{"id":402519,"date":"2025-09-06T11:29:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T11:29:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/402519\/"},"modified":"2025-09-06T11:29:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T11:29:17","slug":"forget-greece-this-island-hopping-holiday-with-a-twist-should-be-your-next-euro-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/402519\/","title":{"rendered":"Forget Greece, this island hopping holiday with a twist should be your next Euro trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tSophie-May Williams got away from it all on a Scandi island-hopping adventure (Picture: Sophie-May Williams; Getty)<\/p>\n

Every summer, Finns, Danes, Swedes and Norwegians make an annual pilgrimage to their summer cabins, often in remote, off-grid<\/a> island locations. <\/p>\n

Somewhere along the way, in the flurry of glacial fjords<\/a>, flower-embroidered meadows and granite outcrops, worries are left on the mainland. <\/p>\n

With the mercury soaring in southern Europe<\/a> and traditional summer destinations like the Canaries<\/a> and Greece<\/a> buckling under the strain of mass tourism<\/a>, the idea of an Arctic beach break<\/a> is increasingly appealing.<\/p>\n

Headlines proclaim Scandinavia to be the new Mediterranean, and on TikTok, thousands of videos are linked to hashtags like #ScandiSummer.<\/p>\n

So this year, I swapped Tenerife for the Turku Archipelago, a magnificent cluster of 20,000 islands, shaped by the Ice Age and scattered like jewels off Finland<\/a>\u2019s south-west coast.<\/p>\n

But does Scandi island-hopping live up to the hype?<\/p>\n

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\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tThis photo was taken around 9pm \u2013 it\u2019s an example of the \u2018white nights\u2019 Southern Finland experiences (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)<\/p>\n

In a word, yes. <\/p>\n

In place of chaos and crowds, there is solitude and silence<\/a>. Instead of scorched earth and sunbed wars, verdant forests and pristine beaches.<\/p>\n

And, if you travel like I did, in early August \u2013 the end of the Finnish summer -there can be highs of 25\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

I spent five days exploring this spectacular part of the world, which is home to woodland saunas, breathtaking views, a buzzing food scene and Finland\u2019s only winery.<\/p>\n

I recommend that next year, you do, too. Here\u2019s everything that should be on your itinerary.<\/p>\n

The Archipelago Trail<\/p>\n

To \u2018get away from it all\u2019 as soon as you arrive, I suggest you start your adventure with the Archipelago Trail, a 160-mile loop that weaves from Turku through thousands of islands and picture-postcard villages.<\/p>\n

You can hike it or bike it, as you wish. A seamless mosaic of ferries and bridges allows you to explore every inch.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tSummer in the Turku Archipelago (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Most ferries are free: they\u2019re maintained by Finferries Ltd as a lifeline for residents on the inhabited islands. <\/p>\n

Some operate frequently, every 15 to 30 minutes, while others run just once a day.<\/p>\n

During the summer months, especially July, expect queues. The routes intersect at Pargas and Houtsk\u00e4r, and link smaller islands such as Korpo, Nagu and Ini\u00f6. <\/p>\n

However, the service to the smaller island of Ut\u00f6 \u2013 one of the most remote parts of the archipelago \u2013 must be booked in advance. Vessels heading west to the \u00c5land Islands are ticketed. Check the timetable here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tHeading off the beaten path will lead you to magical forests (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)<\/p>\n

I\u2019d love to cycle the trail, but as time is limited, I swap the bike for a lift. My host, Viveca, drives to the quaint island of Nagu, one of the stops on the trail.<\/p>\n

Covered with pine trees, green fields, and piercing blue sky, I don\u2019t see another car for miles. Occasionally, a lone cyclist passes by.<\/p>\n

Viveca tells me that the trail can be completed at your own pace. However, to experience the best of each island, she recommends a week to allow time for detours to smaller villages and far-flung islets beyond the trail.<\/p>\n

The best time to visit<\/a> is from May to September.<\/p>\n

Sea paddling and surviving in the wild<\/p>\n

One of the highlights of my trip begins at the visitor centre in Korpostr\u00f6m<\/a>, on the island of Korpo, which runs guided sea paddling excursions in the Archipelago Sea and National Park \u2014 a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Tours start from \u20ac80 (\u00a369) per person.<\/p>\n

At every turn, it is clear that nature comes first here. Locals respect their land and work tirelessly to preserve its natural beauty. Korpostr\u00f6m also doubles as an educational destination for kindergartens and schools, where kids can learn about marine biology and the world around them.<\/p>\n

Naawa Nature Camp, also on Korpo, is another great spot for anyone looking to retreat into the wilderness. Here, kayak and paddleboard rental costs \u20ac30 (\u00a326) for two hours, or \u20ac60 (\u00a352) for a whole day.<\/p>\n

The camp\u2019s owner, Sara, treats me to a one-to-one survival skill class, where I learn to build my own fire from scratch.<\/p>\n

As a result of my creation, we\u2019re able to brew coffee and cook pancakes in the heart of the woods. It\u2019s as far from a traditional summer holiday as I can imagine, and I love every minute.<\/p>\n

Outdoor cooking and survival skills classes cost \u20ac90 (\u00a378) and \u20ac80 (\u00a369), respectively.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tPicture perfect (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)
\nA sauna a day<\/p>\n

No trip to Finland is complete without experiencing sauna culture<\/a>. It\u2019s a sacred part of Finnish life<\/a>, and dates back over two millennia.<\/p>\n

The practice is\u00a0inscribed on the\u00a0UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, and is meant to provide physical and mental rejuvenation.<\/p>\n

