How to island hop in Estonia
New flights to Saaremaa make Estonia’s slow-paced islands easier to reach this summer
Picture wild coastlines and juniper-fringed sandy beaches and you’d be forgiven for guessing they were in Scandinavia, rather than the Baltics. Yet the islands of Estonia’s west coast deliver Nordic-style adventures at more affordable prices. Getting your clients there is also easier this summer with a new Finnair service from Heathrow to Saaremaa via Helsinki.
Sunbathe in Saaremaa
In Estonia’s biggest and sunniest island, Saaremaa, visitors can spot grey seals on the pine-backed sands of Järve beach, explore the orchid-rich Panga Cliffs and go to the Kaali Meteorite Crater Field – one of Europe’s oldest meteorite impact sites. Look out too for medieval Kuressaare Castle, which comes alive from July 18-25 with the Saaremaa Opera Festival. Boasting the nickname ‘Spa-remaa’, the island is also renowned for its wealth of wellness hotels, including HOIA Nature Spa’s igloo-style huts that feature a sauna and hot tub. Elsewhere, accommodation ranges from mirrored forest cabins to converted windmills.
Slow down in Muhu and Hiiumaa
Reached via a causeway from Saaremaa or car ferry from the Estonian mainland, the small island of Muhu offers a slower pace of life. Outdoorsy clients can go cycling or try Viking-style sunset sailings, while history lovers can spy abandoned military installations along the Muhu Nature Trail.
In Hiiumaa, long sandy beaches such as Tõrvanina and Luidja invite activities such as fishing or boating, while Ristna draws surfers and wing-surging enthusiasts thanks to the Baltic Sea’s largest waves. Encourage clients to visit the island’s three lighthouses, including 16th-century Kõpu Lighthouse, the oldest in the Baltic Sea.
Getting there
Fly to Saaremaa: Finnair operates three times a week from Heathrow to Saaremaa via Helsinki. Flight time is three hours to Helsinki, followed by a 45-minute hop to Saaremaa’s main city, Kuressaare.
Fly to Tallinn: Estonia’s capital is a 20-minute flight or two-hour drive from Saaremaa. Direct flights to Tallinn run from Gatwick (Air Baltic), Stansted (Ryanair) and Luton (Wizz Air), with indirect regional connections available.
Book a tour: Tailor-made trips to the region can be booked via tour operators including Regent Holidays, Baltic Travel Company and Baltic Holidays. Find out more by clicking here.
Opening image: Kuressaare castle. Image credit: Priidu saart
Win a fam trip!
Complete the Visit Estonia online training by October 1 for a chance to win a three-day fam trip to Tallinn’s Christmas markets this winter, with flights, accommodation and meals included. Enter here.
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