If you’re looking to balance adventure and relaxation during your visit to Tallinn, consider venturing to these lesser-known beaches. Soak up the sun, take a refreshing (and likely cool) dip, and enjoy the serene, natural surroundings that locals love for their peacefulness. These spots offer unique benefits compared to the busy city beaches—whether it’s warmer waters, deeper swimming areas, or the charm of being off the beaten path. Check out our top picks, pack your sunscreen and flip-flops, and rely on Google Maps to guide you to these hidden gems.

Rummu quarry

During the Soviet time, the Rummu quarry was used for mining limestone. However, since the mining activity ended, the deepening has infilled with groundwater, creating a lake with clear water and sandy shores. The history of the quarry is long and not the brightest. During the Soviet era, prisoners from two of the nearby prisons were forced to work in the quarry. From that time, some of the buildings, previously used as mining facilities, are still standing in the middle of the lake, giving the area a deserted and apocalyptic feel. Despite that, the sandy shores and clear water bring many locals here on sunny days to take the most out of the summer. Furthermore, there are many activities organized, such as diving experiences and trips to explore the quarry on canoes, SUP boards, or rafts.

Visit this beach on our 6-hour Tour to Coastal Cliffs and Rummu Quarry. If you pack your swimsuit you can have a quick dip into the light blue water!

Lake Valdeku

Lake Valdeku, just a 20-minute drive from central Tallinn, is a former quarry that has become a favorite swimming spot for locals. The water warms up more quickly than Tallinn’s seaside beaches and gets deep relatively close to shore, making it perfect for a refreshing dip. The main attraction here is Estrella Wakepark, where visitors can try cable wakeboarding, adding a touch of adventure to a relaxed beach day. Facilities also include volleyball courts, a disc golf course, a slackline, and a playground for kids—everything you need for a fun, active summer outing. Despite these amenities, Lake Valdeku remains relatively uncrowded, offering a relaxed atmosphere. The wakeboarders stay in their area, leaving plenty of room for a peaceful beach day.

Video credits: Estrella Wakepark

Salarand or the Secret Beach

The name Salarand translates to “Secret Beach,” and true to its name, few people know about it—many discover it only through Google Maps. If you explore the coastal area west of Tallinn, you might spot “Secret Location BEACH,” a charming, secluded spot offering more privacy than most beaches in the area. While it may not be a tropical oasis, it has a unique, hidden-away feel that makes it special.

For similar hidden beaches along Estonia’s north coast, try heading west from Tallinn to spots like Kloogaranna, Vääna-Jõesuu, and Laulasmaa, each with its own appeal. If you’re up for a bit more of a journey to the east, check out Punakivi Beach, Kolga-Aabla, or the scenic shores of Lahemaa National Park. These spots offer an authentic, tranquil alternative to Tallinn’s popular beaches, perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.

Source: Google Maps

Prangli Island

If you have been reading our blog then you know that we are in love with this island. Why? Because it only takes 1.5 hours from the central Tallinn to get there and you will feel like you are completely detached from your everyday worries. With the light sea breeze wandering through the pine forests and the few old households of the native islanders here and there – Prangli is a perfect destination for spending your summer days. It also offers a very Estonian experience as it is every local’s dream to escape to a small village and discover empty beaches in the summer. That is exactly what Prangli offers. If you want to discover the island together with its history, book a Day Trip to Prangli Island or the Hike and Sauna Trip to Prangli and enjoy the beaches after the tour, or even better – opt to stay on the island overnight.

Bog pools

Estonians love the local nature with its vast forests and deep bogs. Many of the wetlands are easily accessible with hiking routes and boardwalks that allow you to enjoy the nature without worrying about getting lost or making your feet wet. The natural pools in the bogs are cool and clean as the bog environment is slightly acidic, killing all the bacteria. That is why Estonians like to go for a swim in a bog. This might just be something to put into your bucket list. If you want to make the trip to the bog easy, check out the tours such as Bog Shoe Hiking Tour, Bogs and Sauna Tour, Tallinn Old Town Tour combined with Bog Walk or Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park; and ask your guide if you could quickly take a dip into one of the pools.

Your visit to Tallinn doesn’t have to be seeing one museum after another. Make the most out of the nature and the unique places while exploring the local spots.