Saare

Kuressaare is the only town and the administrative centre of Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island, set on the sheltered southern coast of the Baltic Sea. Known for its medieval Episcopal Castle, long spa tradition and relaxed seaside atmosphere, it combines small-town calm with a rich island identity.

The town grew around Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, begun in the late 14th century as a stronghold of the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek and now one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Baltic region. Its Old Town holds a Baroque town hall, historic wooden buildings and the Saaremaa Museum, which traces the island's nature and history.

The castle park, marina and seaside promenade give Kuressaare a leisurely rhythm, while spas, galleries, craft shops and cafés cluster around the compact centre. Popular day trips include the Kaali meteorite crater field, the Angla windmills, Panga cliffs and the island's stone churches and juniper-covered countryside.

Spa and wellness tourism drives much of the local economy, supported by small-scale maritime trades, food producers and events such as the Saaremaa Opera Days. Local restaurants feature island fish, black bread, Saaremaa beer and seasonal produce, making the town appealing to both leisure visitors and smaller business meetings and retreats.