Saaremaa

Estonia, Europe

Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island, captivates visitors with its stunning coastal landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. Renowned for its unique attractions like the medieval Kuressaare Castle and the iconic Kihnu Lighthouse, the island also features serene beaches and pristine nature reserves. Beyond natural beauty, Saaremaa hosts vibrant local festivals and offers wellness retreats, making it a perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure seekers alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Island

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Tallinn

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Saaremaa

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Kuressaare Castle

Visit this stunning medieval castle and learn its history.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at Kaali Crater

Marvel at the unique meteorite crater and its lake.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Saaremaa Museum

Discover Saaremaa's rich culture and history in one place.

No booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Cycle the Saaremaa Island

Enjoy the scenic routes and fresh air on a bike.

No booking required
5

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Experience the Soomaa National Park

Explore bogs and rivers in this unique ecosystem.

Booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste Saaremaa's local cuisine

Indulge in fresh seafood and traditional dishes.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Angla Windmill Hill

See traditional windmills and enjoy stunning views.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Panga Cliff

Stand atop the dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.

No booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit the Vilsandi National Park

Spot diverse wildlife in this beautiful national park.

No booking required
10

Est. 5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Take a ferry to Ruhnu Island

Visit this charming island for stunning landscapes.

Booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

6 (#32 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Unaffiliated

Language

Estonian

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Raim

VE

Traditional Estonian rye bread. (National dish)

Verivorst

Blood sausage, a festive dish.

Mulgikapsad

Cabbage and pork stew, hearty meal.

Kiluvõileib

V

Open-faced herring sandwich.

Rosolje

Beetroot salad with herring.

Phrases to learn

English

Estonian

Hello

Tere

(Teh-reh)

Yes/No

Jah / Ei

(Yah / Ey)

Thank you

Aitäh

(Eye-tah)

Excuse me

Vabandust

(Vah-bahn-doost)

How much?

Kui palju?

(Kwee pahl-yoo)