Summer in Estonia

Escape the holiday hordes and the sweltering heat of Europe's lower latitudes.

Northern European summers are a thing of glory. Though the season may be short, the days are blissfully long. Linger over drinks on a terrace. Relax on the sand of an endless empty beach. Hike through cool, dark woods, or spend a lazy weekend under the spell of a new town. 

Classic beach vacation

If you want to celebrate summer on the beach — sunbathing, swimming, and maybe a sundowner or two — you will find it in Pärnu, Estonia's "summer capital." The event calendar is packed, the evenings are long, and the nightlife is lively. The beach has everything from seaside cafes to SUP rentals to volleyball nets and, most importantly, plenty of space to stretch out on the sand.

Pärnu's riverfront promenade has seen new development, and in recent years, trendy bars and cafes have sprung up here. Rent a bike and explore this up-and-coming area.

Island escapes

Prefer a quieter getaway? If you don't need much more than water, sun, and sand for a perfect summer day, try the islands of Saaremaa, Muhu, and Hiiumaa, though any of Estonia's islands will fit the bill. Even during the high season, you'll find island life is a lot more leisurely than the already relaxed life on the Estonian mainland.