Prangli Island

The basics

One of the hundreds of islands of Estonia, Prangli is an idyll of forests, meadows, and white-sand beaches punctuated by three wooden villages–Idaotsa, Lääneots, and Kelnase–all serviced by just a single church, museum, restaurant, and mini-mart. The island’s calm appeals to travelers eager to soak up its moody landscapes, cycle through its pinewoods, spot seals and seabirds, and uncover its distinctive 600-year-old culture.

Visitors can book ferries from the Estonian port of Leppneeme to discover Prangli independently on foot or by bike. Still, an easier way to explore the island is to join a guided group day trip from Tallinn. These typically incorporate round-trip transfers and ferry crossings, island-wide sightseeing, and a guide for insight into the island’s customs and history.

Things to know before you go

• Prangli will delight hikers, cyclists, historians, and photography buffs.

• Camping and holiday lets are available for travelers wanting to stay a few days.

• Island amenities include a mini-market, a few cafes, a summertime restaurant, bike rental, and Wi-Fi.

• Bring mosquito repellent in summer.

• Ferries to Prangli can take cars, but most passengers come on foot or bring pedal bikes.

How to get there

Prangli is only accessible by sea. Ferries run year-round between its Kelnase harbor from Leppneeme, with roughly three departures daily from April to October and two daily services in winter, each taking about an hour. Travelers in groups can also hire private boats for the crossing. The easiest way to Leppneeme from Tallinn is via taxi or #V2 or #1A bus.

When to get there

Prangli reaches its prime between May and September when its restaurant and cafes are open, and guided tours decant day-trippers. The island is busiest–but never crowded–in July and August, when average high temps can hit a pleasant 71.6°F (22°C). If you’re visiting in summer, weekdays are the quietest. For solitude, consider winter, when Prangli’s snow-coated beaches and woods are wonderfully silent and ethereal.

Top things to do on Prangli Island

Prangli’s unspoiled landscapes and slow tempo are balm for the soul. Pedal around spruce forests and wood-cabin settlements, trace the island’s history at its small museum, and picnic on wild sandy beaches. If you’re brave, take a summer dip in the sea—water temps can hit a very bearable 61.8°F (16.6°C) come August.