Car Hire in Paldiski - Mini guide to Paldiski

Paldiski is a town and Baltic seaport located on the Pakri peninsula of north-western Estonia. It is approximately forty-five kilometres west of the capital Tallinn. Paldiski is a rather dreary, post-Soviet town which attracts people interested in viewing the dilapidated remains of the Soviet era or military relics. Looking for a location that would epitomise the grim, depressive reality of life in a post-Soviet town, the Swedish directors of ‘Lily 4-Ever’ chose Paldiski. None of this sounds promising, but thanks to its former role as a nuclear submarine training facility and the resultant Soviet lockdown the Pakri peninsula and Pakri islands are some of the most unspoilt nature sites in the whole of Estonia. Paldiski is now receiving more investment and new developments are replacing the old Soviet-era blocks, especially in the port area.

Visitors to Paldiski should take the time to explore the peninsula as it has a number of surprising attractions to offer. Just on the edge of town the peninsula begins to reveal its stunning limestone cliffs, foliage and wildlife. This is also a good area for mountain biking and barbecues.

At fifty-two metres the Pakri lighthouse is the tallest in Estonia. You may visit the lighthouse by appointment, but even if you don’t go inside you can still get a splendid view of the sea below and the islands in the distance from its base.

Peter the Great had plans to build the biggest and most secure port in his empire at Paldiski. Unfortunately the limestone of the area made constructing the fort difficult and many labourers died working on it. Peter the Great never lived to see his fort completed and after his death it was abandoned.

For the more adventurous visitor there are boat trips to the Vaike and Suur-Pakri islands, used at one time for military target practice by the Soviets. The islands have recently become environmentally protected and there is little in the way of tourist infrastructure. The attractions of the islands are their wooded meadows and limestone quarries, whilst the less attractive elements are the unexploded shells and military pollution.

Most international car rental companies have offices in Estonia. Hiring cars outside the capital, Tallinn is usually cheaper. The roads are generally in a good condition and any EU driving licence is acceptable.

Car hire deals in: Estonia

We rent the following types of cars: Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or equiv.), Mini, Small family (Ford Focus or equiv.), Medium family (Toyota Avensis or equiv.), large family (BMW 5 series), 4x4, SUV, Convertible, Van, Sports car, Luxury cars.

Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers, Ebookers, Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.