The best beaches in Estonia that you need to visit

From the pristine dunes of Narva-Jõensuu to the deep waters of Pikakari, the best beaches in Estonia are just waiting to be explored. 

Estonia might not sound warm and exotic, but it’s actually home to a pretty impressive coastline. While it might seem odd to go to the beach in a Nordic country, during summer Estonia’s beaches are as hot as – if not even hotter than – other European beaches.

In Estonia, you can combine your love for sea and sand with visits to nearby pine forests, catering to sun-seekers and outdoorsy travellers alike. Here are the beaches you need to know about…

To find our more about this beautiful country, head to our Estonia travel information page.

The best beaches in Estonia

Pirita Beach, Tallinn

When you are in Tallinn, there are plenty of beaches just a short drive away. Pirita Beach is one of them, and visitors can take advantage of all sorts of facilities here.

The beach has various restaurants where you can enjoy local and international cuisine. Of course, you will also find changing rooms and volleyball playgrounds too. This beach is generally quiet and serene, and the children’s playgrounds are equipped with all the necessary amenities.

On the beach, you can enjoy a relaxing coastal walk, and there are plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photographs in the sunshine. For a change of scenery, head to nearby Seikluspark and try your hand at several different outdoor adventure activities. Down the road is the Tallinn Botanic Garden, stretching 123 hectares and home to various exotic plants.

A bit closer to the beach, you can visit Pirita Convent Ruins. This was once one of the biggest monasteries in northern Europe but it was partially destroyed during the Livonian War. Today, the ruins tell a silent tale of Estonian history, making it a popular spot for tourists. In the summer months, you can also watch live music concerts here.

Narva-Jõensuu

The longest beach in Estonia – which extends 7.5 km – is Narva-Jõensuu. Located on the country’s northeastern border facing the Gulf of Finland, it is among the most beautiful beaches in the country.

On this beach, pine forests meet pristine dunes, creating a unique landscape to suit every taste. A favourite among fitness and gym enthusiasts, Narva-Jõensuu is home to several spots where visitors can make use of different sports equipment and runners can jog along the coastline for miles. Post-workout, you can visit several local restaurants and coffee shops, or cook your own barbecue in the grill areas.

Visitors can also stop by the Narva-Jõensuu Koduloomuuseum. Here, you can experience the history of Narva-Jõensuu and explore its ancient architecture through a series of interactive exhibits.

Pikakari Beach, Tallinn

Pikakari Beach is also near Tallinn, in the Paljassaare neighborhood. Although small, this beach is excellent for families looking to enjoy some quiet away from the chaos of the city. If you travel by car, Pikakari Beach has a free parking lot.

Unlike other Estonian beaches, the water here is deep near the shore, making it a popular choice for swimmers. Bird watchers can visit Paljassaare Jarv, Suur Pljassaare, or Vaikese Paljassaare Linnuvaatluskoht to enjoy some spotting and children can make use of the playground located close to the water.

Several picturesque sights can be found nearby, namely Rannakaitsepatarei. This is the spot to go if you love World War II relics, ancient ruins, or photographing nature.

From Pikakakri, you can easily return to Tallinn and explore its old town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has preserved its medieval and Hanseatic heritage, and visitors can explore medieval and contemporary art museums like Kumu, or simply wander the beautiful streets at their leisure.

Need more recommendations for your time in the capital? Our guide to Tallinn’s alternative neighbourhoods has you covered.

Safety tips for visiting Estonia

Nowadays, most travellers make use of the internet when planning a trip or staying abroad. Being online can make going away easier, more accessible and more fun!

Nevertheless, there are some things to keep in mind. While Estonia is generally a safe country that is renowned for its digital prowess, these simple cybersecurity measures can help ensure that your trip to the country is hassle-free.

Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) can secure your online connections by encrypting your data and maintaining your anonymity. This is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi.

Once you find a reliable provider and the VPN download and installation are finished, you can enjoy extra features, including the ability to mask your current IP address. This can be very helpful if you encounter content geo-restrictions in Estonia or other countries that you visit.

Install antivirus software on your smartphone

Getting a virus or malware on your smartphone while at home can be frustrating, but you can usually deal with it quite quickly. However, if this happens while you’re travelling, it can turn your life upside down.

Now that we are so reliant on apps stored on our smartphones – from digital wallets to offline maps – keeping your phone safe is more important than ever. Install a premium antivirus software on your smartphone and other devices to ensure security.

Use strong passwords

When you’re travelling, you’re likely to need various apps to help conduct your business and enjoy your holiday. With this in mind, using strong passwords to ensure your devices, apps, and accounts are kept secure is an essential way to prevent data breaches.

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