Municipalities
Varbla municipality is known as a place with a clean environment, beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature and it has always been a valued recreation area. The local landscape is characterized by pieces of land full of junipers and stone fences, alternating by forests, characteristic of Western Estonia and the Baltic archipelago. The most beautiful junipers can be found in Kadaka and Mereäärse villages, as well as around Paatsalu bay and from Vaiste village all the way to Matsi. Matsi beach is located along forests of ancient pine trees, the most beloved beach vacation spot of the local coast.
Thanks to the semi-natural and natural biotic community, Raespa offers beautiful views of wooded and coastal meadows, Kõrgessaare Island and the Sõmeri peninsula. Be sure to visit the Illussaare shore to admire the view to Paatsalu bay. The Illuste manor house built in 1912 is an interesting example of Art Noveau style. The building is surrounded by giant trees of the park founded in the late 19th century.
Those who like boating should be sure to visit the islets of Varbla. A boat trip between twelve islands and islets is a fun pastime for both children and adults. The most suitable places for fishing are Vaiste-Saulepi and Paatsalu coastal waters.
The biggest attraction of the inland is Kolga stream and the dunes. Flowing through the dunes, the stream has formed a deep picturesque valley. The age of the oldest local pine trees ranges over 170 years. For those interested in the nature, a hiking trail has been created here.
Uue-Varbla manor house is one of the few relatively well-preserved early Classical wooden manor houses in Estonia. In Varbla is also located the Varbla Urbanuse Lutheran Church, the modest appearance of which contrasts with the relatively rich coastal style interior of the Rannarootsi churches.
In the business activity of the municipality, agriculture plays an important part. The largest agricultural enterprise is OÜ Paadremaa. The most common agricultural sectors are animal husbandry and plant growing. To a lesser extent, horticulture including fruit and vegetable cultivation is also important to the municipality. As for other companies, an important role have forestry and timber logging enterprises as well as those dealing with wood processing. Many people make a significant proportion of their income from fishing. In the services sector, in the leading position is tourism as the fastest-growing branch of business.
