Overview
Kaarina is a small town in Finland Proper, about 10 km east of Turku, offering a quieter alternative for travelers exploring southwestern Finland. The town is named after the Katariina church, itself named after Catherine of Alexandria.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Museums · Nature
Before you go
Language
Finnish is the official language; about 5% of Kaarina's population are Swedish-speaking. English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Money
Finland is largely cashless; credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere. Euro (EUR) is the local currency.
Safety
Kaarina is a safe residential town with low crime rates. Water quality at Littoistenjärvi beach should be checked before swimming.
Transport
Kaarina lies 10 km east of Turku along E18; local buses connect to Turku but a car is best for exploring. Highway 40 (E18) and highway 10 intersect near the center.
Water
Littoistenjärvi lake has sometimes had water quality problems. The sea bay areas and Natura 2000 bird sanctuaries are generally clean.
Weather
Best visited May–September for outdoor activities. Winter swimming available October–April. Summers are mild with long daylight hours.