The most common way to get to Saaremaa is by ferry from the mainland. Planes arrive from Tallinn and Stockholm. Small marinas welcome the brave, who sail in on yachts. Once on the island, one notes that time and life move at a slower pace. “Driving back home” is not an option!  The sea will stop you and insist that life is to be enjoyed and relaxed. There are days in autumn when even the ferry can not help - the sea shows its moods and decides that everyone will stay until it is ready. On really cold winter days, can the sea be overcome as an ice bridge connects the island to the mainland.

Connections

Weather plays a great role in local life. It is very important to know when and how you can come and go. That is why connections to the islands are very important.

Ferry connection

Saaremaa and Muhu are surrounded by ten ports, but most of the tourists take the ferry that runs every hour from Virtsu harbour across to Kuivastu harbour in Muhu island. During the 30-minutes journey you can enjoy panoramic views over the sea. The road from Kuivastu takes you across Väike Strait and after a 3-kilometres drive on the sea damn you will reach Saaremaa. The damn was built only about a century ago, before that the two islands were separated by water. Today there is a lively discussion exploring the possibilities to establish a fixed link between Saaremaa and the mainland. The idea of a bridge certainly seems to be very popular among Estonians. Meanwhile the port of Kuivastu remains a vital link to mainland.

www.tuulelaevad.ee

Saaremaa harbour

Another important harbour is Saaremaa Harbour, located in Mustjala. This deepwater port , opened in 2006, is designed to receive yachts and cruise vessels. The port can handle vessels up to 200 meters. The longest of the three quays stretches for 200 meters and has a depth of 10 meters alongside. The natural depth of the sea basin enables to receive the biggest cruise ships plying the Baltic Sea. Special tours for cruise tourists are available.

Saaremaa Harbour

Yaht harbours

Yacht owners can choose from Veere, Nasva, Triigi, Roomassaare, Kuressaare, Orissaare, Kõigiste and Mõntu harbours. One possible route for more adventurous tourists  would pass from mainland to Hiiumaa island, continue along Saaremaa and then go to the northern part of Latvia.

Air connections

Those who favour flying, can come by plane. The airport is near Kuressaare from where you can take a taxi to the city. Kuressaare has regular connections with Tallinn, but in summer you can also fly to Stockholm. Tha airport handles charter flights for those who wish to relax at local spas.

www.estonian-air.ee

Air fares