The city of Pärnu is known by locals as the “summer capital” and is tipped to rival Spain thanks to its sandy beach, bars and spas.

Hailed as Estonia‘s most popular summer holiday location, the city’s main attraction is its beach and seafront.

Thousands descend on the city in summer to swim in sea, where the water hit a record-breaking 33C in 2010.

Popular with Estonians, Pärnu also hosts festivals featuring a range of music from electro-pop to classical.

Foodies also meet up every summer at the biggest food culture festival in Estonia, Grillfest, which takes place in the city.

The city offers a wide range of spa hotels where guests can expect a pampering. These include Hedon Spa & Hotel on Pärnu beach which has two saunas, a spa bath, outdoor pool and treatment rooms.

Wasa Resort Hotel is near the Museum of New Art. It has an indoor pool as well as a spa and wellness centre. Frost Boutique Hotel is in Pärnu’s Old Town and has two saunas – a classic Finnish sauna and a steam sauna.

The beach is a 15 minute walk away from the hotel, which is particularly popular with couples.

Villa Ammende is promoted as a true gem and one of the most unique hotels in Pärnu. Built in 1905, the house is one of the best renovated Art Nouveau style hotels in Europe, according to Visit Pärnu.

Restaurants recommended on Tripadvisor include Restoran Fööniks, Villa Ammende, Restaurant Raimond, Kohvik Supelsaksad and Villa Wesset.

Pärnu has three main shopping centres – Port Artur, the Pärnu Centre and the city’s largest retail hub which is located in Papiniidu Street.

About 80 miles south of Tallinn, Pärnu can be reached by car from Estonia’s capital in around 90 minutes. You can also travel from Tallinn to Pärnu by train, with a journey time of about two and a half hours.

Ryanair, Wizz Air UK, TAP Air Portugal, airBaltic, British Airways, and Ryanair UK Ltd. all fly directly to Tallinn, according to Skyscanner.

Direct flights are available and the average journey time is two hours and 48 minutes.

The best price Skyscanner found on Saturday, September 21, 2024, for a return flight to Tallinn was £32. That estimate is subject to change and availability.