European seaside city nicknamed the ‘summer capital’ by locals – with huge sandy beach and the sea hits 33C
IF you’re looking for a cheap seaside break, you might want to swap Spain for Estonia.
Pärnu is a seaside town you might not have heard of – despite being much-loved by locals.
Back in 2018, it was Pärnu was named one of the best lesser-known beach cites by Lonely Planet.
It is nicknamed the “summer capital” as it is where Estonians flock to during the summer season.
It’s main attraction is the city’s huge sandy beach, home to a number of beach bars and even a the Nightclub Sunset.
The water temperature even hit a record high back in 2010, where it was recorded at 33C, although is more an average of 30C usually.
It’s not just popular with swimmers, as newbie surfers also flock to the beach due to the shallow waters.
Tourists have raved about it, with one person saying: “Truly feels like a hidden gem (as who thinks of Estonia when thinking of nice beaches?)”
Another told local media: “We like it, it’s almost like in Spain. So, actually it surprised me a little bit.”
It even hit a new record this summer, with more than 15,000 tourists visiting on July 16.
Want to stay on-land? There are a number of annual festivals on or near the beach too.
Earlier this year, Beach Grind festival welcomed both Marshmello and Chase & Status.
Head to the main town for multicoloured buildings, ranging from the 12th to the 18th century.
This is where you’ll find a number of spa hotels, as it was a spa resort back in the 1800s.
One of the most popular is the Hedon Spa and Hotel, where you can pop in the sauna and pools, as well as get a mud-wrap.
Other attractions include the The Butterfly House, as well as the Estonian Museum Railway with a functioning steam train.
The best way for Brits to get there is by flying to Tallin in Estonia for as little as £14.99 with Ryanair.
Taking just under three hours, Pärnu is then around an hours drive.
Pärnu does have it’s own airport, although it is rarely used – just over 2,000 passengers used it in 2023.
Hotels won’t break the bank either – while the beachfront resorts are around £70-£100, ones in town range from £40-£50 a night.
Elsewhere in Estonia, Tartu is set to become a popular tourist destination.
What is it like to visit Estonia?
Writer Steve Corbett told Sun Online Travel how to do a city break to Tallinn.
“A guided walking tour of Tallinn’s Old Town quickly displays why it’s a Unesco World Heritage site.
“Pastel-coloured medieval buildings with snow-coated red roofs lining cobblestone streets make for scenes that feel like the set of a Disney film.
“The local PoCo pop-art museum showing off Banksys and Warhols is also a must-visit.
“With flights from just £34 return and the average price of a pint £3.80, it’s a no-brainer for a bargain city break. “
Or if you’re still after seaside towns, one in Spain has been named Europe’s best kept secret.
And we’ve rounded up our favourite seaside towns in the UK.