While I had (briefly) tried out the electric sauna in my local gym \u2014 and rejected it due to feeling awkward sitting cheek-to-cheek with strangers \u2014 the authentic smoke and wood-fired versions are a game-changer.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tFinnish sauna culture is the epitome of relaxation (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)<\/p>\n

Set at a \u2018comfortable\u2019 37.5\u00b0C, never have I felt so relaxed. I\u2019d take the ritual of sitting in the sauna, followed by a dip in the hot tub or a swim in the sea, over an Ibiza resort pool, any day.<\/p>\n

A word of warning: Sauna etiquette is no joke. <\/p>\n

A shower is required before and after, and always take a towel to sit on. If you\u2019re heading to the jacuzzi afterwards, make sure your feet are clean before climbing in.<\/p>\n

A history lesson in Seili<\/p>\n

Stunning scenery and physical healing aside, the islands of the Turku Archipelago are steeped in history.<\/p>\n

Seili, a small island off Nagu, is one of the most interesting places I\u2019ve ever visited. <\/p>\n

Cruising from Turku, past dense forest and summer cottages, we reach the island, which feels like an abandoned movie set.<\/p>\n

Empty cabins are dotted across meadows, a wooden church sits in a clearing beside a graveyard, and a colonial-style building is perched at the top of the hill.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all surrounded by calm, crystal clear waters. You can hear a pin drop.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tThis unassuming church has a dark past (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)<\/p>\n

I\u2019m told that the colonial building was Finland\u2019s best-known leper hospital until it closed in 1785.<\/p>\n

Following the decline of leprosy in Finland, the hospital was repurposed as an asylum for mentally ill patients until the 1960s.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s now under the control of the Archipelago Research Institute and the University of Turku. Guided tours can be booked, and the old hospital building has been transformed into a free museum.<\/p>\n

You can even spend the night there. Family-sized cottages are available<\/a> from \u20ac173 (\u00a3150).<\/p>\n

A creative and ambitious culture<\/p>\n

On the last day of my trip, I find myself in the imagination of Tuomas and Annika, an eccentric Finnish couple, and the brains behind Paratiisi Nagu<\/a>, Finland\u2019s only winery. <\/p>\n

The duo makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Riesling in a glass-roofed greenhouse \u2014 carefully crafted grape vines curling at all angles.<\/p>\n

Tuomas tells me these are \u2018living art walls\u2019, an essential part of the venue\u2019s design, blurring the line between nature and architecture. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tParatiisi Nagu: where nature meets creativity (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)<\/p>\n

After offering me one of their red wines at 10am (it would be rude not to), the couple takes me through their home-grown oasis, pointing out art exhibitions that have found a home among the vines.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an incredible end to an unforgettable trip.<\/p>\n

Finland is so many things: an adventurer\u2019s paradise, a creative\u2019s dream, a utopia for nature lovers. The list could go on.<\/p>\n

I will return.<\/p>\n

How to get to Finland and the Turku Archipelago<\/p>\n

Fly from London Heathrow to Helsinki with Finnair. Economy fares start from \u00a3167.<\/p>\n

From Helsinki Airport, take a train to Turku, changing once at Pasila. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and return tickets cost \u20ac23 (\u00a320).<\/p>\n

From Turku, take the archipelago Turku\u2013Seili\u2013Nauvo cruise with M\/S Vitharun. Tickets cost \u20ac47 (\u00a341).<\/p>\n

Once in Nagu (Nauvo is the Finnish name), you can explore the other islands by car, foot, or bicycle. Just hop on one of the many free ferries that connect the archipelago, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Turku
\n\t\tThe Turku Archipelago sits quietly on the southwest coast of Finland (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tWhere to stay in the Turku Archipelago\t\t\t<\/p>\n

The Turku Archipelago has plenty of unique places to stay.<\/p>\n

Tackork G\u00e5rd & Marina<\/a> in Nagu is ideal for families, couples, and outdoor lovers. <\/p>\n

Guests can stay in glass-roofed star cabins, a luxurious suite, or a traditional hunting lodge complete with a grain-silo sauna. Other saunas on the property include smoke, cave, and beach.<\/p>\n

Room rates start from \u20ac259 (\u00a3225) per night for two people on a room-only basis.<\/p>\n

With a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, the on-site restaurant serves elevated Finnish cuisine. I can vouch for this: the chef\u2019s concoction of smoked salmon, carrot pur\u00e9e, radish, and potato wedges was sublime. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tTackork G\u00e5rd & Marina gives ultimate summer camp vibes (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)<\/p>\n

For something more upmarket, check out Villa Wolax<\/a>, a waterside complex in Kuusisto. Guests have the option of being picked up on a private speedboat by owners Milla and Tino from Nagu. The couple couldn\u2019t do enough for me during my stay.<\/p>\n

The main building is a beautifully restored villa, built in 1899. The property combines elegant accommodation with gourmet dining, and stylish rooms with stunning sea views.<\/p>\n

Unwind in wood-heated beach saunas and outdoor jacuzzis or enjoy a range of seasonal activities, including sailing, SUP boarding, and cycling.<\/p>\n

Room rates start from \u20ac290 (\u00a3252) per night for two adults, breakfast included.<\/p>\n

Camper vans are also welcome. There is a car park in the forest above the main building. One night with an electric hookup costs \u20ac20.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tVilla Wolax is one of the most relaxing places I\u2019ve ever stayed (Picture: Sophie-May Williams)<\/p>\n

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