The city of J?rmala actually consists of a string of small resorts. From west to east, these include ?emeri, Jaun?emeri, Sloka,Kauguri, Vaivari, Asari, Mellu�i, Pumpuri,Jaundubulti, Dubulti, Majori, Dzintari,Bulduri and Lielupe.
The area now comprising the city of J?rmala was formerly part of Riga, known as R?gas J?rmala. Some parts of the area, like Sloka and ?emeri, have been known ashealth resorts for centuries. J?rmala was once known in German as Riga-Strand, or "Beach of Riga".
J?rmala's reputation as a spa destination began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wealthy landowners began the tradition of relaxing at the seaside, and Russian army officers came here to rest after the Napoleonic Wars, returning later with their families. The peak of the J?rmala area's development was the opening of the Riga - Tukums railway in 1877 (which still passes through J?rmala) that gave a great boost to the numbers of visitors, and thus a boost to the development of the town as a resort. J?rmala also gained a reputation as a health spa. The sea breeze, pine aroma, mineral springs, and sandy beach encouraged many sanatoriums to develop within the city.
In Soviet times J?rmala was popular with the Communist officials because of its beach and sanatoriums - holidays were also given as rewards for top union members. It became one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole Union. The spas offered facilities from mud baths to riding therapy and hiking in the woods. In summer there are many concerts.
J?rmala gained official status as a city in 1959. The railway line became electrified and today it features the most regular train service in Latvia.
Whereas Riga has advanced rapidly to embrace and cater for growing numbers of Western tourists, J?rmala has lagged behind. Russians are now subject to strict visa requirements and its beaches have yet to attract significant numbers of Europeans leaving the tourist industry with a hard
