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Ivo Kruusamägi CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Manilaid

Island

A small Estonian island in the Gulf of Riga, Manilaid has a tiny village, seasonal ferry access and coastal meadows; visitors come for birdwatching, cycling and quiet rural walks.

Manilaid TallinnTartuPärnuManilaid
In this guide

Manilaid essentials

Address: Manilaid, Pärnumaa, Estonia
Hours: Island access by ferry (seasonal schedules)
Admission: Free (island access)
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About Manilaid

Manilaid (also called Manija) is a small inhabited island in the Gulf of Riga off Estonia’s Pärnumaa coast. It is a rural community with a small year-round population and seasonal visitors.

The island offers a quiet low-density settlement pattern with traditional houses, shoreline habitats and opportunities for birdwatching and short coastal walks. Facilities are limited and services are those of a small local community.

Manilaid has been inhabited for centuries by fishing and farming communities in the Gulf of Riga; its population and land use have remained small-scale and locally oriented.

The island lies in the Gulf of Riga, administratively part of Pärnumaa in southwestern Estonia, and is reached by boat from mainland coastal points.

  • Access: Regular seasonal boat or ferry services provide the usual means of access from the mainland; schedules vary by season and weather.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Manilaid

Summer is the most practical season for visiting; ferry services and island amenities are seasonal.

Summer
June-August · 15-22°C (59-72°F)
Calmest seas, regular ferry service and open island cafes.
Late Spring-Early Autumn
May-September · 10-18°C (50-64°F)
Pleasant for cycling and birdwatching; shoulder seasons quieter.

Weather & Climate near Manilaid

Climate

Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (581 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 24 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -6° - -1° -9° 38 mm overcast 94% 5.1 m/s 0.0 low 6.9h
February Poor -8° - -1° -10° 26 mm overcast 94% 4.5 m/s 0.1 low 9.1h
March Poor -4° - 2° -6° 27 mm partly cloudy 91% 4.1 m/s 0.3 low 11.6h
April Acceptable 1° - 8° 1° 32 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.2h
May Good 6° - 15° 10° 36 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.0 m/s 1.1 high 16.6h
June Very Good 11° - 19° 15° 49 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.8 m/s 1.3 high 17.9h
July Very Good 14° - 21° 18° 63 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.6 m/s 1.2 high 17.2h
August Very Good 13° - 20° 17° 67 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 15.1h
September Acceptable 9° - 15° 12° 65 mm overcast 82% 4.3 m/s 0.5 low 12.6h
October Acceptable 5° - 10° 4° 61 mm overcast 87% 4.8 m/s 0.1 low 10.0h
November Poor 0° - 5° -2° 65 mm overcast 91% 5.2 m/s 0.0 low 7.6h
December Poor -4° - 1° -7° 52 mm overcast 92% 5.1 m/s 0.0 low 6.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Manilaid

Ferry services operate seasonally from the mainland (such as Kihelkonna or Virtsu) - check local timetables. The island is small and easily explored on foot or by bicycle once landed.

Tips for Visiting Manilaid

  • Check the ferry schedule from Virtsu or Kihelkonna; services are seasonal and infrequent.
  • Bring cash for small island services; amenities are limited to a handful of local spots.
  • Rent a bike - the island is small and cycling is the best way to explore its shoreline and villages.