Naantali
,Naantali is a charming coastal town located in southwestern Finland. It is famous for its picturesque old town with colorful wooden houses and narrow streets. The town is also known for the stunning Naantali Spa and the Moominworld theme park, inspired by the works of Finnish author Tove Jansson.
Naantali offers a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful seaside views, and a rich history dating back to medieval times.
- "Moikka" - Hi
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Ole hyvä" - You're welcome
- "Yhteystiedot" - Contact information
- "Näkemiin" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Naantali
morning
:Start your day with a relaxing walk along the waterfront. Enjoy the beautiful views and take photos of the charming old town.
afternoon
:Visit the Naantali Spa for some pampering or enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café. Explore the nearby Museokatu street, known for its quaint shops.
evening
:Dine at a seaside restaurant and savor fresh Finnish seafood. Take an evening stroll by the harbor to watch the sunset.
Culture and Nature
morning
:Kick off with a visit to the Kultaranta, the presidential summer residence, surrounded by stunning gardens. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about its history.
afternoon
:Hike in the beautiful Naantali archipelago National Park. Have a picnic lunch amidst nature, enjoying the serene landscapes.
evening
:Return to town for an authentic Finnish sauna experience. Unwind with a light dinner at a cozy local tavern.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful coastal scenery and archipelago.
- Rich history and cultural heritage, including Naantali Old Town and the Moomin World theme park.
- Mild climate compared to other parts of Finland, especially in summer.
- Charming small-town atmosphere with friendly locals.
- Excellent recreational opportunities with access to nature, hiking, and water sports.
Bad
- Limited job opportunities, especially for those not fluent in Finnish.
- Can be quite quiet and lacking in nightlife compared to larger cities.
- Tourism can create seasonal overcrowding, particularly in summer.
- Public transportation options may be limited, requiring a car for convenience.
- Higher cost of living compared to other Finnish towns, particularly in tourist areas.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the Archipelago Sea
Explore the stunning Archipelago Sea with its thousands of islands. Enjoy activities such as sailing, kayaking, or taking a ferry to nearby islands.
Naantali Spa and Beach
Relax and unwind at the Naantali Spa, then enjoy the nearby sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
Naantali Old Town
Stroll through the charming streets of Naantali Old Town, filled with wooden houses, boutiques, and cafes. Enjoy the scenic views and historical architecture.
Naantali Adventure Park
Visit the Naantali Adventure Park for a day of outdoor fun, featuring various attractions, activities, and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Nature Trails and Hiking
Discover the numerous nature trails and hiking routes in and around Naantali, offering beautiful landscapes, forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Cycling Tours
Rent a bike and explore the scenic countryside and coastal paths around Naantali, providing a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying active.
Moominworld
Visit Moominworld, an outdoor theme park based on the beloved Moomin characters, featuring attractions and activities for families and children.
Fishing Expeditions
Take a fishing trip in the idyllic waters around Naantali, where you can catch a variety of fish while enjoying the serene surroundings.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Naantali with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Naantali Church
Offers a picturesque view of the old town and archipelago.
Moomin World
An amusement park that provides great photo opportunities with Moomin characters and beautiful surroundings.
Kultaranta Park
The official summer residence of the President of Finland, featuring stunning gardens and seaside views.
Naantali Old Town
Quaint streets and colorful wooden houses provide charming photo opportunities.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Kalakukko
A traditional Finnish fish pie made with fish, pork, and bacon encased in a rye crust. It's a must-try and can be found at local bakeries and markets.
Must-Try!
Rosolli
A vibrant salad composed of beets, potatoes, carrots, and pickles, often served with a dollop of sour cream. Look for it in traditional restaurants and local eateries.
Karjalanpiirakka
Also known as Karelian pies, these are savory pastries filled with rice or mashed potatoes. They're commonly served with egg butter. You can find them in bakeries and cafes throughout Naantali.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Naantali better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Naantali Market Square
The heart of local food markets where you can find fresh produce, local deli items, and traditional snacks. The market is also a great spot to sample street food offerings like grilled sausages and crepes.
