Naantali attractions: a relaxed day trip from Turku

Mera editorial team · Reviewed 9 October 2026
Photo: Pöllö / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0, cropped.

Naantali's attractions are ideal for a day trip from Turku: the Old Town, church and guest marina are close to one another, and you can also get there by bus. For an unhurried day, a walking tour of the centre and one seasonal attraction, such as Moominworld, the Kultaranta Garden or the Naantali Museum, are enough.

If you are planning more activities in the region, also read the guide to Turku's attractions and neighbourhoods.

The day in brief

• Naantali is approximately 16 kilometres from Turku.
• Föli routes 6 and 6A connect Turku and Naantali.
• The Old Town, church and waterfront form an easily walkable basic route.
• Choose no more than one seasonal attraction so that the day remains relaxed.

How do you get to Naantali from Turku?

You can get to Naantali from central Turku without a car. Föli routes 6 and 6A run between the cities, and the same Föli regional ticket is valid for the entire journey. Depending on the service and traffic, the journey usually takes around 30–50 minutes. Check the stops and timetable for your day of travel in the Föli journey planner.

If you arrive by car, it is best to leave the car outside the Old Town. The Old Town is a courtyard-street and pedestrian environment without public parking. The terms for paid parking areas and any exceptions on event days can be found in the City of Naantali's parking instructions.

The main attractions in the centre are then within walking distance. Comfortable shoes are useful, but there is no need to follow a strict route.

Which Naantali attractions are worth choosing?

For a first visit, a good combination is the Old Town, Naantali Church and the waterfront. Together, they show the city's historic and maritime sides without using up the day on transfers.

The Old Town and guest marina

Naantali's Old Town is known for its wooden houses, small lanes, cafés and boutiques. Mannerheiminkatu, Nunnakatu and the streets leading down to the waterfront are ideal for an unhurried walk: you can stop at an interesting doorway, courtyard or sea view without worrying about a timetable.

The guest marina by the waterfront is a natural place for lunch or coffee. On summer weekends, it may be sensible to reserve a table at the most popular restaurants, but otherwise there is no need to plan the area in detail. The Visit Naantali Old Town guide brings together information about services and current tips for the area.

Naantali Church and the evening vesper

The medieval Naantali Church is an important landmark and an interesting destination from an architectural perspective as well. The church has an accessible main entrance, but it is worth checking the opening hours with the parish before your visit.

On summer evenings, the evening vesper played from the church tower is a well-known Naantali tradition. It is played at 20:00 from June to August unless the organiser announces changes. Up-to-date information is available on Visit Naantali's evening vesper page.

Naantali Museum

The Naantali Museum is a good choice if you want to understand the city beyond the surface or need something to do on a rainy day. The museum's locations and opening hours vary by season, so check the Naantali Museum's current information before setting out.

Moominworld or the Kultaranta Garden

Moominworld and the Kultaranta Garden are both seasonal attractions. They should not be forced into the same short day trip.

Moominworld is the clear main attraction for families with children, and you should reserve a large part of the day for it. Always check Moominworld's official opening hours and tickets, as the park is not open year-round.

The Kultaranta Garden can only be visited during announced visiting hours or on guided tours. Check the current-season arrangements on the Office of the President of the Republic's Kultaranta page. If a visit does not fit your schedule, the Old Town, museum and waterfront still make up a full day.

A ready-made day trip without a minute-by-minute schedule

A good day consists of four relaxed parts:

1. Arrive in the morning. Get off the bus in central Naantali and walk towards the Old Town.
2. Explore the Old Town and the area around the church. Allow around two hours for this, or more if you visit the museum or boutiques.
3. Have lunch by the waterfront. Leave time to watch the activity at the marina and have coffee.
4. Choose one main attraction for the afternoon. Moominworld, a Kultaranta tour, the museum or simply a longer walk by the waterfront is enough.

In summer, you can end the day with the evening vesper. At other times of year, returning to Turku before evening may be more convenient, as some of Naantali's services are seasonal.

Is Naantali suitable for children and people who need accessibility?

Naantali is suitable for families with children when the programme is built around one main attraction. Moominworld can easily take up a large part of the day. If it is not part of your plans, the marina, short walks and parks offer more flexibility than a long list of attractions.

The Old Town's streets are paved, but old buildings may have stairs, thresholds and narrow entrances. Anyone requiring accessibility should check the details of the chosen museums, restaurants and boutiques directly with the venues. Naantali Church has an accessible entrance, but not all areas of the church may be accessible in the same way.

What should you check before setting out?

The seasons have an unusually strong effect on what is open in Naantali. Check the following before your trip:

• Föli services for the outbound and return journeys
• the opening hours of Moominworld, Kultaranta and the museum
• whether a restaurant table needs to be reserved on a summer weekend
• parking terms if you arrive by car
• the weather and any changes caused by events.

This way, your trip will not depend on an outdated summer programme or an overly tight schedule.

Is it worth staying overnight in Naantali?

A day trip is enough for most people who want to see the Old Town, church and waterfront as well as one additional attraction. Staying overnight is worth considering if you want to visit Moominworld and Kultaranta on different days, continue into the archipelago or enjoy the city's late-evening tranquillity.

Turku is a practical base when your trip also includes the city's museums, the riverside or workdays. Explore Mera's homes in Turku if you want your own kitchen and a peaceful place to return to after your day trip. For stays of at least 28 nights, you can find information on the longer-stay accommodation page.

Summary

Naantali's attractions are easy to experience without a car and without rushing. Start in the Old Town, visit the church, stop by the waterfront and choose one seasonal attraction according to your travel companions. Check opening hours and transport connections just before setting out — the rest of the day can remain flexible.