Pirita is the coastal suburb east of the city centre, about 6 kilometres from the Old Town, known for its beach and its role as the sailing venue for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The marina built for those games is still active, and the TV tower is nearby. The beach is one of the few sandy beaches accessible from Tallinn and is packed in summer.
The Pirita Convent (Birgitta Convent), founded in 1407 and destroyed by Russian forces in 1577, stands in atmospheric ruins at the mouth of the Pirita River. The roofless stone shell is large and impressive, and open-air concerts and events are held here in summer. The area also has cycling trails connecting to Kadriorg and beyond.