Exploring Estonia’s Islands: Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Beyond

Estonia is a jewel in the crown of Northern Europe, and she is most renowned because of her medieval towns, unspoiled natural landscapes and enchanted islands on the Baltic Sea. Although the capital Tallinn is the focal point of the tourist activity with its cobblestone streets and fairytale charm, the islands of Estonia are the most underappreciated treasure of the country. The Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands and other smaller islands provide a very interesting mix of history, culture and nature that would be best explored on a carefully designed Estonia Island Tour. These places are ideal for tourists that want tranquility, experience and an opportunity to get off the regular tourist paths.

Now that you are going off on your island adventure, it is important to make sure that you have the right documentation. In case you are going to Oman or other nations that are not located in the Schengen zone, you will have to get the necessary Estonia Visa as the first step to your trip. Through proper guidance and facilities such as Gokite Oman, tourists can easily sail through the Estonia visa process within Oman and get their Estonia travel visa in no time. When you finally have your visa in hand, the islands of Estonia will present themselves as a heaven of sea beauty, cultural heritage and untouched nature to explore.

Why take an Estonia Island Tour?

An Estonia Island Tour is not any other traveling experience in Europe. Tourists do not overcongest these islands hence they suit sluggish and immersive travelling. Estonia is home to over 2,000 islands and each of them has its own peculiarity. The most popular and the largest are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, yet there are little treasures like Muhu, Vormsi, and Kihnu awaiting to be discovered, each of which presents a bit of the Estonian culture.

It is the diversity of these islands that makes them attractive. The Estonian islands are a marathon of history and nature with windmills and the medieval castles as a background and the undisturbed beaches in the front. They also harbor colorful cultures that include folk music, handicrafts, and special meals and offer tourists a cultural feast besides breathtaking sceneries. An Estonia Island Tour will be a experience to everyone, whether you are the adventure enthusiast, the history lover, or just seeking tranquility.

Saaremaa: the Jewel of the Islands of Estonia.

The largest, and perhaps the most attractive, island in Estonia is Saaremaa. As it is the unspoiled land, with the rich folklore and intriguing history, Saaremaa usually becomes the first destination in every tour of the island.

Key Attractions in Saaremaa

Kuressaare Castle: The castle Kuressaare Castle is a medieval building and a fine example of architectural masterpiece representing the importance of Saaremaa. A museum to display the cultural and political history of the island is found in the castle today.

• Kaali Meteorite Crater: This is one of the most unusual places in Estonia; the crater, which is the outcome of a meteorite impact many thousands years ago, is covered by legends and folklore.

• Angla Windmill Hill: Saaremaa is a city of windmills and Angla is the most suitable to see these old fashioned buildings.

• Spa Culture: Saaremaa is also now a wellness center and its mud treatment and spa resorts provide relaxation in a calm atmosphere.

• Saaremaa is a tribute to the traditional aspects of life combined with the contemporary comfort of the modern world, so it is a must-see location when visiting the Estonia Island Tour.

Hiiumaa: Estonian Idyllic Getaway.

The second-largest island is Hiiumaa and it is a calmer and less busy place. With its lighthouses, pine forests and small villages, Hiiumaa is ideal to tourists who want to forget about the noise of the urban life.

Top Highlights of Hiiumaa

• Koopalu Lighthouse: Koopalu Lighthouse is one of the oldest functioning lighthouses in the world that provides spectacular view of the neighbouring landscapes.

• Tahkuna Peninsula: It is a natural haven and forest, beach, and historic lighthouse.

• Local Crafts and Cuisine: Hiiumaa is famous in handicrafts, including knitware and wood, and seafood that is fresh.

• Nature Trails: The Island is densely covered by hiking and biking trails, so it is a good place to do ecotourism and outdoor activities.

• Compared to Saaremaa, Hiiumaa is not very busy, so it is an ideal vacation place to enjoy the nature of the island life at a slower speed.

Other Estonian Islands to Visit.