Naantali Old Town
Wander the cobbled streets lined with charming food stalls offering various street food delights, including freshly smoked fish, vendace pies, and cinnamon rolls.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness and Formality
Finns value politeness and formal greetings. Use 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' with the last name in formal settings until invited to use first names.
Silence is Golden
Finns appreciate silence in conversations. Don't feel pressured to fill every pause; it's considered respectful and comfortable.
Respect for Nature
In Naantali, there is a strong cultural connection to nature. Respect outdoor spaces, follow 'Everyman's Rights' for accessing nature, and dispose of trash responsibly.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Naantali, like much of Finland, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. Service charges are often included in the bill, and employees in the hospitality sector, such as waiters and bartenders, receive a stable wage. If patrons are particularly satisfied with the service, they may round up the bill or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation.
Payment
Payment practices in Naantali are modern and convenient, with most establishments accepting credit and debit cards. Contactless payments are also widely used. Cash is accepted, but it's becoming less common. Many services, especially in tourism and hospitality, offer digital payment options, making transactions seamless and efficient.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer (June-August)
Best time to visit Naantali with pleasant weather, long daylight hours, and various outdoor activities such as sailing, beach visits, and music festivals.
Winter (December-February)
Experience the enchanting winter wonderland in Naantali with possibilities for activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, and enjoying the festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Spring (March-May)
Witness the awakening of nature with blooming flowers, longer days, and the opportunity to enjoy peaceful walks in the scenic surroundings of Naantali.
Autumn (September-November)
Enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, milder temperatures, and the chance to participate in harvesting activities such as berry picking and mushroom foraging.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Naantali Nature Reserve
A beautiful area with various trails through forests and coastal landscapes. Ideal for both short walks and longer hikes.
Moomin World Trails
Explore the picturesque hiking trails around Moomin World, featuring stunning views of the archipelago and nature inspired by the Moomin characters.
Ruissalo Island
Located a short distance from Naantali, Ruissalo offers diverse trails through lush forests and along the coastline, perfect for a day hike.
Kultaranta Gardens
While primarily known for its gardens, the area around Kultaranta also offers short hiking trails with scenic views of the surrounding nature.
Lohikäärme Trail
A hiking trail that meanders through scenic landscapes and offers a chance to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Naantali by plane.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
The main international airport in Finland, located in Vantaa, near Helsinki, approximately 200 km southeast of Naantali.
Turku Airport (TKU)
An international airport located in Turku, Finland, approximately 35 km northwest of Naantali.
Oulu Airport (OUL)
An international airport in Oulu, Finland, which is further away but serves the northern region and offers various international flights.
Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP)
An international airport located about 175 km north of Naantali, serving the Tampere region with international connections.
Vaasa Airport (VAA)
An airport located in Vaasa, Finland, approximately 150 km to the north of Naantali, offering both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Finnish
The largest demographic group, predominantly Finnish-speaking residents.
Swedish
A significant minority, mostly Swedish-speaking residents due to the bilingual nature of Finland.
Foreigners
Includes immigrants and expatriates from various countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Naantali.
Seniors
A considerable portion of the population is made up of elderly residents, reflecting the aging demographic trends.
Youth
Includes younger residents, students, and families with children, representing the future demographic growth.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a popular sport in Naantali, with local teams and community participation.
Football (Soccer)
Football enjoys widespread popularity, with many youth teams and local clubs actively participating in leagues.
Volleyball
Volleyball is played both indoors and on the beach, with local teams and social leagues contributing to its popularity.
Cross-Country Skiing
During winter, cross-country skiing is a favored activity, with trails available for both residents and visitors.
Running
Running is a popular recreational sport, facilitated by scenic routes along the coastline and in local parks.
Swimming
Naantali has beautiful beaches and outdoor pools where swimming is a popular activity, especially in summer.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian options are widely available in Naantali, with many restaurants and cafes offering plant-based dishes, including flavorful salads, soups, and vegetable-based entrees.
Vegan
Vegan-friendly establishments can be found throughout Naantali, with creative plant-based dishes such as vegan pastries, tofu bowls, and dairy-free desserts.
Gluten-Free
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy various gluten-free alternatives, including gluten-free bread, pastries, and specially prepared gluten-free versions of traditional Finnish dishes.