The Turku Archipelago is one of the largest archipelagos in the world. Tens of thousands of islands and skerries stretch from the city out into the Baltic Sea toward Åland. Much of it is surprisingly easy to reach. Bridges and free road ferries connect many of the larger islands, so you can drive from Turku to remote fishing villages in a day. This guide covers the best islands, the famous Archipelago Trail, and how to plan your trip.
Islands you can visit in an hour or less
Ruissalo
The closest island escape, just 15 minutes from the centre by road. It has ancient oak forests, nature trails, sandy beaches and the University of Turku Botanic Garden with its tropical greenhouses. It is perfect for a half-day outing in any season.
Hirvensalo and Kakskerta
Connected to the mainland by bridges, these islands are part of Turku itself but feel like the countryside: fields, forests, summer cottages and views across the water. Kakskerta has a beautiful 18th-century wooden church by a lake.
Naantali and Kailo
Naantali's old town and Moomin World on the island of Kailo are 20 minutes away. See our Naantali and Moomin World guide.
Parainen: the gateway to the archipelago
Parainen (Pargas in Swedish) is about 25 km from Turku, a 30-minute drive. It is where the archipelago proper begins. The town has a small centre with cafés, a medieval stone church, and one of the most surprising sights in Finland: an enormous open-pit limestone quarry, among the deepest in Europe, with a viewing platform at the edge. Parainen is also the starting point for the island road that continues west.
A fixed-price ride from Turku to Parainen with Aura Rides costs €45. See our prices page for other routes.
Nauvo and Korppoo
West of Parainen, the road continues by short road ferries to Nauvo (Nagu). It is a summer favourite with a busy guest harbour, small boutiques, restaurants and boats heading out to the outer islands. In summer, boats from Nauvo go to Seili, an island with a dramatic history as a leper colony and later a mental hospital, and today a research station with a small café and guided tours.
Further on, Korppoo (Korpo) feels like the edge of the world. It has granite shores, a medieval church, and ferries leaving for Houtskär and Åland. The light on summer evenings out here is unforgettable.
The Archipelago Trail
The Archipelago Trail (Saariston rengastie) is a circular route of about 250 km. It starts in Turku and runs through Parainen, Nauvo and Korppoo, across to Houtskär, Iniö and Kustavi, and back via Taivassalo and Naantali, using bridges and around ten ferries. The full loop is only possible in summer, when the connecting ferries run, and is best done over two or three days. A shorter "small loop" is possible year-round. Many people also cycle the trail.
Good to know before you go
Road ferries are free. The yellow road ferries between the main islands are part of the public road network. They run frequently, and you just drive on. In summer there can be queues at peak times.
Swedish is widely spoken. Much of the archipelago is Swedish-speaking, and place names are often given in both languages. English is widely understood.
Summer vs off-season. From June to August the islands are lively, with restaurants, boat trips and events. Outside summer many places close, but the quiet, empty roads and stormy autumn seas have their own beauty.
Bring layers. Even on a sunny day, the wind on the ferries and the outer islands is cool.
A private archipelago day tour
A private driver turns the archipelago into an easy day out. You can stop at viewpoints, the Parainen quarry or a café in Nauvo, spend longer where you like, and skip what doesn't interest you, with no timetables and no need to plan ferry crossings. A typical day from Turku:
9:30 – pick-up in Turku
10:00 – Parainen: the limestone quarry viewpoint and the old church
11:00 – road ferries to Nauvo, with a walk around the harbour and lunch
14:00 – continue to Korppoo for sea views and the medieval church
16:30 – drive back to Turku, arriving in the early evening
Families with children are welcome. Child seats are available for €10.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Parainen from Turku?
About 25 km, roughly 30 minutes by car.
Do I need to book the road ferries?
No. The road ferries in the archipelago are free and you don't book them. Some longer connections, and the summer-only ferries on the Archipelago Trail, have timetables, so check them before you go.
Can I visit the archipelago in winter?
Yes. Parainen, Nauvo and Korppoo can be reached all year by road and ferry, but many restaurants and summer services are closed.
Book your archipelago trip
Book a fixed-price ride to Parainen or a private archipelago day tour with Aura Rides. Tell us where you would like to stop, and we will plan the day with you.
