Coastal area and islands of Estonia

Estonia has a wonderful coastline stretching from the limestone cliffs of the Baltic Klint in Ida-Virumaa in the northeast to the sandy beaches of Pärnumaa in the southwest. Estonia also has over 2000 picturesque islands, the biggest of them being Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu and Vormsi islands. The length of the coastline of Estonia’s mainland is 1242 km, but together with the islands it increases to 3793 km. Visitors can reach the islands of Estonia by hopping on a ferry or a plane in different ports and airports on the mainland. It is also possible to take a ferry from one island to another: Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands have a ferry connection between them. Saaremaa and Muhu islands are connected with the Väinatamm causeway so it is possible to drive from one island to another.

The coast and islands of Estonia are perfect for people who love the outdoors and active holidays. There are two long distance hiking routes on the coast of Estonia, The Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail (part of long distance hiking route E9) and The Baltic Forest Hiking Trail (part of long distance hiking route E11). The Coastal Hiking Trail covers the west coast of Estonia, the Latvian border in Ikla to the port of Tallinn. The Forest Trail follows partly the north coast of Estonia, from Voka to Tallinn. Autumn, winter and spring offer great possibilities thanks to cooler weather and fewer mosquitos – the golden leaves, snowy landscapes and blooming flowers are a sight to see.

Estonia is a fantastic birdwatching location thanks to its position on the East Atlantic Flyway. The best places for birdwatching are Matsalu National Park, the coastal areas between Pärnu and the Latvian border, Saaremaa and Cape Põõsaspea. In addition to birds, wild animals can also be spotted wandering the woods or seals swimming in the sea. One of the best places to see wild animals is Lahemaa National Park.

To feel like locals, visitors should definitely go to a sauna – especially to a smoke sauna with a sauna master, who will guide you through the sauna traditions. Estonian sauna tradition is centuries old and sauna acts as a social space to get together and connect with each other. Going to sauna is especially nice in the winter, when it helps people escape the chilly weather outside. On the 1^st of March 2025 Estonia hosts the European Sauna Marathon – an orienteering game, where teams have to visit the participating saunas as fast as possible.

Estonia has a very rich culinary culture. Visitors can enjoy recipes passed down for generations but also discover new flavours inspired by the nature and the changing seasons. Estonians love their local food and want to give others the chance to fall in love with it aswell. Estonia offers a lot of possibilities for dining next to the sea. An important part on the seaside cuisine is salted or smoked fish. Every year, a Culinary Region title is given to one part of Estonia. Very popular are the pop-up café days that take place in various regions of Estonia, including the coast and the islands. They offer a great opportunity to get to know the different culinary traditions of Estonia.

Welcome to the coastal area and islands of Estonia!

Estonia offers a lot of possibilities for dining next to the sea. An important part on the seaside cuisine is salted or smoked fish. Every year, a Culinary Region title is given to one part of Estonia. A very popular type of event in Estonia is different pop-up café days. They take place all over Estonia, including the coast and the islands, and offer a great opportunity to get to know the different culinary traditions of Estonia.

Welcome to the coastal area and islands of Estonia!