Muhu, Saaremaa & Hiiumaa Island Hopping
A self-drive road trip connecting Muhu, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa via three ferry crossings to see windmills, lighthouses, and coastlines.
Board the ferry from Virtsu to the islands, starting with Muhu and Kuressaare, then loop around the west and north coasts of Saaremaa. Take the Triigi–Sõru ferry to Hiiumaa, and finally return to the mainland from Heltermaa. Public transport on the islands is sparse, so a rental car is required. This itinerary allows more time for Sõrve and the west coast than the typical 3-to-4-day versions, making it perfect for nature lovers who prefer a slower pace.
Ferry schedules for the Sõru route vary by season; departures are limited in the off-season and may be affected by ice conditions in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Ferry to Muhu & Drive to Kuressaare
Saaremaa（Koguva, Muhu、Kaali Crater）
Drive about 2 hours from Tallinn to Virtsu, take a 30-minute ferry, and then drive about 70 km to Kuressaare.
Book car slots online in advance for travel in July, August, and on weekends.
Stay: Kuressaare
Day 2 · Episcopal Castle & Sõrve Peninsula
Saaremaa（Kuressaare Episcopal Castle、Kuressaare Old Town & Town Hall、Sõrve Lighthouse & Peninsula）
Explore Kuressaare on foot in the morning, then drive to the southern tip of the Sõrve Peninsula and back in the afternoon (approx. 1 hour each way).
Stay: Kuressaare
Day 3 · West Coast & Vilsandi
Saaremaa（Viidumäe Nature Reserve、Mihkli Farm Museum、Kihelkonna Church、Vilsandi National Park）
Drive northwest from Kuressaare through Viidumäe and Mihkli to Kihelkonna (approx. 1 hour drive).
Check tides and boat schedules before heading to Vilsandi Island; dining options on the west coast are limited.
Stay: Kihelkonna and Vilsandi
Day 4 · North Coast Cliffs & Ferry to Hiiumaa
Saaremaa（Panga Cliff、Karja Church、Angla Windmill Hill） → Hiiumaa
Drive along the north coast for about 2 hours to Triigi, take a 1-hour ferry to Sõru in the evening, and drive another 20 minutes.
This route has limited daily departures and car slots; be sure to check schedules and book tickets in advance.
Stay: Kaina & Kassari
Day 5 · Spit & Western Lighthouses
Hiiumaa（Sääre Tirp、Kassari Chapel、Kõpu Lighthouse、Ristna Lighthouse、Luidja Beach、Kärdla & Long House Museum）
Start from Kassari and drive west around the island to the Kõpu Peninsula, then head north to Kärdla. Total driving time is about 2 hours.
The Sääretirp spit can be very windy; bring a windproof jacket and non-slip shoes.
Stay: Kärdla
Day 6 · North Island Manors & Return to Mainland
Hiiumaa（Tahkuna Lighthouse、Hiiumaa Military Museum、Ristimägi (Hill of Crosses)、Soera Farm Museum、Suuremõisa Manor） → Tallinn
Take a 1-hour-15-minute ferry from Heltermaa to Rohuküla, then drive about 1.5–2 hours back to Tallinn.
This ferry route has fewer departures than the Virtsu line; missing a ferry could mean a 2-to-3-hour wait.