Naantali - City of Finland

Naantali is a town in south-western Finland, known as one of the most important tourist centres of the country. The town has a population of 14,081, and is located in the region of Finland Proper, 15 kilometres west of Turku.

The town encompasses a land area of 51.08 square kilometres. Most of this area is located on the island of Luonnonmaa southwest of the town centre, but the majority of the population lives on the mainland. In fact, most of the island is beautiful forest and farmland, while the mainland consists chiefly of residential areas.

One of the oldest towns in Finland, Naantali was founded around the mediaeval convent church that still dominates its skyline. The charter was signed by King Christopher of Sweden, the then ruler of Finland, in 1443. The convent got trading rights and other privileges, and the town around it began to grow. It also became an important destination for pilgrimage.

The true prosperity of the town began in the 1950s, as the heavy industries that dominate the city's economy were established. In 1964, the area and population of the town increased markedly as the surrounding rural municipality of Naantali was annexed into it. The per capita tax income of the town is the second highest of all towns in Finland, and the highest in the province of Finland Proper.

This interesting divide between urban and rural is perhaps one reason as to why the city has been named the most popular tourist centre in the country in numerous surveys. Another factor affecting this is the proximity of both Turku, the region's administrative centre and largest city, and of the archipelago.

There are some important points of interest in the city, such as the Moomin World theme park on the island of Kailo.

Naantali Spa Hotel, the largest spa in Scandinavia, and the mediaeval convent church of Naantali. The city's popularity as a tourist venue is highlighted by the fact that the official summer residence of the President of Finland, the Kultaranta estate, is located on Luonnonmaa.

The archipelago sea boat traffic is handled by S/S Ukkopekka. Old steamship cruise Naantali-Turku-Naantali.

Naantali hosts an international music festival every June, and the traditional Sleepyhead Day carnival in July.