Naantali

A charming coastal town west of Turku famous for its picturesque Old Town with colorful wooden houses and the Moomin World theme park on nearby Kailo Island. It's the quintessential Finnish summer destination with beautiful beaches and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Things to do

• Moomin World — Explore the magical theme park dedicated to Tove Jansson's beloved characters on Kailo Island, featuring rides, attractions, and live character performances.
• Old Town (Vanha kaupunki) — Wander through the charming medieval streets lined with colorful wooden houses, galleries, cafés, and boutique shops in Naantali's historic heart.
• Naantali Spa & Resort — Relax at Finland's premier spa resort featuring thermal pools, saunas, and wellness treatments overlooking the archipelago.
• Beach Swimming — Enjoy pristine sandy beaches and clear waters perfect for summer swimming, with several public beaches like Kuninkaanrantaand Silkkiniemi accessible throughout town.
• Archipelago Boat Tours — Take guided cruises through the stunning Finnish archipelago to explore nearby islands, seal colonies, and traditional fishing villages.
• Naantali Church — Visit this picturesque white wooden church from 1443, one of Finland's oldest, featuring Gothic architecture and beautiful interior details.

Food to try

• Fresh Baltic Herring — Sample locally caught herring prepared fresh or pickled, a traditional Finnish delicacy served in seaside restaurants with rye bread and potatoes.
• Crayfish (Ravut) — During the summer season, enjoy boiled crayfish with dill, a beloved Finnish tradition typically served at waterfront establishments in August.
• Karelian Pasty (Karjalanpiirakka) — Try this traditional Finnish pastry with rye crust filled with rice or potato, often served with butter-egg spread at local cafés.
• Smoked Fish Soup — Savor hearty fish soup made with locally smoked fish and potatoes, a warming specialty available at Naantali's waterfront restaurants.
• Reindeer Steak (Poronliha) — Experience this distinctly Finnish delicacy served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes at traditional restaurants in town.

Local customs & good to know

• Summer Season Timing — Visit between June and August when Moomin World operates, the weather is warmest, and the town's seasonal restaurants and attractions are fully open.
• Sauna Culture — Finns take sauna seriously as a relaxation ritual; many accommodations include sauna access, and it's considered a respectful social experience rather than merely bathing.
• Respect for Nature — Practice 'everyman's right' (jokaisenoikeus) responsibly by respecting private property while enjoying public forests and beaches, and avoid leaving trace of your visit.
• Local Politeness — Finns value quietness and personal space; greetings are polite but reserved, and loud behavior is generally frowned upon in public spaces and restaurants.