Pirita
Tallinn's beach neighborhood five kilometers east — sandy shore, a yacht marina, and the ruined Pirita Convent.
Pirita beach with Old Town skyline visible across the bay
Why people stay in Pirita
Pirita is where Tallinn goes swimming. The kilometer-long sandy beach faces west across the bay directly at the Old Town skyline, which means the sunset view from the water is the best in the city. The Pirita marina was built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics sailing regatta and still hosts the annual Muhu Väin race. Behind the beach: pine forest, the Kloostrimetsa cycling trails, and the ruined 15th-century St. Bridget's Convent, one of the largest medieval convents in the Baltic.
Great in summer, dead in winter. From October through April the beach cafés close, the marina empties, and the bus takes 25 minutes from downtown for very little payoff. If you’re here in June-August with kids or want to sail, Pirita is unbeatable. Otherwise book a lunch trip and stay in the center. The area is spread out — you’ll walk 20 minutes between attractions or rent a bike from Merivälja tee.
Hotel options are limited — Tallink Spa & Conference and Pirita SPA-Hotell dominate, both around $95-$160 a night in summer, $70-$110 off-season. Both include pools and are minutes from the beach. Airbnb apartments in the Merivälja neighborhood behind Pirita run $65-$120. Avoid anything advertised as 'Pirita' that's actually on Narva maantee before the river bridge — that's Kadriorg's eastern edge. Best location: Regati puiestee along the marina.
What to see
Hotels in Pirita
Getting around Pirita
Bus 1A, 8, 34A, and 38 run from Old Town (Viru stop) to Pirita in 15-25 minutes, $2 per ride. Get off at Pirita, Merivälja tee, or Kloostrimetsa depending on where you’re staying. The Number 4 tram goes only as far as Kadriorg — you’ll transfer to a bus. From the airport, Bolt is $12-$15 direct. Bike rental at the marina is the best way to move around Pirita itself; walking distances between the beach, convent, and TV tower add up.
Questions about Pirita
Yes, June through August. Water temperature peaks around 20°C in late July. Blue flag beach with lifeguards in summer. Winter swimmers use it too but that's a different sport.
Bus 1A from Viru stop, 20 minutes. Runs every 10-15 minutes in summer. Bike is also viable — the Pirita cycle path along Narva maantee is separated from traffic.
