In Search of the Perfect Beach
Text Timo Raussi Photos Sören Talu, Renee Altrov
The beach at the northern end of Lake Peipus is often visited by Austrian sun worshipers of the Gulf of Finland in the form of warmer water.
Summer in Estonia is a real paradise for anyone who loves the beach. The coastline bordering the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea is on mainland Estonia, and its four largest islands have as much as 2623 kilometers of coast. Here’s my own review of the best beaches in the country.
Estonia offers nearly 200 official swimming places and beaches whose water quality is monitored by the country’s health agency for those seeking recreation in summer heat. In addition, there are many times more sea shores and lake shores offering scenic views, where you can dive right in.
I’ve compiled a quick summary of five central beach resorts all over Estonia. There are items for families with children who are looking for a peaceful getaway.
Tallinn and surroundings
The most popular and largest beach in the capital is Pirita, just a couple of kilometers east of downtown. You can easily travel to the fine sandy and wide beach by buses 1, 34, and 38, or by cycling, for example. In addition to locker rooms, activities, and ball games, the beach has kiosks, a summer bar, a restaurant, and lounge chairs. There are also good jogging and cycling trails near the sea.
Stroom Beach is located on the western side of Northern Tallinn, and is especially popular among families with children, as its shoreline is shallow and therefore safe. The area is rich in playgrounds, locker rooms, and outdoor showers, an SUP board rental, and kiosks. For decades, Stroomi Beach Park has been a picnic and barbecue site favoured by locals.
The less populated Pikakari Beach is also located in the north, on the eastern tip of Paljassaare Peninsula. The small but award-winning Blue Flag beach offers a unique view of the Old Town and the Port of Tallinn. The water deepens quickly and is wavy with passing ships. You can step along the path near the tip of the peninsula to the nature reserve.
In summer head to Pärnu
Pärnu Beach is Estonia’s “summer capital”, and it is popular for a very good reason. The shallow beach makes it very safe for the youngest in the family. Comprehensive services from locker rooms to lounge chairs, restaurants, bars, and playgrounds are all at your fingertips. People walk along the beach boulevard, admiring the athletic volleyball players. More active tourists can try sailing and SUP boarding and other beach activities themselves.
Located 10 kilometers west of the center of Pärnu, Valgeranna Beach is an option for those who do not care so much about beach life. The place is known for its beach-lined pine forest, which offers shade on hot days, and a climbing and adventure park that reaches fairly high up. Next to the beach is a children’s playground, a frisbee golf course, a picnic square, and a beach café.
Sea and lakes in the east
Northeastern Estonia can boast the longest beaches of Estonia. It is quite an experience to admire the sunshine of the Gulf of Finland right on the Russian border in Narva-Jõesuu—a place that has a lengthy history as a beach and spa centre. The beach has basic services, such as locker rooms and a couple of cafés, but the overall look is clearly sleepier, and similar to Pirita. The air is fresh thanks to the adjacent pine forest, and hosts the only official nudist area in Estonia on the soft sandy beach, which is about nine kilometers long. Of course, you need to plan for it, as the area is located at the opposite end of hotels and services. The modern local bus runs 12 kilometers to Narva’s historic attractions.
If you think the sea looks spacious, then you’ll have the same feeling by Lake Peipus. Here, soft sand and a natural beach stretch for 32 kilometers. There are essential summer services in the centre, and a holiday cottage with its summer restaurants next to the Alutaguse National Park Information Centre.
Along the way, about 80 kilometers east of Tallinn, there is also Võsu. It is a charming little village with relaxed, or child-friendly beaches by Lahemaa National Park. In the village, however, you can dine in a restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide. Võsu’s surroundings offer a wide range of opportunities for hiking in natural environments.
Island atmosphere
There is ample beautiful beach scenery on Saaremaa, but the most popular beach is Mändjala Beach, located slightly southwest of Kuressaare. This place has beach bars and shade under pine trees with hammocks, local style.
The beach is well suited for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. There are several playgrounds on the sand for children, and the adjacent campsite also offers its services for visitors.
West of Tallinn
The last time I happened to be in Laulasmaa, 30 kilometers west of Tallinn, I could enjoy a large natural environment without seeing another soul. Peace took over my mind. Many people have reportedly experienced the same on Hiiumaa Island, and I would tend to believe it.
To learn more about this and similar topicsbeach holiday in Estonia Estonian Beaches Estonian seaside Hiiumaa Laulasmaa Narva-Jõesuu Pirita Beach Pärnu beach
