7 Beaches You Need to Visit Outside Helsinki
Finland may not be the world’s most obvious beach destination but with its picturesque archipelago, long seaside coastline and tens of thousands of lakes, there are plenty of options to choose from to spend a sunny day. From lakeside resorts to romantic cliffsides, here are the seven best beaches to visit outside Helsinki.
Hanko
Natural Feature
Yteri
Natural Feature
Let’s start with the basics: Yyterin Hiekkasärkät means ‘the Sand Dunes of Yyteri’. Although Finland may not be renowned as a beach destination, there are a few magnificent beaches Finns like to visit regularly. One of them is Yyteri, located on the west coast of Finland. The sand dunes of Yyteri stretch out for over six kilometres (3.73 miles) and lure thousands of Finns each summer. Apart from sunbathing, people also come here for golf and spa.
Kalajoki
Natural Feature
Located in the province of Oulu, Kalajoki beach is about a two-hour drive away from the city, but well worth a day trip. Kalajoki is famous for its sandy beach and a popular spot to visit among Finns. There are a number of accommodation options, from hotels and luxurious villas to tents under the starry night sky. Apart from chilling out at the beach, you can also go hiking over duckboards, rent a bike, surf, fish or golf or indulge yourself at a spa.
Rauhaniemi
Natural Feature
Rauhaniemi is yet another example of how Tampere pampers its inhabitants and visitors. The beach Rauhaniemi (which means “cape of peace”) has two sides, a shallow and a deep one, with two saunas, a café and a diving tower. The beach and the buildings were built in 1929 and they are still almost in their original shape creating a unique feel to the beach. The beach is located only a few kilometres from city-centre Tampere, so you can drive or take the Number 2 bus from Central Square. Rauhaniemi has ice-swimming facilities, too – don’t worry, the saunas are open all year round!
Åland Island
Natural Feature
Nallikari
Spa Hotel
For a summery seaside indulgence in Oulu, pop into Nallikari beach. Nallikari located on an island in the Hietasaari district. Take bus Number 15 or 15N from Oulu city centre, or, during summer, hop on the trackless train Potnapekka. Apart from the magnificent beach, Nallikari includes a spa hotel, a camping area with rentable cottages and a seaside restaurant.
Naantali
Natural Feature
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