ADVERTISING FEATURE
Three Estonian islands to visit Estonia’s balmy, tranquil and crowd-free isles make for an exquisite island-hopping escape W
ith more than 2,000 islands floating off its west coast,
Estonia is a summer escape in waiting for clients seeking slow travel experiences amid juniper forests, wetlands and sandy beaches. Three isles in particular should be on your clients’ radars: welcome to sunny island life, Estonia-style.
1. Muhu Just a two-hour drive and a car-ferry ride from Estonia’s capital Tallinn, Muhu is the most accessible island by car. With only 2,000 residents, nature rules supreme with its wild shades of green, marshy coastline and craggy Üügu Bluff. Visitors can admire it all by walking the Muhu Nature Trail, gliding along its fringes on a stand-up paddleboard or exploring on horseback. When the time comes to recharge, slow down even further at the 14th-century Pädaste Manor, which is both a Michelin- recommended restaurant and Michelin-approved hotel.
2. Saaremaa Larger than Luxembourg, Saaremaa is Estonia’s biggest island. Connected to Muhu by a road bridge (or a 20-minute flight from Tallinn), Saaremaa seeps with cultural heritage. The medieval Kuressaare Castle is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Estonia and contrasts with the contemporary boutiques and art galleries in its namesake town. For history that stretches further into the past, the Kaali Meteorite Crater is the first proven one of its kind in Europe and dates back 7,500 years. Nature lovers will be thrilled at the sight of grey seals, rich birdlife and orchid-speckled fields and enjoy walks along Panga cliff and pine-fringed Järve beach.
3. Hiiumaa Hiiumaa can also be reached by car ferry from the mainland. Its status as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve means there’s no light or noise pollution, making it akin to a silent spa for the soul. Everything here is connected to
Kuressaare Castle, Saaremaa
the sea in one way or another, whether it’s visiting fishing villages, going on seal-watching boat trips or simply reclining on one of Hiiumaa’s long, sandy beaches like Tõrvanina, Luidja and Ristna, the latter boasting the largest surfing waves in the Baltic Sea. Hikers can tackle a segment of the island’s 145-mile circular route, while heritage enthusiasts can visit Hiiumaa’s three lighthouses, including one dating back to the 16th century.
Pädaste Manor, Muhu
Become an Estonia expert with Visit Estonia’s online training programme at
estoniaexpert.com For more information, head to
visitestonia.com or
nordictravelsolutions.com/ukoperators
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