Renowned as a summer sun city, Naantali is a place worthy of its reputation. The city's most popular tourist attractions will especially entertain families, and the biggest attraction is Moomin World, located on the Naantali Kailo forest island. This theme park is worth a visit if, instead of merry-go-rounds and other attractions, one wants to explore the island's trails with the family and enjoy the Moomins’ meeting in their own back garden. The older children will surely get excited at the Väski Adventure Island, where the journey takes place by boat from practically the centre of Naantali.
You'll find yourself smiling as you spend a holiday in Naantali while you walk along the old wooden house blocks, lush green churchyard, and lively guest harbour environment. Naantali's old town comes alive in the summer, when almost behind every door there seem to unfold boutiques or cafés, and during the Seven Sleepers Day in July, the city is filled with a market atmosphere. After the end of the summer season, the city quiets down, but when visiting the city of Naantali in the winter, you can wander the snowy streets of the old town in peace, while enjoying the atmosphere of a bygone era. During ski holidays, even the residents of Moomin World momentarily wake up from their slumber to enjoy the magic of winter.
The Naantali name comes from the time when the city was a monastery city. In the Middle Ages it was known as Vallis Gratiae, “nådens dal” in Swedish or "Valley of Grace." The central point of the monastery was a medieval stone church, which is still in use. The trumpet is played from the church tower on warm summer evenings.
The church also serves as the Naantali Music Festival’s concert venue. Take a city break in Naantali in early June, but also remember the winter season festival concerts. Over the years, the Naantali Music Festival has dished out songs and chamber music presented by top musicians, both domestic and international.
Combine your holiday in Naantali with a visit to the Moomins and an even more interesting location, the “Summer Cottage”. The President's summer residence is located at Kultaranta, and there's a guided tour of its beautiful garden. You can also explore the area on your own, but the use of the President’s granite villa and the surrounding garden have many interesting stories, which are explained in a guided tour. Kultaranta and the overlooking sea offer a spectacular view, as you climb the Kuparivuori (Copper Mountain) cliffs of the Ukko-Pekka Bridge in the vicinity.
A trip to Naantali is even easier from the Turku direction with your own car, by bus or even a cruise by steamer. Naantali, especially in the summer, has plenty of accommodation opportunities, but good transport links mean that you should check out the Turku hotels on offer. Those travelling by car should take into account that finding a parking space in the summer can be difficult, at least in the old town neighbourhood. Those arriving to Moomin World can take advantage of the park's own car park.
Naantali is a historic city that has preserved its roots and added interesting ways to see new things. Come to Naantali with the whole family and experience the best of the Moomins’ ocean beaches.
