Naantali Old Town

Naantali grew around a Bridgettine convent founded in the fifteenth century, whose church still stands above the town, and the old town below it is a grid of small wooden houses in pale colours along narrow lanes running down to a harbour that fills with boats and terraces through the summer. The president's official summer residence, Kultaranta, stands across the water with gardens open on guided visits. On an island connected by a bridge is Moomin World, a theme park built around the characters of Tove Jansson's books, which is what brings most families. Out of season the town is very quiet and much of it closes.

What you actually see

• The convent church - the fifteenth-century Bridgettine foundation above the town.
• Wooden lanes down to the harbour - the old town grid.
• Moomin World - the theme park on the island across the bridge.
• Kultaranta gardens - the presidential residence grounds, on guided visits.

When to go

June to August, when everything is open; Moomin World runs a short summer season. Half a day. It is crowded in July. Out of season most of the town closes.

Honest expectations

The summer season is short and outside it the town is shut. July crowds are heavy for a very small centre. Moomin World is expensive and aimed squarely at young children. Parking is difficult in season.

Nearby

Turku is east; Ruissalo lies between them.