Estonia

The most picturesque of the three Baltic States, Estonia is a nation famed for its remote offshore islands, beautiful wetlands and enormous forests. Astonishingly it received 160 million TV viewers when it hosted the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest.

What to know

GMT: +2 hours
Flight time from London: 3 hours
Main airport: Tallinn Airport
Best time to visit: May to July
Language: Estonian

What to do

Kayak the Ahja River in the Soomaa National Park
Sample the local delicacies anchovies, herring, sprats and trout—smoked, pickled or salted
BBQ boat cruise to the Island of Saaremaa
Be lucky enough to experience a Baltic tradition, Estonia's most unusual one is its Wife-Carrying World Championships!
Enjoy the white sandy beaches of the North, but watch out for the small coves used for nude bathing!

A word in your ear

Saku (beer)