Naantali (Finland)

Naantali is a major Baltic Sea ferry port and town in Southwest Finland, with population around 20,000. Naantali (Nadendal in Swedish) is located approx 14 km (9 mi) west of Turku (region's largest city) where is also one of Europe's largest shipbuilding yards. Port Naantali is ranked Finland's third-largest in cargo traffic.

The Helsinki-based cargo and passenger shipping company FINNLINES (part of Grimaldi Group) offers regularly scheduled direct connections to Aland Finland (Langnas) and to Sweden (Kapellskar via Aland). FINNLINES' schedule includes 2 daily crossings Naantali-Langnas (5 hours) and 2 daily crossings Naantali-Kapellskar (travel time 8 hours).

Besides the cruiseferry shipping industry, Naantali is also one of Finland's largest tourism centres. The town itself covers a small area, but also encompasses the large Naantali Archipelago (nearby islands) with combined land area approx 311 km2 (120 mi2). Most of Naantali's residents live on the mainland. Most of the islands are forested and with farmlands, while the mainland is mostly residential. In 2009, into the Naantali Municipality were merged the neighbouring Merimasku, Rymaatyla and Velkua.

The settlement (Nadendal) was granted town status in 1443 (then Finland was under Sweden's rule), making its one of Finland's oldest. The holiday tourism started to develop since 1863 when was established the Cape Kalevanniemi's spa. The current-day tourism is also boosted by Naantali's proximity to Turku and the Naantali Archipelago. Among the best-known local attractions is Kailo Island's Muumimaailma (Moomin World) - a theme park based on Tove Jansson's Moomin books. Naantali Spa Hotel and Resort is ranked Scandinavia's largest. Another popular landmark is Luonnonmaa Island's Kultaranta Estate (Finland President's official summer residence). The annual Naantali Music Festival (international classical music event) is held in June.