Kalajoki — one of our favourite destinations in Finland

One of our favourite destinations is Kalajoki, on the west coast. It is known for its beaches and sand dunes: Hiekkasärkät, the Kalajoki dunes, draw close to two million visitors a year, and the largest of them stand over 20 metres high.

The drive from Helsinki takes about six hours and the scenery is worth the time. Break the journey in Jyväskylä or Tampere depending on your route — both are worth a stop in their own right.

Beyond the dunes. Kalajoki also has the old town of Plassi, the self-governing islands of Kallankarit, and the Rahja Archipelago. There are two campsites, one of them right on the dunes — Kalajoki Camping — with access to the sea and a good range of restaurants, shops and things to do. There is a golf course with views out over the water, and restaurants like Sandy Kelt worth an evening.

The Venetian festivities. Held on the last weekend of August, this is one of our favourite events anywhere in Finland — a festival of water, fire and light. The centrepiece is the fireworks display over Kalajoki beach, among the biggest in the country, with lanterns and candles lit along the coast. Around it there are concerts, dance performances, parades and markets.