Discover Manilaid (Manija) — a small, diverse island in Pärnu Bay where the sea breeze, juniper-covered meadows, and untouched coastal landscape create a world of their own. Only 4.5 km long and 0.5 km wide, this rocky windswept island is the perfect place to slow down, relax, and reconnect with nature.
Manija is ideal for a one-day kayaking trip and a great choice for families with children who want to spend active time together in nature. The calm sea, short distance from the mainland to the island, and the coastline always remaining in sight make the trip safe even for beginners. On the island, children can enjoy meeting local animals such as goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, and alpacas, which they can also feed if they wish. The trip is suitable for children from the age of 7 and does not require any previous kayaking experience. Before the trip, the guide provides thorough instructions and accompanies the group throughout the entire journey to ensure everyone feels safe and confident on the water. As you explore the island, you may encounter cows, sheep, or even alpacas, wander to the lighthouse at the far tip of the island, and enjoy sea views. Local islanders offer homemade beer and handcrafted wool souvenirs, and in autumn, the island’s wild blackberry bushes burst into season.With only a handful of residents, Manija offers true peace, quiet, and immersion in nature. The entire island is part of the Manija Landscape Protection Area, created to preserve its semi-natural coastline, coastal meadows, glacial erratics, and rugged ridges — a landscape that offers an unforgettable visual experience.
But Manija’s charm is more than natural. The island belongs to the Kihnu cultural space, a UNESCO-listed community renowned for its living traditions. When Kihnu families settled here in the 1930s, they brought with them their songs, celebrations, handicrafts, and unique island way of life. Visiting Manija is like stepping into the past — a place where traditions remain alive and community spirit is strong. The local museum offers an insight into island life, fishing, and seal-hunting traditions.
In winter, the sea around the island freezes into a glass-like ice sheet, creating magical conditions for unforgettable skating tours around the island and lighthouse.
Manija is ideal for a one-day kayaking trip and a great choice for families with children who want to spend active time together in nature. The calm sea, short distance from the mainland to the island, and the coastline always remaining in sight make the trip safe even for beginners. On the island, children can enjoy meeting local animals such as goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, and alpacas, which they can also feed if they wish. The trip is suitable for children from the age of 7 and does not require any previous kayaking experience. Before the trip, the guide provides thorough instructions and accompanies the group throughout the entire journey to ensure everyone feels safe and confident on the water. As you explore the island, you may encounter cows, sheep, or even alpacas, wander to the lighthouse at the far tip of the island, and enjoy sea views. Local islanders offer homemade beer and handcrafted wool souvenirs, and in autumn, the island’s wild blackberry bushes burst into season.With only a handful of residents, Manija offers true peace, quiet, and immersion in nature. The entire island is part of the Manija Landscape Protection Area, created to preserve its semi-natural coastline, coastal meadows, glacial erratics, and rugged ridges — a landscape that offers an unforgettable visual experience.
But Manija’s charm is more than natural. The island belongs to the Kihnu cultural space, a UNESCO-listed community renowned for its living traditions. When Kihnu families settled here in the 1930s, they brought with them their songs, celebrations, handicrafts, and unique island way of life. Visiting Manija is like stepping into the past — a place where traditions remain alive and community spirit is strong. The local museum offers an insight into island life, fishing, and seal-hunting traditions.
In winter, the sea around the island freezes into a glass-like ice sheet, creating magical conditions for unforgettable skating tours around the island and lighthouse.
