Estonian beaches: the Baltic Sea under the banner of freedom

When you think of Estonia, you imagine deep forests, mysterious marshes and medieval towns... But this small Nordic country hides an unexpected treasure: more than 3,800 kilometres of coastline and a constellation of wild, peaceful, sometimes lively, always authentic beaches.

Here, the Baltic Sea does not roar: it whispers. It offers calm waters, golden sands, secret bays and the most beautiful sunsets in Europe. In summer, when the days seem endless, the beaches become places of celebration, rest and poetry.

Pirita: the urban beach just a stone's throw from Tallinn

Just 15 minutes from Tallinn's historic centre, Pirita Beach offers a real summer getaway. With its long stretch of golden sand, cycle paths and seaside cafés, it is the favourite beach of the capital's residents.

The shallow waters are ideal for playing, and the tall pine forest behind the beach is a sheltered spot for cycling. In summer, the sun can be strong, making the beach the place to be!

Not far away, near the marina, are the mystical ruins of St. Brigitta's Monastery, a relic of the past that hosts concerts in summer. Nearby, the Pirita River, which can be explored on foot or by canoe, is also a place for swimming and walking.

Pärnu: Estonia's ‘summer capital’

Welcome to Pärnu, the ultimate seaside resort, nicknamed ‘the Nice of the North’ by Estonians. People come here to enjoy the sun, festivals, spas... and ice cream at any time of day.

Its large sandy beach is bordered by dunes, shaded parks and a wooden promontory perfect for a stroll at the end of the day.

Every summer, Pärnu hosts the White Nights Festival, a series of concerts, shows and dances under the stars.

Vilsandi & Saaremaa: wild island beaches

Take a ferry and head for the islands of western Estonia – a world apart. On the island of Saaremaa, you will find almost deserted beaches lined with pine trees and wild flowers, such as Järve, Mändjala and Tuhkana.

On the protected island of Vilsandi, the white sand and seals basking on the rocks give you the impression of being alone in the world.

In addition to walks on the beaches, the island is full of historical sites to visit, such as fortified churches and the well-preserved Kuressaare Castle, which tells the story of life in medieval times and houses many artefacts. Unusual places such as the Kaali craters, formed by meteorite impacts, and the Kähu stone circle bear witness to a pagan era whose ancestral traditions can still be felt today.

Narva-Jõesuu: Baltic elegance on the Russian border

In the far east, on the border with Russia, Narva-Jõesuu is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the country. Surrounded by pine forests, it is reminiscent of the beaches of Latvia or Finland, but with a unique atmosphere.

It is a quiet, somewhat nostalgic place, ideal for those seeking peace, walking and reading in the sun.

In the 19th century, Russian aristocrats spent their summers here. It is said that Chekhov and Rachmaninov stayed here, attracted by the fresh air and endless sunsets.

The discreet charm of the North

In Estonia, beaches can be synonymous with saunas: in winter and summer alike, sauna-goers can cool off in rivers, lakes or the sea. Children and adults alike love this hot/cold effect. Summer is also the season for sandcastles, which are often as impressive as they are ephemeral.

Another legendary place where it is said that the many rocks on the beaches or emerging from the water are the result of battles between giant stone beings!

Estonian beaches are not flashy. Here, there are no mega hotel complexes or rows of parasols. These are beaches for dreaming, for breathing, for reconnecting with the sweetest things summer has to offer: the shade of a pine tree, a little salt on your skin, the laughter of children during a picnic or a nap on a towel that is still warm.