Hanko - Cottages and Vacation Rentals
Hanko exudes the dignity of a historic spa town but is, at the same time, modern, active and fun. Hanko is not only rich in events but also tempting with all its shops and charming restaurants. The strong town of culture is also full of events and continually renewed experiences.
As a chalet destination, this headland of the south coast of Finland is beyond compare. In the maritime town, there is more than 30 km of sandy beaches and elsewhere impressive cliffs with their sheltered bays. In addition to the gorgeous environment, the town offers many activities and lots to see.
You can while away the time in Hanko just by walking and wondering at the exceptional surroundings. The heritage of the spa town can still be seen in Hanko in the form of the stunning villas and the buildings and park of the spa park. Just a short trip away, there are many places worth getting to know and also outdoor excursion routes. For example, the 1.5-kilometre walking route, Rakkauden Polku (‘The Path of Love’), made for the guests of the spa in the second half of the 19th century, is still in full use.
For many people, the main attraction is right in the centre of the town. The unique red water tower of Hanko can be made out from far away and offers a view from 65 metres above sea level. Enthusiasts particularly come to Hanko to play tennis, sail and go sail- and SUP-boarding, but there are also opportunities to be found from yoga to golf and surfing.
Hanko is an essential destination for the friends of good food. The gastronomic expertise and diverse offering of restaurants brings nearly everything that you could wish for to the table. Organic produce, locally-sourced ingredients and the proximity of the sea are particularly evident on the menus.
Of course, maritime Hanko offers travellers unforgettable sea destinations too. The day’s excursion of the chalet-dwellers can be directed to a lighthouse cruise to Bengtskär or to see the grey Baltic seals from close up. In the bay of Hauensuoli, medieval cliff engravings can be seen, hacked into the cliff by seafarers who were awaiting the right weather for sailing. If cruises are not your thing, trek along the nature path of Tulliniemi and marvel at the sea from Finland’s southernmost headland.
Hanko is primarily known as a summer town, but it doesn’t stop in the winter either. Events continue all year long and the town remains active. The far-reaching outer archipelago also looks impressive in the winter and the wooden town quarters are even more atmospheric with their candles and lanterns.
Hanko can be reached easily by train or coach, and also by car, in under two hours from both Helsinki and Turku. There are good guides and maps of nearly all the destinations, so it’s worth starting a holiday in Hanko at the travel office.