Visiting Estonia’s islands is always a wonderful idea. Time moves a little differently here, and you can visit quite a few places in a day. To make coming back to the islands even more exciting, we've put together a list of new places and services to visit and experience in 2024.
NEW SIGHTS AND ADVENTURES
1st FLOOR OF THE SAAREMAA MUSEUM
The renovations to the 1st floor of Kuressaare Castle are now complete. There's a great deal to discover for young and old alike. For example, you can now also see a big cat pacing around in the lion’s pit instead of just hearing its roar. You can sit in a big cauldron with a ‘live’ fire crackling beneath you. Or examine a well that was excavated during the reconstruction work which no one previously knew existed.
KURESSAARE’S GREAT BRIDGE
Kuressaare is home to one of the longest stone bridges in Estonia. Crossing the Põduste River, it was built in 1820 but has been renovated several times since then. Today it has a new look and is beautifully lit. Make sure to visit after nightfall so you can admire all the colours: it makes for a great light show.
LOHETIGU LABYRINTH
A magical stone labyrinth named Tigulohe, has been built in the immediate vicinity of the Sõrve lighthouse. In the old days, sailors, merchants and other travelers performed rituals in them to ensure success on their journeys and wanderings. Those who passed through the labyrinth secured themselves against getting lost and other accidents.
MUHU CREATIVE CENTRE
Muhu Creative Centre has set itself up in what was previously the island’s community centre. The hard-working craftspeople of Muhu decided to get together under one roof, and so the centre was born. Here you can admire beautiful knitwear, jewellery and even jackets and have them made to order.
SAARE GOLF STUDIO
Saare Golf Studio is a golf simulator in Kuressaare. Starting from your second visit, it can be used completely independently. Golf simulators offer realistic playing conditions and allow you to hone your skills just as you would on a real course.
NEW EXPERIENCES FOR BOTH BODY AND MIND
SÖRWESPA
Sörwespa is a relaxation spot with chill vibes on the Sõrve peninsula. The calming effect of the water is enhanced by the island's junipers and pines, which will help you organise your thoughts and find the way to yourself.
NEW SERVICES AT PÄDASTE MANOR SPA
The Sanctuary of Six Senses at Pädaste Manor has added new procedures designed to pamper body and mind alike. In the middle of the spa lies the Healing Hot Spring, a haven where the sun’s energy breathes life into an ancient wellness tradition. Additionally, you can now experience a centuries-old ritual in Pädaste’s modern smoke sauna.
NEW TASTE EXPERIENCES
WIO BURGER
If you’ve ever driven from Kuressaare towards Sõrve, you’ll surely have noticed the WIO burger kiosk. Well, now you don't even have to leave Kuressaare to get your hands on their delicious burgers! Wio Burger has opened its doors right in the middle of the town, at Raekoja 10.
SÖSTAR KITCHEN & BAR
In early summer a new bar and eatery opened its doors in the centre of Kuressaare. Its menu has something for everyone, from quick bites to hearty meals. The overarching theme of the menu is fast slow-food, with a bohemian atmosphere giving the place its finishing touch.
LOORBER CAFÉ & BAR
A new café celebrating flavours from all over the world has opened its doors in the centre of Kuressaare. Of course, local ingredients have a place on the menu as well. The café offers a new selection of sweet treats every morning, including pastries, muffins and cakes.
KARDEMON COFFEE BAR
Kardemon Coffee Bar, which will be opened in mid-June, will be a boutique-style cafe with stylish furnishings that can be seen throughout the cafe's premises. It is especially nice that if you really like something, you can also buy it with you. The cafe offers warm pastries, cakes and tarts every morning. The art of coffee is taken seriously, and leaving without good coffee is basically a sin!
LUCIANO´S
In Auriga shopping center, all lovers of Italian cuisine will be treated to a new fast food place called Luciano's. In Italy, dinner often begins with delicious antipasti - a quick, elegant and always a wonderful choice. The menu also includes Italian classics such as pasta and panini. All this can be enjoyed at Luciano's!
SÖRWEKÖÖK
SörweSpa’s brand new eatery Sörweköök will soon be opening its doors in the village of Läätsa. Like an upside-down boat hidden among the junipers and pines, it will tell the story of the island’s heritage and natural environment and of the ships found close by in Salme. Sörweköök will offer authentic island food, combining local traditions and modern cooking techniques.
KLIFF RESTAURANT
Kliff is a cosy place on the Panga cliffs, from which it enjoys picturesque views of the sea. The restaurant has two terraces: one overlooking the water to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather, and one on the other side, sheltered from the wind. It offers a varied menu, from light summer dishes to more substantial meals. The flavours are fresh and clean, showcasing their ingredients.
KAHVERJAN
Kahverjan is a great café you’ll find in the village of Liiva on Muhu. Kahverjan is a word in the local dialect whose meaning you can ask the café’s owners about. If this has piqued your interest, then set off for Muhu House in Liiva and eat delicious homemade food and mouth-watering cakes.
NEW ACCOMMODATION PLACES
LÕUNARANNA HARBOUR ACCOMMODATION
Cosy lodgings accommodating up to 24 people have opened their doors at Lõunaranna Harbour on the island of Muhu. In addition to the pleasant seaside location, you can rent fishing boats on site and take a trip out onto the water. Dinner is available at Kala Restaurant & Bar right there at the harbour.
BOTTENGARN FARM
Bottengarn Farm is located in Igaküla on Muhu, just a couple of kilometres from Koguva. It offers three different accommodation options: the main house has five guest suites, while its two granaries are ideal for families and smaller groups, one with three bedrooms and the other with two.
KLIFF BOUTIQUE
Kliff Boutique is located right on the waterfront just before you come to the Panga cliffs. It offers unique accommodation in which every room and piece of furniture has its own particular character. Kliff Boutique offers accommodation for up to 43 people in its main house, family villas and cabins.
UUELU TOURISM FARM
In June, Uuelu Tourism Farm in Kõrkvere will open its gates to vacationers. Uuelu is the right place to get away from the city noise and recharge your batteries. To make the most of your vacation, there is also a sauna, grill and terrace on site. Since it is a tourist farm located on the island, there is ofcourse delicious smoked fish on site, which is prepared in Uuelu.
TORGU PALACE
Torgu Palace is waiting for you on the Sõrve Peninsula, in the Kingdom of Torgu, where you can enjoy living in a glass house. Breathtaking views of the surrounding nature open from there, and you can also relax in a luxurious glass sauna. It is the perfect place to find some peace and quiet.
MÖNUS PESA
Mönus Pesa is a newly renovated accommodation located in one of the oldest wooden buildings in Kuressaare, just a five-minute walk from the central square. The guest apartments offer the visitor a cozy and romantic environment, spiced with a unique interior design.
