Estonia’s Largest Island, Saaremaa | A Day in Tallinn

By now, you all know that we travel more to those lesser-seen places. We search for nature and try to avoid those too-crowded parts of any country. Let’s say we’re not city people.

When planning our backpacking adventure, Estonia was on top of our list to start with, so we researched the country, places off the beaten path to visit and what’s best to see. Luckily, we contacted a local happy to host us at her place and take us around her neighbourhood.

Who would have told us she lives on Estonia’s largest island?!

If you plan to travel to Estonia, don’t generalise as most people do. There are so many other destinations beyond Tallinn to visit. Estonia is one of Europe’s greenest countries, with forests covering almost 50% of the country, and there are approximately 2,222 islands, so don’t just stay in the cities. Go and explore for yourself.

Saaremaa 

We can’t believe that Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and is still unpopular with most people. Okay, to be fair and honest, that’s also a good thing, as it would be a pity if it were crowded; maybe it wouldn’t remain a paradise, right?

Our time in Saaremaa wasn’t enough to see it all, but thanks to Aleksandra, her cousin Susanna, whom we met on the bus on our way to the island, and her dad Margus, we could see most of the top attractions on this beautiful island.

We couldn’t be more grateful to them as we enjoyed getting to know them and exploring each corner, swimming in the lake around midnight. What else? They ensured we had the best time, and undoubtedly, they managed to exceed that!

Not to miss in Saaremaa 

The Sōrve Lighthouse 

The Sōrve Lighthouse is located at the end of the Sõrve peninsula. You can easily hike 4 km to arrive from the parking area. This trail is worth every step as you’ll enjoy it even by looking at the blue water of the Baltic Sea.

Panga Cliff 

When visiting this nature reserve, you’ll appreciate the tranquillity of nature. It’s the highest bedrock outcrop in western Estonia, and it’s islands where you can do bird-watching and take amazing shots of this incredible place.

Karja Church 

This church was built at the beginning of the 14th century and retained almost unchanged its initial shape. Karja is the smallest church in Saaremaa, which is worth visiting.

Angla Windmill Park 

This park is found outside the tiny village of Angla. All of the windmills are open to the public. You can watch a miller at work from one, in particular, which has maintained its original look.

Kuressaare 

Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, is a quaint town on the island’s south coast. If you visit Saaremaa, you’ll probably stay here, if not with a local like we did.

In this charming town of Kuressaare, one can find many wooden houses, coffee shops, restaurants and more; however, its focal point is Kuressaare Castle. It’s one of the best-preserved fortresses in Saaremaa.

Getting to and around Saaremaa 

Since Kuressaare has its airport, the ideal way of getting to Saaremaa is by ferry from Virtsu. You can do as we did: catch the Lux Express through Omio from Tallinn, which took us straight on the ferry to Kuressare after crossing Port of Virtsu to Port of Kuivastu. 

TIP: The price of the bus covers you with the ferry and also to Kuressaare.

The best way of getting around the island of Saaremaa is by car. You won’t find any car or motorbike rentals (not even scooters), so it’s better to think of it before. The only bus system on this island works a few times a day around the city centre.

Moving on to Tallinn 

Those of you looking to spend more than a day in Estonia, indeed, you have Tallinn on the list. Tallinn is one of the most beautiful cities we’ve been to. We believe two or three days are enough to see the main attractions as we managed to see most of them in just one day.

What to See in Tallinn 

Telliskivi Creative City 

The Telliskivi Creative City is the most significant creative centre in Estonia. It’s approximately a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, worth visiting.

Old Town 

Tallinn Old Town was tilted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. You can spend time wandering around the cobblestone streets and notice its heritage.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a spectacular structure perched on top of Toompea Hill. It’s Estonia’s main Russian Orthodox cathedral and Tallinn’s largest Orthodox church.

Toompea Castle (Estonian Parliament) 

Toompea Castle is a castle on Toompea hill in central Tallinn. Today, it’s the Parliament of Estonia.

Viru Gate 

At the entrance to Tallinn’s Old Town, you’ll notice the Viru Gate, two large watchtowers built in the 1300s.

Freedom Square 

Freedom Square is a large city square that is lovely to walk around. You can’t miss St. John’s Church while being there.

Three Facts about Estonia 

1. The locals aren’t religious. Only around 15% of Estonia’s population believes in God.

2. In 2013, Tallinn became the world’s first capital city to offer residents free public transport.

3. Daylight varies between seasons in Estonia, having around 6 hours in Winter and almost 19 hours in Summer.

Our backpacking adventure last year couldn’t have started any better. Estonia was incredible, and exploring Saaremaa was unbelievable!

Have you ever heard of Saaremaa before? If so, how was your experience? Let us know in the comments below.

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