Windy Kuressaare (pop. 16,000) is the largest town on Saaremaa. The local accent and folklore distinguish the island from the mainland, although tourists seem to outnumber locals in summer months. Head south from Raekoja pl. (Town Hall Square) along Lossi to reach Bishopric Castle. Inside, hidden staircases and a skeleton share space with the Saaremaa Museum, which chronicles the island’s history. (Open May-Aug. daily 10am-7pm; Sept.-Apr. W-Su 11am-6pm. 50EEK, students 25EEK. Cash only.)
SYG Hostel , Kingu 6, is your best bet for clean and spacious budget rooms. (☎455 4388. Free Wi-Fi. Reception 24hr. Open June-Aug. Dorms 110-130EEK; singles 255EEK; doubles 300-350EEK; quads 480-580EEK. MC/V.) Grab traditional Estonian pancakes (25-40EEK), hotpots (60-70EEK), or non-traditional Estonian pizza (50-80EEK) at Pannkoogikohvik , Kohtu 1. (☎453 3575. Open M-Th 9am-midnight, F-Sa 9am-2am, Su 10am-midnight. MC/V.)
Buses (☎453 1661) leave from Pihtla tee 2, at the corner with Tallinna, for Pärnu (3hr., 3-5 per day, 180-194EEK) and Tallinn (4-5hr., 9-11 per day, 190-200EEK.) Buses and ferries are not coordinated, so check schedules ahead of time. The tourist office, Tallinna 2, in the town hall, offers free Internet and arranges private rooms. (☎453 3120; www.saaremaa.ee. Open May to mid-Sept. M-F 9am-7pm, Sa 9am-5pm, Su 10am-3pm; mid-Sept. to Apr. M-F 9am-5pm.)
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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