Things to do in Naantali – 12 tips for a Finnish archipelago gem

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: September 2026 | Naantali is one of Finland's most charming small towns, with colorful wooden houses, waterfront restaurants, exciting history and the archipelago right on your doorstep. It is also home to both Moominworld and the Finnish president's summer residence, Gulliranta. We have visited Naantali several times and have collected our 12 best tips for things to see and do.

Naantali in Finland

Naantali has a history dating back to the 15th century, when a nunnery was founded here. Later, in the second half of the 19th century, the town served as a popular bathing and health resort.

Today, many tourists are attracted here in the summer, thanks to the picturesque setting combined with the popular Moominworld theme park. The language spoken is primarily Finnish, but you can get by in English and sometimes even Swedish.

Naantali, or Naantali as the town is called in Finnish, is located about 15 kilometres northwest of Turku, in the Finnish archipelago.

What to do in Naantali?

Naantali is a small city, but there is surprisingly much to experience here – from old wooden houses and history to the archipelago, spas and Moomins. Here are our 12 favorites.

1. Stroll among the wooden houses in the Old Town

The old town of Naantali is a wonderful place with beautiful wooden houses in lovely colours and details. It's nice to just wander around on your own, and in the summer there are also guided tours on certain days to learn more about the houses and the history of the town.

2. Admire the Nådendal Abbey Church

Naantali Abbey Church is a medieval stone church and the only building left of the Birgittine monastery that once stood here. The monastery was founded in the 15th century and became one of the most important monasteries in Finland at that time. Today, the church is used for concerts during the Naantali Music Festival, among other things.

3. Hang out on an outdoor terrace by the harbour

One thing you won't want to miss doing in Naantali on a nice summer day is hanging out at one of the many great outdoor restaurants. Each restaurant is more beautiful than the next, and many have great views of the water.

There are also several cosy cafés and pubs and a waffle place, Amandis, which is not to be missed if you like good waffles.

We had lunch one day at restaurant Merisali, which is located in a fantastically beautiful building that once served as the ballroom of the Naantali spa hotel. The food does not stand out here, but it tasted good and the environment is fantastic.

4. Meet the Moomins in Moominworld

Moominworld in Naantali is a theme park focusing on Tove Jansson's Moomins and their friends. The park is perfect for families with children, but also for everyone else who loves Moomins. Here you can meet the popular characters, enter their houses, watch theatre and much more.

READ MORE: Visiting Moominworld in Naantali – tips for your visit

5. Walk the Love Trail

Kärleksstigen is a sandy walkway that runs along the waterfront in Naantali. The path apparently got its name in the early 19th century, when there were many Russian naval officers in Naantali. If the young women of the village wanted to meet the handsome soldiers, they could hide from people's eyes on the waterfront path. For a while, there were also pavilions along the path, which eventually became known as 'kissing huts' ...

6. See the view from the Kopparberget cliffs

From Kärleksstigen you can go on to the Kopparberget cliffs, which are located near the Old Town of Naantali. From the top of the cliffs you have a fantastic view of the bay of Naantali and the surrounding area.

7. Learn about history at the Naantali Museum

The Nådendal Museum is located in the old town and is well worth a visit if you want to know more about the town. The museum consists of two buildings, the first of which tells the story of the Birgittin monastery founded here in 1443. There are also various temporary exhibitions here.

In the second house, you can look into a 19th century bourgeois home.

8. visit Casa Haartman

In the centre of Naantali is the artists' home Casa Haartman. The artist Axel Haartman and his wife Hedvig once lived here, and the artist also had his studio here. However, Axel was not only an artist, but also a critic and curator of the Turku Art Museum.

The couple considered the home to be Axel's most important work of art, and therefore wanted it to be preserved in its original state. The house contains works painted by Axel, but also by many other artists, such as Wäinö Aaltonen. The artist's home is open during the summer and there are guides on site who are happy to tell you more and answer your questions.

9. See Gullranda garden at the President's summer residence

The President of Finland has his summer residence Gulrlanda, or Kultaranta in Finnish, just outside central Naantali. The large park is known for its magnificent gardens with, among other things, roses, pergolas, pavilions and ponds.

After extensive renovation, Gullranda is open to visitors again, and guided tours of the garden are arranged during the summer season. Check current times and opportunities for visits before your trip.

10. Enjoy a spa bath at Naantali spa

Naantali was once a popular bathing and spa town. Today there are other attractions in the town, but Naantali Spa keeps the traditions alive. At this large and popular spa hotel, you can enjoy pools, saunas and various treatments. Of course, you can also stay at the hotel, either in a 'regular' room or in a room with a Moomin theme.

There is also a sandy beach in Naantali, of course, for those who want to swim in the countryside.

11. Discover the archipelago from the water

Naantali is located in the middle of the Finnish archipelago, so a great way to experience the area is of course from the water. During the summer, various boat trips and cruises run from and to Naantali, including between Naantali and Turku.

When we visited the city, the route was served by the steamboat s/s UkkoPekka. It ended its regular cruises after the summer of 2024, but other boats have taken over some of the traffic. Check current boat trips before your visit.

12. Experience Merimasku and the Naantali archipelago

Naantali is considerably larger than the city center itself and also includes a vast archipelago. We went out to Merimasku, where we were greeted by a peaceful archipelago environment, old wooden houses, boating and the cozy restaurant Rantamakasiini.

Merimasku Church is a beautiful wooden church from the 18th century.

Excursions from Naantali

Villnäs Castle

Villnäs Castle, which might be considered more of a manor house, was built in the 1650s and features castle architecture that is rare in Finland.

The castle has been inhabited by the Fleming and Mannerheim families, among others. The Marshal of Finland, Gustaf Mannerheim, was born here in 1867 and grew up here with his six siblings.

In the castle today, you can see both 17th and 19th century interiors, with plenty of beautiful furniture and fine paintings. Not least, you can see amazingly beautiful ceilings! There are also exhibitions in the courtyard house as well as a museum shop and café.

Turku

Naantali is not far from Turku, which was once Sweden's second largest city. In fact, it only takes fifteen minutes to get to the centre of Turku by car. So if you have some time, you won't want to miss this beautiful city. In Turku, you can walk along the Aura River and check out Turku Castle and Klosterbacken.

READ MORE: Things to do in Turku – 18 attractions and experiences

Travel on from Naantali to Åland and Sweden

Naantali is also a good place to continue your journey from. Finnlines operates the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route, making it possible to travel on by ferry to Åland or Sweden – even by car or camper.

We have traveled further from Naantali to Åland ourselves and think it is a great way to combine Finland and Åland on the same trip.

READ MORE: What to do in Åland - 30 sights and experiences

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

We traveled to Naantali ourselves by camper and stayed at Naantali Camping. When we arrived, the regular section was full, but the campsite had additional places where we could stand.

We have also been standing nicely in a parking space in Merimasku, with a nice view by the water. Check current camping and motorhome options before your trip as the range and service may change.

More to see and do near Naantali

From Naantali it is close to Turku and Åland, but also relatively close to the capital. Here you will find tips and inspiration:

• Things to do in Turku
• Turku Castle
• Turku archipelago
• Things to do in Åland
• Things to do in Helsinki