Kaarina was named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The first mention of Kaarina dates back to the fourteenth century. Nowadays, science and art, rugged scenery and cultural sites attract many tourists to this beautiful town.
The Kaarina area has several really beautiful mansions, which you can enjoy on a quiet walk. Kuusisto Manor is one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Finland. Kuusisto also contains the ruins of a medieval Bishop’s Castle. If you enjoy history, the impressive ruins will take you back to the time when the castle was an important political and spiritual centre.
In the Piikkiö area, you will find Tuorla Planetarium, a favourite with audiences since its opening in 2008. The planetarium brings the wonders of space exploration within reach of everyone, with films and guides introducing the fascination of the heavens. As well as science, a holiday in Kaarina will delight you with a variety of artistic and cultural events.
Kaarina lies on two significant historical routes, the King's Road postal route, and the Oxen Road of Tavastia. The summer serenity of the Finnish landscape can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle. Pack your binoculars and a picnic lunch, and go wandering in deep-green forests or on Baltic beaches. Kaarina is a favourite destination for bird watchers, and observing and photographing birds is an enjoyable pastime for any visitor.
The sea is a fascinating element, with serene bays and calm narrows. If you want to relax, there are several fine sandy beaches along the coast. If you prefer open water, you can rent a boat from Kaarina and go to sea in earnest. Fortunately, sworn landlubbers can also book a skipper for their boat trip.
Kaarina enjoys an excellent location right next to the city of Turku. There are good connections from major Finnish cities and beyond. For instance, you can take a flight to Turku and continue to Kaarina by car or bus. Kaarina is also a great place for a stopover if you want to take a scenic drive along the Finnish coast.
