Location: Saaremaa, Estonia
Cost: from outside all attractions in Saaremaa listed in this itinerary are free, you would have to pay only if you wished to climb the lighthouse or enter the museum in fortress
Length: 2 days
How to get there: Ferry + Car
What To See Along the Way to Saaremaa? The Riga–Virtsu Route
Or if your not interested in that, skip right to our what to see in Saaremaa list.
Ainaži North Pier, Latvia
Right on the Latvian-Estonian border, a long, rugged stone pier stretches out into the sea. Tall reeds flank the path on either side before giving way to open water, where waves gently lap against the edges. The scenery is stunning—highly photogenic—but also quite popular, so keeping a bit of distance from other visitors can be a challenge.
As you reach the far end of the pier, the terrain becomes wild and uneven, and some stones wobble underfoot. So make sure you watch your step!
Pärnu Coastal Meadow and the City Cows, Estonia
While Ventspils is famous for its cow sculptures, Pärnu takes things a step further—here, you can meet real cows that are grazing right between the city and the beach.
It’s a surreal sight: on one side, colorful kitesurfing sails dance above the waves, while on the other, urban buildings rise against the skyline. And in between? A tranquil meadow, swaying reeds, and a herd of cows.
A wooden boardwalk winds through the area, leading to a small observation tower. Looks like today the cows have wandered further away—perhaps weary of all the attention—but there are times when they are wondering around right near the path
Taking the Ferry to Saaremaa
What to See in Saaremaa?
Sunset at Sõrve Peninsula, Saaremaa
You can explore the peninsula for free, but you would have to purchase a ticket to enter the lighthouse. Check out prices & working hours.
Ready for some evening romance? Saaremaa is dotted with lighthouses, but Sõrve Peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and captivating landscape, making our evening destination an easy choice.
While most visitors come during the day to climb the 52-meter-tall lighthouse for panoramic views, we take a different approach—embracing the scenery as the sky transforms into brilliant hues of orange and pink. It’s absolutely magical. The peninsula’s rocky tail extends into the sea, where pebbles and grass create mesmerizing natural patterns. If you look carefully into the distance, you might just spot a tiny strip of land on the horizon. Could that be Kolka, Latvia?
A word of advice: bring a warm jacket! Even in summer, the peninsula can get quite windy in the evening and I wouldn’t want that to ruin the atmosphere.
Walking the Walls of Kuressaare Castle in Saaremaa
The Kuressaare Castle grounds are open to visitors for free, though a ticket is required to explore the museum inside. Check out prices & working hours here.
Encircled by towering fortifications and a wide moat, the castle’s oldest sections date back to the 14th century, with its defenses strengthened over the centuries. Unfortunately, our visit happens to fall on a Monday, when the museum is closed, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying a peaceful stroll along the fortress walls, admiring the structure from every angle.
Kaali Meteorite Crater in Saaremaa
Have you ever seen a real meteorite crater? I hadn’t, which made this attraction in Saaremaa especially thrilling.
Long ago, a meteorite crashed here, shattering into multiple fragments and leaving behind a cluster of craters. The largest one, now filled with murky water, is so vast that fitting it into a single photograph is nearly impossible.
And don’t forget to check out the local road sign—it features a meteorite! A fun little touch of humor that adds to the charm of this unique spot.
Climbing Down Panga Cliffs
Location of Panga cliffs in Saaremaa
Saaremaa’s most impressive limestone cliffs rise dramatically above the sea, offering breathtaking views.
From the top, you can gaze down at the deep blue water far below—but to truly appreciate their grandeur, you need to see Panga cliffs from below. The only challenge? Figuring out how to get there, as no obvious path leads down.
Wait—what’s that? A rope with knots dangling from the cliff’s edge? Well, it seems we’ve found our way down!
For some, this is an exciting adventure; for me, it was more of a mild panic attack. But in the end, the descent wasn’t as daunting as it first seemed. And the reward? A spectacular view of rugged limestone cliffs stretching along the coastline, framed perfectly by a narrow strip of rocky beach between the land and sea. An absolutely picture-perfect spot and a must-see in Saaremaa.
The “Enter If You Dare” Maasi Castle Ruins in Saaremaa
Location of Massi Castle ruins
If you Google what to see in Saaremaa, this medieval fortress rarely makes the list. And when we arrive, it’s clear why—a sign at the entrance warns that the ruins are in critical condition and could collapse at any moment. Enter at your own risk.
Of course, I can’t officially recommend stepping inside a structure labeled as dangerous… but curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn’t resist a peek. From the outside, Maasi Castle appears unassuming, but stepping into its underground chambers reveals something far grander—and eerier. The knowledge that its builders were forced to work here as punishment for a rebellion only adds to its haunting atmosphere.
The thick stone walls and towering arches are both imposing and mesmerizing. And despite the warning sign, the presence of electric lighting makes it feel less like an abandoned ruin and more like a hidden tourist attraction.
That’s a wrap on our Saaremaa trip, but our Estonian adventure is far from over! After exploring all the fascinating things to see in Saaremaa, we’re hooked—and now, we’re setting our course for Tallinn. But first, it’s time to catch the ferry back to the mainland. Onward to the next adventure! Read more about our whole Estonia road trip here.
Was Saaremaa road trip worth it? Absolutely. Saaremaa is a stunning destination, and having our own car allowed us to explore hidden gems scattered across the island. Hopefully this gave you some ideas on what to see in Saaremaa too.
Was two days enough? Yes and no. We covered a lot in a short time, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace—or want to visit one of Saaremaa’s famous spas—you might want an extra day.
If we had more time, we definitely would have stayed longer. Saaremaa has a way of making you want to linger just a little while more.
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