Estonia

One of Northern Europe’s hidden gems, Estonia is full of fairytale buildings, picturesque wilderness and a complex, rich culture and history. Quite unlike anywhere else, it merges Soviet influences with Finnish, Latvian, and Lithuanian to create a unique destination that’s just waiting for its treasures to be uncovered.

Cosmopolitan capital Tallinn is known for its UNESCO-protected, well-preserved Old Town, twisting medieval streets, vibrant nightlife, food and culture. Stroll through the leafy Kadriorg Park, take photos in front of the pastel-coloured 15th to 17th-century buildings which line Town Hall Square, explore the decaying, graffitied Soviet grandeur of Linnahall, a concrete arena built for the 1980 Olympic Games, or wander through the baroque halls of Kadriorg A2rt Museum. Outside Tallinn, you can hike through peat bogs, forests, rivers, lakes and an endlessly curving coastline at Lahemaa National Park, which is also home to historical sites such as castles. Saaremaa, the largest of the country’s numerous, beautiful islands, is dotted with windmills, lighthouses and tiny villages, which lie nestled in pine forests. Soak up the sunshine at the seaside resort of Pärnu, or go skiing at the hilltop town of Otepää. Estonia is also home to the best-preserved castle in the Baltic region, Kuressaare Castle, which was founded in 1260 and stands proudly overlooking the ocean.