Start in the central park, where the Hydrangea garden alone is worth the detour, and follow the Suntti riverside from there: the waterway is the soul of the town. Lined with boats on both sides it makes one of the most photographed scenes in town. There are two restaurants along the way and a third with open sea views at the end of the route.

The limestone quarry is one of the most unexpected sights in the Turku Archipelago. One of the largest in Northern Europe, it sits right in the middle of town and offers two viewpoints: one accessible at ground level, and one reached via the workout stairs at a separate spot. For panoramic views of a different kind, the Vepo viewpoint is marked, has its own parking area, and delivers the kind of sweeping archipelago scenery that locals compare to Koli, a famous sightseeing favourite in Eastern Finland — high praise in Finnish nature terms.

Art Bank is one golden find in Pargas. A fine arts gallery open year-round, it houses a private Salvador Dalí exhibition alongside quality works by Finnish and international artists. The full gallery experience can be booked in advance and is described by those who have done it as a genuine surprise — which is about as much as should be said here.