In 60 seconds
Nicknamed the Sunshine Town of Finland, Naantali is an idyllic Baltic coastal haven just fifteen kilometres west of Turku. Renowned for its intact 18th-century wooden lanes, the 15th-century convent church of the Bridgettine Order, the official summer residence of the Finnish President at Kultaranta, and the whimsical island home of the Moomins.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You are visiting outside summer; many waterfront cafes and island attractions operate seasonally.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Naantali fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Massive 15th-century stone church with a whitewashed baroque belfry, the sole surviving structure of the medieval Bridgettine abbey
Admire the ancient wooden crucifixes, baroque pulpit and peaceful harbour setting.
Intact historic district of 18th- and 19th-century pastel-painted timber cottages with decorative fretwork
Wander winding cobbled lanes named after medieval convent crafts and sea captains.
Stately granite summer manor of the President of Finland surrounded by grand Italian-style rose gardens
Tour the manicured formal rose parterres and fountain terraces overlooking the bay.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
No booking, no ceremony, reliably good.
Historic 19th-century spa casino and pavilion serving classic summer dinners and seafood buffets
Dine in grand neoclassical ballroom surroundings overlooking the spa park.
Charming timber cafe-bistro in the old town serving smoked fish salads and artisanal thin-crust pizzas
Sit in the leafy cobbled courtyard under blooming lilac trees.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Renowned waterfront restaurant housed in a historic 18th-century building serving seasonal seafood
Enjoy pan-seared Baltic perch, archipelago rye bread and dill potatoes on the harbour terrace.
Award-winning seaside waffle cafe famous for golden, fluffy homemade waffles with berries and ice cream
Indulge in sweet or savoury waffles while gazing out over the yacht harbour.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
Granite sea cliff towering above the harbour offering panoramic views across the Archipelago Sea
Watch passenger ferries and vintage wooden sailing ketches glide past into the skerries.
Secluded cobblestone residential streets away from the harbour with flowering garden gates
Admire historic house name plaques with whimsical traditional maritime motifs.
Sheltered sandy swimming cove nestled right beside the old town convent church
Take a morning sea swim in tranquil waters before enjoying breakfast on the waterfront.
After dark
Lively harbour pavilion offering craft beers, local ciders and chilled sparkling wine by the boat piers
Toast the sunset over the archipelago as live acoustic music plays.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
Vibrant waterfront boulevard lined with boutique restaurants, ice cream parlours and marina docks
Stroll along the piers soaking up the classic Finnish summer holiday atmosphere.
Quiet pedestrian-friendly grid of colorful wooden dwellings and artist workshops
Explore hidden artisan craft boutiques and courtyards.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Charming wooden guesthouses and historic B&Bs located right in the heritage lanes
Romantic and atmospheric stay with immediate access to harbour dining.
Premier waterfront spa resort featuring thermal pools, saunas and wellness treatments
Ideal for holistic relaxation and spa luxury beside the archipelago.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
Founded as Vallis Gratiae (Valley of Grace), a Bridgettine convent granted royal charter by King Christopher.
Emerges as a premier Baltic sea spa retreat frequented by Finnish and Russian aristocrats.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Finland's medieval capital and oldest city with its massive castle and Gothic cathedral
Take an easy day trip to explore Turku Castle and vibrant Aurajoki river dining.
Rural island community famous for new potatoes and traditional wooden windmill heritage
Cycle quiet island causeways through pine groves and scenic sea crossings.
