With 2,317 islands scattered across the Baltic Sea and a coastline stretching nearly 3,800 kilometres, Estonia offers plenty of opportunities for travellers looking to escape crowded cities and enjoy a slower-paced holiday. Although only a small proportion of these islands are inhabited or easily accessible, several have become outstanding destinations for peaceful beach breaks, nature trips, cycling holidays and cultural experiences.
More than half of Estonia covers itself with forest, while wildlife preserves account for around 23% of the country, helping create the quiet forests, coastal landscapes, and open spaces that make its islands particularly attractive for relaxing holidays.
Whether you are planning a romantic island getaway, relaxing family holiday, wellness break or nature-focused escape, Estonia’s islands offer different ways to slow down and experience the Baltic coast. This guide explores the best Estonian islands to visit, what each island is known for, how to reach them, things to do, best time to visit, best hotels to choose, and how to apply for an Estonia Schengen visa from London before your holiday comes near.
With thousands of islands, where should you actually go? Many travellers wonder what islands one should cover when visiting Estonia. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, as this section includes top islands to visit in Estonia, especially as a first-time traveller. For a first trip, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhu make the strongest combination. Why? Check out the islands and why they are the best to visit on your trip.
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It is the best all-round choice. Its main town, Kuressaare, combines spa hotels, restaurants and historic attractions with easy access to beaches and countryside. Kuressaare Castle, Panga Cliff, Kaali Meteorite Crater and Sõrve Peninsula offer plenty to explore without turning the trip into a rushed sightseeing holiday.
Estonia’s second-largest island suits travellers who prefer nature and silence. Long stretches of coast, forests and famous lighthouses such as Kõpu make it particularly attractive for cycling, walking and road trips. Visit Estonia describes the island as noticeably quieter and more nature-focused than Saaremaa.
It is smaller and ideal for slow travel. Stone fences, old villages and peaceful countryside give the island a distinctly rural character. The island is connected directly to Saaremaa by a causeway, making the two easy to combine.
Travellers wanting something different can also consider Kihnu, known for its living cultural traditions, or remote Ruhnu, where the permanent community numbers only around 60 people.
The best time to visit Estonia’s top islands is generally from May to September, when the weather is mild, daylight hours are long, and ferry services run frequently. This is an ideal time to visit as daylight hours are long and it is perfect for exploring popular islands such as Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu, making it a scenic journey filled with activities such as cycling, hiking, beach visits, wildlife spotting, and outdoor activities.
On the other hand, the season from May to June is great for travellers looking to explore most of Estonia with fewer crowds, blooming nature, and adventurous island experiences.
Simultaneously, July and August offer the warm season, with cultural events happening all around Estonia and thereby making it perfect for swimming and exploring coastal landscapes.
September is for tourists who love cold weather, with very few tourists and autumn scenery.
Also Read: Best Time to Visit Estonia
For travellers planning to visit Estonia, the first question that comes to mind for fellow travellers is how many days are enough to explore the islands in Estonia and enjoy the activities it has to offer.
For most travellers, an ideal trip can take 7 days to experience its highlights: Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, coastal landscapes, local culture, and nearby attractions, thereby providing enough time to explore Estonia’s islands, national parks, and towns at a relaxed pace.
Exploring a new place as a traveller brings a lot of excitement and thrill to experience some of the famous activities. So whether you’re drawn to Tallinn’s streets or the solitude of the national parks, here are some experiences that shouldn’t be missed in Estonia.
It is also known as the Amazon of Estonia, as unforgettable kayaking experiences are offered through rivers, forests, and seasonal floodplains surrounded by untouched nature in Soomaa.
Experience Estonia’s traditional Jaanipäev celebrations, featuring bonfires, folk music, local food, and ancient midsummer traditions.
During winter, enjoy a scenic cross-country skiing adventure along the famous President’s Trail, surrounded by Estonia’s peaceful snowy landscapes.
Walk across wooden boardwalks through Estonia’s unique bog landscapes, where you can discover rare plants, wildlife, and stunning natural views.
Explore Tartu, Estonia’s cultural capital, to discover its historic university, museums, and important role in the country’s education and heritage.
Travelling around Estonia is easy, as the country is small and compact, easy to travel in, and has a modern public transport system. Here are a few of the modes of transport to travel around Estonia.
Buses are one of the most convenient ways to travel across Estonia, connecting major cities, towns, and rural areas. They are affordable, comfortable, and useful for reaching places beyond train routes.
Trains are a great option for travellers looking to reach their desired location while also enjoying the scenic journeys that are easy to take.
Smart travel cards make using public transport easier by allowing cashless payments on buses and other local services. They are especially useful for travellers spending more time exploring Estonian cities.
Ferries are an important mode of transport, as they are the main way to reach Estonia’s islands, including Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu, thereby making island hopping simple and convenient.
Choosing the right stay can make your Estonia trip more comfortable and luxurious. Here are some of the best hotels in Estonia that offer excellent facilities and convenient access to major attractions.
It is located in Tallinn and offers a stylish and comfortable stay with modern interiors and a central location. It is perfect for travellers who want to be close to the city’s attractions and restaurants.
This is a boutique hotel with medieval architecture and modern comforts. Simultaneously, the atmosphere is historic, and the services are personalised, thereby making it perfect for travellers seeking a unique Estonia warmth.
Set near Tallinn’s Old Town, Nunne Boutique Hotel provides a peaceful stay with beautifully designed rooms and a cosy atmosphere.
Located by the Baltic Sea in Laulasmaa, Hotel LaSpa is a relaxing coastal retreat known for its spa facilities and natural surroundings. It is a great option for travellers wanting wellness experiences, beaches, and a peaceful escape.
UK travellers planning to visit Estonia as a solo traveller or with your loved ones, it is important to apply for the visa in advance. Our experts at Estonia Visa assist UK travellers with their visa so that they can enjoy their trip without any glitches, especially with their travel documents. Here is the process for the same to apply with ease.
1: Fill out the online Estonia visa application form with correct details and submit.
2: Our visa specialists will book your appointment slot with the application centre.
3: Reach the centre for document submission and biometrics, followed by an interview if the need arises.
4: Get your Estonia tourist visa from UK along with your passport in 10 to 15 working days.
The best islands in Estonia are best suited for tourists in search of secluded beaches, natural environments, historical towns, and a break from the hustle and bustle of life in the Baltic region. Be it the spa tourism in Saaremaa or the serenity of Hiiumaa and Muhu, all the islands provide a unique experience of Estonia in its own way.
For tourists who have planned their trip from the UK, make sure to get the Estonia visa appointment from UK scheduled beforehand before your travel dates to experience the journey of the islands without any worries and with ease.
Saaremaa is often considered one of Estonia’s most beautiful destinations because of its beaches, forests, historic villages, and Kuressaare Castle.
Tallinn is generally visitor-friendly, but tourists should remain alert in crowded areas, nightlife districts and transport hubs, especially late at night.
There are many best islands to visit during a relaxing holiday, including Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhu, which offer peaceful natural settings, beaches, forests and more.
Among the best Estonia islands are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Kihnu, and Ruhnu, each of which provides different nature and coastal settings.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when applying for an Estonia visa from UK, along with some other necessary documents like a valid passport, accommodation details, proof of finances, etc. For the complete list of documents needed for an Estonia visa from UK, click here!
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