurmala, making it ideal for a bit of historical sightseeing.

If it’s architecture you’re after, there are a whole host of stunning wooden art nouveau buildings. The nearby city of Riga is particularly famous for its art nouveau buildings, and Jurmala used to be a district of this. Much of Riga’s, and even Russia ’s, wealthy live and have holiday homes in Jurmala, giving the coastal destination an air of luxury.

You'll be pleased to hear that public transport to and from Riga is easily accessible, with many of the residents commuting to and from the area regularly. So, if you’re looking for a unique destination without a huge amount of tourists, Jurmala is a great option, with plenty of beautiful beaches and lots of culture to enjoy..

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