The Top Things to See and Do on Saaremaa Island

The rocky coastline of Saaremaa lends the island a rugged beauty
The rocky coastline of Saaremaa lends the island a rugged beauty | © Yegorovnick / Alamy Stock Photo
Mark Nayler

Windswept beaches and quaint fishing villages attract outdoor adventurers to the largest island in Estonia. Discover the medieval Kuressaare Castle, ancient Kaali meteorite crater field and much more on your next trip to Saaremaa Island.

Almost half-covered in forests and home to more spas than anywhere else in Estonia, Saaremaa Island is a hard-to-beat spot for a rejuvenating mini-break. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Saaremaa, from dining in a 19th-century windmill to exploring its unspoiled landscapes by bicycle.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Visit Kuressaare Castle and Saaremaa Museum

Museum

Kuressaare castle, summer time. Saaremaa island, Estonia
© Yegorovnick / Alamy Stock Photo
Kuressaare Castle is the best-preserved fortress in the Baltics. Built in the late 14th century, it now houses the Saaremaa Museum, where you can learn more about the history of the island and its occupation by the Soviets and Nazis. Kids will love the treasure hunt and archery lessons whilst adults can sit and ponder the Baltic Sea views from the rooftop cafe.

Catch the sunset from Sorve Lighthouse

Architectural Landmark

Saaremaa island, Estonia. Sorve lighthouse on the Baltic sea coast
© Iuliia Nemchinova / Alamy Stock Photo

There’s no better place on the island to watch the sun go down than at the Sorve Lighthouse. Erected in 1960, it is the tallest lighthouse in the Baltic Sea and occupies Saaremaa’s southernmost point. For a small fee, climb the 145 steps to the top and reward yourself with views all the way to Latvia from its high vantage point. Surrounded by white sand beaches and wide-open skies, it’s a particularly photogenic spot.

Eat local delicacies at Saaremaa Veski

Restaurant, Estonian

Once a 19th-century working windmill, Saaremaa Veski is now a popular restaurant. Tuck into local specialities such as cheese balls and wild boar tenderloin, all served on tables set amid the building’s original machinery. During the summer months, kick back in the garden decked with stone tables and comfy beanbags whilst the third-floor terrace is the place to enjoy spectacular views of Kuressaare.

Cycle across the island

Building

The green yet progressive city of Kuressaare. Seen the trees surrounding the houses and roads and the castle on the middle of the city
© Yllar Hendla / Alamy Stock Photo

Saaremaa’s flat roads and low traffic density make it an ideal cycling destination. Rent a bike from Saaremaa Day Tours, situated next to Restaurant Ku Ku in central Kuressaare. Explore the cycling trails around the city or, alternatively, take any of the main roads leaving the city to the west, north or east. In the north of the island, a popular coastal route starts in Kihelkonna and runs for around 65km (40mi) to Leisi.

Explore the Kaali Meteorite Crater Field

Natural Feature

The world’s eighth youngest giant crater site is situated a 15-minute drive from Kuressaare. Around 7,500 years ago, an earthbound meteorite broke into several pieces just above this hallowed area. The largest fragment created a 110m (361ft) wide and 22m (72ft) deep crater. During the first century CE, it was believed to have been used for sacrificial rituals by the island’s inhabitants. Today it’s filled with water, but you can still stroll around its edge.

Cross the causeway to Muhu Island

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Estonia’s third-largest island is connected to Saaremaa by a causeway as well as a regular ferry service to the mainland. Its lush landscapes, thatched cottages and traditional costumes have remained unchanged for centuries, earning it a nickname as “the place where time rests”. Key attractions include the open-air museum in Koguva village, the 13th-century Saint Catherine’s Church and Alexander restaurant at the five-star Padaste resort, one of Estonia’s finest eateries.

Go birdwatching in the Vilsandi National Park

Park

Sunset at Harilaid peninsula, Vilsandi National Park, Saaremaa island, Estonia
© Remo Savisaar / Alamy Stock Photo
Created as a bird reserve in 1910, Vilsandi National Park is the oldest protected area in the Baltics. It consists of more than 150 islands, islets and reefs off the west coast of Saaremaa. It’s also one of Estonia’s premier spots for bird-watching, hosting almost 250 visiting and nesting species, including the white-tailed eagle and rare Steller’s Eider. Keep your eyes peeled for grey seals, too.

Climb Angla Windmill Hill

Natural Feature, Hiking Trail

View towards Collection of old windmills at Angla Windmill Hill on a sunny day with blue sky and clouds in Saaremaa. Photo taken in Estonia
© Mathias Rhode / Alamy Stock Photo

Pack a picnic before heading to Angla Hill, where you’ll see the only remaining windmills on Saaremaa. The hilltop attraction consists of four trestle windmills dating from the early 19th century. Kids will appreciate the farm animals in a mini-zoo, plus there’s a souvenir shop and a museum dedicated to local folklore. Enjoy your picnic on one of the wooden tables scattered outside, or head to the cafe to sample home-cooked regional dishes.

Soak in the Georg Ots Hotel spa

Spa Hotel

Saaremaa has more spas than any other destination in Estonia. One of its best can be found within Kuressaare’s four-star GOSPA Georg Ots Hotel, situated on the waterfront overlooking the castle and sea. Its wellness centre features nude Finnish and infrared saunas, a jacuzzi, hot and cold pools, plus treatments using the hotel’s own Kena products, developed from Saaremaa’s natural resources. Tailor your spa break by choosing from a menu of two-night, all-inclusive packages.

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