When it comes to picturesque beaches, Tallinn might not be the first destination in the world that comes to mind. However, this charming city in Estonia is home to some hidden gems that are sure to surprise and delight beach lovers. From sandy shores to rocky coastlines, Tallinn offers a diverse range of beach experiences for locals and tourists alike.
When you search online for a beach in Estonia then it is good to know that in Estonian language beach = rand, lake = järv, channel = kanal, sea = meri
Right in the city, next to the Old Town of Tallinn, Kalaranna (Fish Beach) used to be a historic fishing area. It still has an open-air fish market every Saturday morning, in summer season only. Otherwise, the area has become very modern. New apartment buildings, a park area to sit around and read a book, a children’s playground with climbing and swinging attractions. There are some small trendy shops, nice cafés, wine bars and restaurants. And of course – the beach itself. It’s not very big, just a small city-beach, but you can swim, enjoy the sea views, enjoy a meal, coffee, wine or beer and after have a nice stroll all the way past the historic Patarei Prison (once a Peter the Great sea fortress, then a Soviet prison, now under reconstruction and development to one day become a fancy hotel/office-building/shopping centre; and onwards to the Seaplane Museum and finally to the trendy Noblessner area. It makes a great day out.
One of the most popular beaches in Tallinn is Pirita Beach, located just a short distance from the city centre. A 1 hour walk, or by bus 10 minutes. This sandy beach stretches along the shores of the Pirita River and offers stunning views of the Tallinn skyline. Visitors can relax on the soft white sand, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or even try their hand at windsurfing or sailing. There are also some nice restaurants and cafes with a sea view.
For those looking for a more laid-back beach experience, Stroomi Beach is the perfect spot. This tranquil beach is located in the Pelguranna district and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunsets. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, have a picnic in the grassy areas, or simply relax and soak up the sun. To get there, it is best to take a taxi (Bolt, Forus, Uber or others), or rely on a bus or tram (be aware that some tramlines are under construction during the summer 2024) and in the latter case walk a bit from the tram stop to the beach.
If you’re a fan of rocky coastlines and rugged landscapes, Kakumäe Beach is a must-visit. This hidden gem is located on the outskirts of Tallinn and offers a wild beach experience. You can explore the rocky cliffs, go for a swim in the clear waters, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pack essentials: Don’t forget to take sunscreen, a beach towel, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Check the weather: Estonian weather can be unpredictable and change very fast, so make sure to check the forecast before heading to the beach. Take a warm jacket, as well as an umbrella, or for the windier days a raincoat. Even if you do get some rain, the sun might shine again soon, and the other way around. 😊
Respect other people and the environment: Help keep the beaches of Tallinn clean. Please do not smoke on the beach (allowed on the designated areas) and please take your trash with you when you leave. You can dispose of it in the designated containers. Leave the beach all nice and clean for the others as they are asked to do the same for you.
SOME BEACHES in the rest of ESTONIA – THE WEATHER MAP
There are many lovely beaches as Estonia is a seaside country. If you would like to travel to the beaches outside Tallinn, then this link could be useful, where you can see the current temperatures and water quality at this very moment:
https://maaleht.delfi.ee/leht/rannailm
TRANSLATION OF THE BEACH-WEATHER MAP
Meaning of Flag Colours = Lipuvärvide tähendus
Külm vesi = Cold Water
Vee temperatuur 16–18 kraadi. Pikalt vees viibimine ohtlik. = Water temperature 16-18 degrees. Staying in water for a long time is dangerous.
Vee temperatuur alla 16 kraadi. Vesi on külm ja seal viibimine on ohtlik. = Water temperature below 16 degrees. The water is cold and dangerous to be in.
Kõrge laine = High Waves
Ilmastiku või laevaliikluse tekitatud laine, mis võib ujujatele ohtlik olla. = Waves created by weather or ship traffic that can be dangerous for swimmers.
Eluohtlik laine. = Life-threatening waves
Äikesetormi oht = Thunderstorm threat
Randa on saabumas äikesetorm. Õige aeg on veest välja tulla ja kodu poole liikuda. = A thunderstorm is approaching the beach. It’s the right time to get out of the water and head home.
Rannas on äikesetorm. Vees viibimine keelatud, otsige varjumiskoht. = There is a thunderstorm on the beach. Staying in the water is prohibited, seek shelter.
Udu = Fog
Mere poolt tuleb udu, mis võib nähtavust rannas piirata. = Fog comes from the sea, which can limit visibility on the beach.
Rannas või vees on udu, mis piirab nähtavust. See on ohtlik vees viibijatele, kuna suunataju võib kaduda. = There is fog on the beach or in the water, which limits visibility. This is dangerous for those in the water as the sense of direction can be lost.
Õlireostus = Oil pollution
Avastatud on õlireostus. = An oil spill has been discovered.
Vetikad = Algae
Avastatud on vetikad, mida analüüsitakse või mille analüüs on kinnitust leidnud. Pärast ujumist soovitame end pesta. = Algae has been detected and are being analysed or whose analysis has been confirmed. We recommend washing after swimming.
Reostus = Pollution
Avastatud on reostus, mida parasjagu analüüsitakse või mis on analüüsidega kinnitatud ja ohtlikuks tunnistatud. = Pollution has been discovered, which is currently being analysed or which has been confirmed by analyses and recognized as dangerous.
Päikeseline rannailm = Sunny beach weather
Päikeseline vahelduva pilvisusega hea rannailm = Sunny with intermittent cloudiness, good beach weather
Tugev tuul = Strong Wind
Tugeva tuule või maatuule tõttu on oht täispuhutavate esemete ja ujuvvahendite ära lendamiseks või avamerele triivimiseks. = Due to strong wind or onshore wind, there is a risk of inflatable objects and floating equipment being blown away or drifting into the open sea.
Tugeva tuule või maatuule tõttu on ujuvvahenditega veele minek eluohtlik! = Going into the water with flotation devices is life-threatening due to strong wind or land wind!
Pilves rannailm = Cloudy beach weather
Sooja suvevihmaga rannailm = Beach weather with warm summer rain