Abruka

This tiny island is a mecca for naturalists. It’s a beautiful, rugged spot, populated by a few dozen hardy souls and about as many deer. The main attraction is the botanical-zoological reservation, open in summer, which offers classes, horse riding, meals and rustic farmhouse accommodation.

Abruka lies 6km (4mi) from Roomassare, off Saaremaa’s southern coast. It’s accessible by boat in summer, though during the dead of winter, when most of the island’s attractions are closed, you can reach it by walking across the frozen strait.