20 tips for finding things to do in eventful Naantali
Experience the magic of Naantali: the history of the old town, the beauty of the archipelago and the cultural events offer unforgettable experiences.
City articles
30.11.2024
Naantali is an enchanting coastal town in south-western Finland that attracts tourists and locals alike with its unique combination of history, culture and stunning seascapes. The cobbled alleys and colourful wooden houses of the old town give you a sense of a medieval monastic town. Moominworld and the pristine nature of the Archipelago Sea are worth experiencing.
Naantali's diverse offerings include cultural festivals, such as the Naantali Music Festival, as well as craft markets and traditional sauna nights that take you to the heart of the Finnish way of life.
The archipelago offers opportunities for boating, hiking and nature trails, while the Herrankukkaro smoke saunas ensure that every visitor can enjoy total relaxation.
Whether you are a lover of culture, nature or seascapes, Naantali has something for everyone. Explore the best of the city and find your favourite!
Kultaranta Resort has an 18-hole golf course, suitable for beginners and experienced players alike. You can book a golf outing or play a round on your own.
There are a variety of ways to relax: treat yourself to a massage, facial or sauna. There are many opportunities to enjoy nature; you can hike on nature trails or explore the archipelago on your own or with a guide.
The Kultaranta Resort also has quality restaurant services, so you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner during your holiday. This destination is a great combination of activities and relaxation.
The Kultaranta Garden is one of Naantali's major attractions. This magnificent formal garden offers an interesting experience for your visit. You can admire the beautiful flower beds, fountains and elegant pavilions. As you walk around, you will also see impressive statues and enjoy the carefully designed plantings.
From the waterfront part of the garden you have a great view of the city of Naantali and the cliffs of Kuparivuori. A straight line of oak trees on the edge of the garden is a particularly impressive sight. On a guided tour you can explore the different parts of the garden and hear interesting stories about the presidential history of the place.
The Naantali archipelago offers a great setting for boating. You can hire a boat or take a guided boat trip to explore the beautiful scenery of the Archipelago Sea. From the water you can experience Naantali and its surroundings from a new perspective.
The archipelago has numerous islands and islets that you can explore by boat. There are boating opportunities for beginners and experienced boaters alike. Remember to take safety and weather conditions into account when boating.
The nature trail in the Taattinen marsh is a great way to discover the nature of the area. The trail starts about 500 metres from the Taattinenfarmyard and follows a forest path. Along the way you can admire a giant colonial boulder, explore fox dens and explore Bronze Age burial sites. Remember to bring suitable footwear and be prepared for the varied terrain.
The Naantali Nature and Culture Trail provides an opportunity to explore the diverse environment of the city. The trail passes through beautiful elm forests, hazel groves, ash bogs and juniper groves. Informative signposts along the trail tell you about the history and nature of the area. You can learn about local stories and Naantali's rich past. The trail is ideal for both short walks and longer nature excursions. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and a water bottle.
Naantali Old Town is one of the most charming sights in Finland. You can admire the colourful wooden houses that create a cosy atmosphere. As you walk along the narrow cobbled streets, you can feel the sense of history around you; the area has preserved the spirit of a 15th century monastic town.
You can explore the interesting past on a guided tour, where guides tell fascinating stories about Naantali's colourful history. The area is also home to Naantali Church, a medieval stone church that is well worth a visit.
The Old Town also offers charming cafés and boutiques. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or do some shopping in an idyllic setting that exudes old-world charm.
Herrankukkaro offers unique smoke sauna events that combine sauna and delicious island food. The events include a welcome event, saunas in the Maasavusauna and the Village Smoke Sauna and the opportunity to refresh yourself in the pools of the Kaislikkokpyllo.
After your sauna, you can enjoy a hearty island buffet with local delicacies such as smoked fish and seasonal vegetables. Smoke sauna events take place in different seasons, offering different experiences in summer and winter.
Kultaranta is the summer residence of the President of the Republic of Finland, located in Naantali, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Although the main building itself is not open to the public, you can visit the magnificent gardens of Kultaranta on guided tours.
In the garden you can admire well-kept plantings, fountains and sculptures. Guided tours also provide information about the history and architecture of the Gold Coast. A visit to Kultaranta offers a unique experience combining natural beauty and Finnish cultural heritage.
Theatre Emma is located in a unique setting on the island of Kailo, right next to Moomin World. The theatre can be reached by a charming footbridge from the Old Town beach. Theatre Emma is a covered open-air theatre offering entertaining performances for adults during the summer.