Muhu Island

Muhu is a tiny culturally diverse island, attached to Saaremaa with a causeway. Muhu has a multitude of old wooden houses, medieval churches and multi-colored folk costumes that make it feel like going back in time.

Vormsi Island

Vormsi has serenity and communion with nature. A small population with beautiful coastline makes it ideal to go on cycling tours and capture nature.

Kihnu Island

UNESCO has added Kihnu to its cultural heritage list and it is characterized by its unique traditions that are maintained by local women who wear traditional skirts every day. It is a cultural living museum with folk music and handicrafts.

Ruhnu Island

Ruhnu is located further in the Gulf of Riga known to have its wooden church, the oldest in Estonia. The island is peaceful and the remoteness of the island is not like any other.

The way of accessing the Islands of Estonia.

They can be reached by ferries to the mainland most of the islands, in particular, ports such as Virtsu and Rohukuula. Small airports are also available in Saaremaa and Hiiumaa with flights originating in Tallinn and so help people who have limited time schedules. In summer, boat trips and yachts are the common means of visiting small islands.

The best time to tour the Estonia Island.

Between the end of spring and the beginning of autumn (May-September), when the weather is not too hot or too cold, the best period to visit the Estonian islands is observed. Summer is hot, has extended hours of daylight, and there are festivals that are used to celebrate the traditions of the island. Winters are severe, however, they show another face of the islands with snow land and frozen seas.

How to Reach Estonia’s Islands

There are ferries that travel to most of the islands, especially ports such as Virtsu and Rohukula. There are also small airports in Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, with flights between Tallinn, which facilitates traveling to those who are tight in their schedule. Summer time is the season when boat tours and yacht trips are the most common methods of navigating smaller islands.

Optimal Estonia Island Tour.

The most appropriate moment to visit the islands of Estonia is late spring and early autumn ( May-September ). During summer months, there is warm climate and the daylight period is longer with festivals that show the traditions of the island. Winters are very severe and they show other face of the islands with snow-white scenery and frozen water.

Estonia Travel Visa requirements.

External visitors to Estonia, like Oman, require a Schengen visa in order to travel to the islands of Estonia. Here are key points to note:

• Estonia Visa: Visas are needed by the Omani citizens and most of the non-EU citizens.

• Estonia visa of Oman: The visa process can be done by the VFS Global or Oman authorized centers. The candidates should have valid passports, travel insurance, accommodation evidence and flight information.

• Estonia travel visa: This allows you not only to enter Estonia, but also to other Schengen countries, which makes it a very multifunctional option among travelers who plan to continue exploring Europe.

To ensure smooth help, Gokite Oman covers the services of the travelers who want to receive an Estonia visa from Oman. Their services ensure that the visa process is stress free as the travelers concentrate on enjoying their journey.

Recommendations on a memorable Estonia Island Tour.

• Make reservations in advance: Ferry and hotel reservations should be made early and mostly in peak periods in summer.

• Local Culture: Attend folk festivals, savor local foods such as smoked fish and purchase hand-crafted souvenirs.

• Be Eco-Friendly: The islands are healthy with their beautiful natural environment- respect nature, practices commerce that are eco-friendly, and help the communities.

• Blend Adventure and Relaxation: Bike or hike in one of the spas and have a balanced vacation.

• Hire Local Guides: It is better to hire a local guide because it will reveal some hidden stories, legends and traditions about the islands.

Conclusion

The Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, or other islands of Estonia, are the path to the world where the nature, culture, and history should be united in harmony. Every island has something to narrate, the medieval castles and lighthouses, folk culture and untouched nature. An Estonia Island Tour does not only provide sightseeing services, but it is also a cultural experience that could be recalled long after the exploration is complete.

You will want to pack your bags before you forget to carry your Estonia Visa. Travellers of Oman can also have their applications done through the Gokite Oman partners, which guarantees a hassle-free process of the visa granting process of Estonia visa, through Oman. Holding a valid Estonia travel visa, you will be able to enter the magic world of Baltic islands and see the part of Europe that has not been seen by many.