NaantaliFinland · Ferry Destinations

All About Naantali

Located in southwestern Finland, near Turku, is one of the country’s oldest towns, Naantali. The origins of this quaint seaside holiday destination with wooden houses date back to the construction of a Bridgettine convent in 1443 when Finland was part of Sweden. The church built here in 1962 is now Finland’s second oldest medieval stone church and an important landmark of Naantali. The city further gained popularity in the 19th-century as a prominent spa town. Today, it is home to Scandinavia’s largest spa resort. Moreover, the president’s summertime residence is in the archipelago, because of which Naantali is famously known as the ‘summer capital of Finland’. Taking a ferry to Naantali is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets
 

Routes and Ferries to Naantali

For direct access to Naantali, taking the ferry is the best option. Finnlines has up to 14 sailings from Långnäs in Åland and Kapellskär in Sweden to Naantali. These journeys are all bookable via Ferryscanner. The trip from Sweden takes eight hours while the one from Åland is under five hours long. If ferry tickets to Naantali are unavailable, especially during tourist season, it’s possible to book a boat to Turku from Stockholm, Tallinn, Långnäs, and Mariehamn.

Naantali is remarkably well-connected by air, road, and water. Turku Airport is only 30 minutes away. Flights from Riga, Helsinki, Stockholm, Tenerife, and Krakow land there often. Travelers can take a taxi or rent a car to Naantali from the airport. If using the bus, one must first go to Turku town center and then catch the scheduled service to Naantali. Turku also has trains arriving from Helsinki regularly.
 

Port of Naantali

The harbor in Naantali considers itself to be the ‘port that never sleeps’. As one of Finland’s most important ports, it caters to cargo and passenger traffic throughout the year. A number of essential businesses requiring sea transportation have their manufacturing units near the Port of Naantali, giving it a somewhat industrial persona. However, those sailing in with ferry tickets to Naantali should expect a modest but comfortable welcome. Situated only 5 minutes away from the center, bus and taxi services to Naantali or Turku are readily available from the port.
 

Best Beaches of Naantali

Ferry tickets to Naantali present visitors with an unmissable opportunity to admire the archipelago’s picturesque coastline. While doing so, they can also spot and select any of the moderate-sized beaches that make Naantali the perfect escape for the summer holidays.

Nunnalahden Uimaranta

The nearest beach to the Naantali city center is a small sandy spot that lies just opposite Moomin World. The views from the beach are fabulous and evoke a sense of serenity. Shallow water ideal for swimming, changing rooms, and toilets make the beach perfect for families. Lifeguards are present from June to August. That is also when kiosks pop up alongside, selling cold drinks, ice cream, and light snacks.

Kuparivuoren Uimaranta

An idyllic spot for sunbathing, Kuparivuoren is a rocky enclave that remains secluded throughout the year. Locals typically use the wooden plank jetting out into the water for fishing. An unconventional beach where you can possibly swim, the natural setting of Kuparivuoren is reason enough to visit it at least once while vacationing in Naantali.

Kultaranta Swimming Beach

Kultaranta is a quiet beach with a sandy patch, situated on the island of Luonnonmaa, 3km from Naantali. There’s ample parking in the vicinity and a wooden deck on the beach enticing swimmers to jump off it. Amenities include only one changing room. When planning your day at Kultaranta, remember to visit the gardens of the President’s Residence next door, open to the public from early June to early September.

Porhonkallio Uimaranta

A 10-minute car ride or a 15-minute bus from Naantali takes visitors to Porhonkallio on the western shores of Luonnonmaa. The family-friendly beach is alongside a marina. Besides swimming in the refreshing water, beachgoers can play volleyball, lounge at the bar nearby, or take plunges into the sea off the wooden planks. Changing rooms, toilets, and a small playground with swings and slides make it an excellent choice for a beach day with children.

Naantali Spa Beach

Next to the Naantali Spa is a cozy sandy cove loved by local families. Easily accessible from the city, the beach has changing rooms. Other facilities like toilets and dining are available at the spa. Although small, it’s a nice place to bring children who can splash around in the calm waters while adults sunbathe and watch boats come and go out of the bay.
 

Things To Do in Naantali

First-time visitors are often amazed at the abundance of family-oriented activities in Naantali. The city offers a range of excursions, from boat trips around the archipelago to amusing adventures in theme parks.

Old Town

The day whizzes by when roaming around the narrow streets of Naantali’s enchanting Old Town. Packed with eccentric souvenir shops, art galleries like Naantalin Taidehuone, and waterside eateries like Café Santala, the neighborhood entails slow exploration. When walking here, keep a lookout for the old wooden houses with individual names. Naantali Museum is another essential stop where tourists can learn about the city’s history and the lifestyle of its past inhabitants.

Moomin World

The biggest attraction in Naantali is a theme park based on the Moomin books written by Tove Jansson. Moomin World takes up space on the island of Kailo, a five-minute drive from Naantali. Unlike some of the other theme parks worldwide, Moomin World focuses on more activity-based events. Children visiting the park get to watch lively theatrical performances, take part in challenges, and of course, meet with various characters from the books.

Sleepy Head Festival

Naantali’s quirkiness is at its maximum for two days starting 25th July every year. That is when the city celebrates the Sleepy Head Festival, which culminates on 27th July, known as Sleepy Head Day across Finland. Events during this time include a flea market and music performances. The festival’s highlight is when the winner – the ‘sleepy head of the year’ gets thrown into the sea, on the last day, in front of a cheering crowd.

Steamer s/s Ukkopekka

Didn’t have enough of sailing through the archipelago with your ferry tickets to Naantali? No problem, because you can take an exclusive boat ride from Naantali to Turku and back on a vintage steamship from mid-June to mid-August. Day cruises on the s/s Ukkopekka last two hours, presenting visitors with a scenic cruise across the Airisto Sea. Return tickets for the trip cost €32. Travelers can also purchase one-way tickets. There is a small discount available when buying a family ticket.

Naantali Music Festival

Fans of chamber music are probably already aware of the famous Naantali Music Festival held for ten days every June. A mega event that started in 1980, the festival welcomes national and international musicians to perform at various venues across the archipelago. While the recitals happen in parks, churches, and several other public places, the ones held at the Naantali Church have special prominence.
 

Transportation Around Naantali

A combination of walking, public transport, and rentals work best when staying in the region around Naantali for extended periods of time. The Old Town is easy to cover on foot, and the local bus service offers limited, yet convenient, travel to nearby cities. A mini-train operates from the Naantali Spa to the Old Town and back at hourly intervals from June to August. Minijuna Aikataulu is a fun way to cover this distance, and it only costs €7 for a return ticket.

Biking is prevalent across the archipelago, and Naantali has several excellent cycling trails. Returning tourists like to rent bikes for a day or longer and either sightsee on their own or take organized bike tours. Similarly, those wanting to travel greater distances tend to rent cars. However, parking can be a hassle as city traffic increases tenfold during summer.