Naantali is the day trip almost every visitor to Turku ends up taking, and for good reason. Only about 15 km west of the city, it has one of the best-preserved wooden old towns in Finland, a medieval convent church above the sea, the President's summer residence, and Moomin World, the theme park that brings Tove Jansson's Moomin characters to life on an island of its own. This guide covers how to get there, what to see, how to plan a day with children, and when to go.
How to get from Turku to Naantali
By car or private transfer: about 20 minutes
The drive is short and simple. In summer, parking close to the old town and Moomin World fills up quickly on sunny days, especially in July. A transfer drops you at the harbour or at the bridge to Moomin World and picks you up at the time you choose, so you don't have to circle for a space with tired children in the car.
By bus: about 35–40 minutes
Föli buses 6 and 7 run between the Turku Market Square and Naantali. They are inexpensive and frequent during the day. The Naantali bus station is about a 10-minute walk from the old town and Moomin World. Check foli.fi for current timetables.
By boat in summer
In the summer season, sightseeing boats run along the river and through the islands between Turku and Naantali. It is a slow and beautiful way to arrive. Many visitors take the boat one way and a car or bus back.
Moomin World
Moomin World is on the island of Kailo, connected to Naantali's old town by a footbridge. There are no rides. Instead, children walk into the Moomin stories: they explore the blue Moominhouse, meet Moomintroll, Little My and Snufkin, and watch short theatre performances around the island. The setting is relaxed and woodland-like, which suits children aged roughly 2–10 best.
Season: mainly open in summer, roughly from June to August, with a short winter season in some years. Opening dates change every year, so always check the official Moomin World website before you go.
How long to plan: most families spend 3–5 hours on the island.
Tip: arrive at opening time. Midday in July is the busiest, and queues to meet the characters grow quickly.
Food: there are cafés on the island, but many families bring a picnic. There are plenty of spots to sit down.
Read more on our Moomin World landmark page.
Naantali old town
Even without children, Naantali is worth the trip. The old town grew up around a Bridgettine convent founded in the 15th century, and its narrow streets are lined with painted wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Mannerheiminkatu and Luostarikatu are the streets to walk. They have small craft shops, galleries and cafés in old homes.
Naantali Convent Church: the medieval stone church is all that remains of the convent. It stands on a hill above the harbour and is one of the town's landmarks.
The harbour promenade: a wooden boardwalk lined with restaurants, ice-cream kiosks and yachts. It is the place to be on a summer evening.
Kultaranta: the summer residence of the President of Finland, known for its large rose garden. The gardens are open to visitors on guided tours in summer, which need to be booked in advance.
Sleepyhead Day, 27 July
If you are in the area at the end of July, Naantali celebrates Sleepyhead Day (Unikeonpäivä) on 27 July. Early in the morning a locally famous person, kept secret until the moment itself, is thrown into the sea from the harbour. A carnival in the town follows. It is a quirky local tradition and a fun reason to visit on that day.
A sample day
9:30 – pick-up in Turku, 20-minute drive to Naantali
10:00–14:00 – Moomin World, with lunch on the island
14:00–15:30 – walk the old town and visit the Convent Church
15:30–16:30 – ice cream and coffee on the harbour promenade
17:00 – return pick-up to Turku
Practical tips
Summer weekends in July are the busiest time of the year. Weekdays in June and August are calmer.
Bring sunscreen and a light rain jacket. The coast is often breezy even on warm days.
Strollers work well in Moomin World and on the promenade. The cobbled lanes of the old town are bumpier.
Outside the summer season, Naantali is quiet, but the old town and the Convent Church are still lovely for a calm walk.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Naantali from Turku?
About 15 km, which is a 20-minute drive or 35–40 minutes by bus.
Can I visit Naantali in winter?
Yes. Many shops and cafés keep shorter hours, and Moomin World is mostly closed outside summer, but the old town is beautiful under snow and there are no crowds.
Can you arrange a return trip?
Yes. Book both directions at once and choose your return time. We can also arrange child seats on request.
Book your Naantali transfer
Book a fixed-price ride from Turku to Naantali and Moomin World, with a return pick-up at the time you choose. Want to explore further? See our guide to the best islands near Turku.
