Saaremaa island
Estonia's largest island, Saaremaa, attracts visitors with its natural beauty, rich history and cultural heritage.
Estonia's largest island has a completely different nature than mainland Estonia, and in the summer it's nice to stay at a tourist farm, and in the winter to relax in spas.
Arriving in Saaremaa, you will find a marsh, a forest, a juniper beach and more sun than anywhere else in Estonia. Thanks to the mild climate and limestone-rich soil, Saaremaa has very diverse flora and fauna.
Nature enthusiasts are welcome to explore study trails at the Viidumäe Nature Reserve and the Vilsandi National Park, which boasts thousands of migratory birds and wild orchids.
Exciting destinations also include the famous Kaali Meteorite Crater Field (which is the first scientifically proven meteorite crater in Europe) and the Panga Cliff, which is perfect for scenic walks, and the Järve beach, which is a great spot for sunbathing.
Discover Saaremaa's rich cultural heritage
Those interested in local culture will surely enjoy visits to medieval stone churches, ruins of the Maas castle, Sõrve lighthouse and military buildings, Mihkli farm museum and the Kuressaare old town. The Kuressaare Castle is one of the best-preserved establishments of its kind in the Baltics. The Angla Windmill Mount is worthy of a visit as it houses famous windmills of the region, where you can pick up some handicrafts skills.
Source: Allar Liiv
How to get to Saaremaa?
Arriving on Saaremaa is an exciting journey. Islanders depend on the weather and because of that, there are various ways to reach the biggest island in Estonia.
The most common route from mainland Estonia to Muhu and Saaremaa is by ferry, with the crossing taking approximately 27 minutes. Check the ferry schedule and purchase tickets online. Alternatively, you can reach Kuressaare by bus; tickets are available online at tpilet.ee.
For a quick and comfortable journey from Tallinn to Kuressaare, consider flying, with the flight taking around 30 minutes. Book your flight tickets online.
For the adventurous, small ports like Roomassaare Harbor and Kuressaare City Harbour are ready to welcome sailors who wish to navigate their own way to the island.
Source: Kristina Mägi
Explore islands of Saaremaa
Explore the thrill of island hopping in Saaremaa and nearby islands. You can reach them by boat, car, or even by wading through the water on foot.
Viirelaid
If there's one place where time stands still, it's the low and flat island Viirelaid. This island, situated near Muhu, is characterized by wind-battered junipers, tranquility, and a 360-degree sea view. Viirelaid has long been a landmark for sailors, mentioned as early as 1556. The Viirelaid lighthouse, located in the northeastern part of the island, is known as Estonia's oldest metal lighthouse.
You can get to Viirelaid by boat from Virtsu or Kuivastu, the trip takes about 10-15 minutes. Viirelaiu island holiday complex can accommodate up to 90 people in summer and up to 30 people in winter.
Source: Viirelaid
Source: Rivo Veber
Abruka island
The small island of Abruka is a forested beauty with wooded meadows and alvar environments rich with a diversity of species. Culture enthusiasts can visit the old village sites featuring a museum with ice cream, a charming bird-watching tower, a quaint windmill, a well-maintained miniature cemetery, and cozy farm buildings. There is a boat connection organized by the local municipality that runs from Roomassaare (Saaremaa) to Abruka and back. Check schedules and purchase tickets in advance.
Priidu Saart
Ken Oja
Suurkadaka talu
Asa Spa
Valmar Voolaid
Valmar VoolaidSaaremaa is on the 2020 Sustainable Top 100 destinations list.
The competition for international sustainable travel destination success stories is organised by Green Destinations to recognise places that put effort into making the experience of visitors more sustainable and value-based.
Green Destinations quality award shows that the way of life takes the environment more into account: local traditions and heritage are valued, the local community is respected and mass tourism is avoided. All activities are as environmentally, climate- and nature-friendly as possible.
Source: Priidu Saart
Saaremaa offers something for everyone, making it worth planning several days to explore. Discover more activities on the Visit Saaremaa website: www.visitsaaremaa.ee.
Source: Valmar Voolaid
Last updated
13.05.2024