The theatre's revolving stage allows for imaginative sets and surprising changes of scenery during performances. During the day, the space is part of Moomin World, but in the evenings it transforms into a summer theatre for adults.
Naantali Pikkukirkko is a charming little church located in the old town. Originally built in the 17th century, it has served as both a prayer room and a school building. Today it is a popular wedding church and concert venue.
The interior of the church is simple but beautiful, and during the summer there are often musical events. The church is surrounded by a charming garden where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Naantali Seurahuone is one of the historic gems of the city. Built in 1880, it is located in the heart of the old town. Today, the Seurahuone is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals in an atmospheric setting.
The architecture of the building exudes a late 19th-century atmosphere, and in summer the Seurahuone terrace is a popular gathering place from which to admire the charming milieu of Naantali's old town.
10) Naantali Church
Naantali Church is a historical gem of the city, located in the city centre. This medieval grey stone church dates back to the monastic period and is today the only surviving part of the original monastery complex.
The church holds services on Sunday mornings. During the summer, you can also visit the church as a roadside church. If you want a deeper insight into the church's past, you can take a guided tour. The tours are accessible, so everyone can enjoy the rich history of the church.
The church's surroundings are picturesque and peaceful, making it an excellent place for quiet reflection. You can combine a visit to the church with a walk through Naantali's old town.
Moomin World is Naantali's most famous attraction, located on Kailo Island, just outside the old town of Naantali. In Moominworld you can meet the beloved Moomin characters, visit the Moomin House and take part in a variety of programmes. The park is popular with families with children, but is also worth a visit for adults visiting Naantali for the first time.
Naantali Taidehuvila is a charming art gallery in a historic building in the old town. The gallery features exhibitions by local and national artists, which change regularly.
The Art Cottage offers a diverse overview of the visual arts, and is a great place to unwind with art. During your visit, you can also enjoy the Taidehuvila café and admire the surroundings.
Naantali Art Gallery is a charming contemporary art gallery located in the old town near the guest marina. This exhibition space, managed by the Naantali Museum, offers a diverse selection of contemporary art and is free to enter.
The gallery is open during the summer season, with exhibitions changing every three weeks. You can enjoy both solo exhibitions and small group shows in the beautiful basement of the old wooden house.
The Art Room is an excellent stop during a day in Naantali. After your visit, you can head to nearby cafés, restaurants or boutiques in the old town.
The Museum Hill is Naantali's cultural centre, offering an interesting overview of the city's history. The area is home to several museums, such as the Naantali Museum and the Hiilola Museum, which present the city's past and bourgeois life in the 19th century.
After the museum tour, you can enjoy a coffee in the charming Kaffepauss, located in a historic setting. The terrace of the Kaffepauss offers a beautiful view of the old town and is the perfect place to rest after a tour of the city.
The sun terrace offers a unique experience of relaxation in a seaside setting. You can enjoy relaxing baths and fresh sea air at the same time. After the sauna you can chill out on the terrace and enjoy refreshments. The sauna on the sun terrace heats up in the evenings, allowing you to admire the magnificent sunset over the sea. Be sure to book in advance and bring your own towel and swimsuit.
Casino Beach is one of Naantali's most popular summer resorts. This sandy beach is located right in the centre of the town, next to the old spa. On the beach you can enjoy the sun and swimming in the clear water.
The casino's beach offers a beautiful view of the sea and the Naantali archipelago, from where you can admire passing boats and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. There is also a café on the beach where you can get refreshments and snacks.
The Naantali Festival offers a varied programme during the summer season. The events focus on music, theatre and local traditions. Poppy Days is a traditional summer event that includes various activities and celebrations related to old poppy traditions.
During the summer season you can also enjoy daily trumpeting and evening brass bands, which create a unique atmosphere for Naantali's summer evenings. The Naantali Music Festival takes place in early June, bringing high quality classical music concerts to the city.
The Naantali Music Festival is a high quality classical music festival held annually in June. The event brings together top Finnish and international musicians, and concerts are held in different parts of Naantali, including Naantali Church and the Kaivohuone. The music festival offers unforgettable experiences for music lovers and creates an inspiring atmosphere in the city's summer.
The Naantali Old Town Crafts Market is a popular summer event that attracts visitors from all over Finland. At the market you can admire and buy handicrafts and products made by local craftsmen, such as textiles, woodwork, jewellery and ceramics. You can also sample local delicacies and enjoy the traditional market atmosphere. The market is usually held in July in the idyllic setting of Naantali's old town.
