Mariehamn

During the Russian Empire's occupation, Tsar Alexander II constructed this little harbor city. More than 1.5 million people visit the port and quay region each year to explore this huge, contemporary town in the Autonomous Province of Land.

The Aland Islands, a group of around 6,500 rocky islets in the Baltic Sea, lie between the Finnish mainland and Sweden's coast. Only 60 of them are inhabited, and even though they are completely autonomous and under Finnish sovereignty, the majority of them speak Swedish.

Aland's parliament is located in Mariehamn, its capital. The "busiest" of the territory's towns, it boasts two ports, as well as a number of news and TV stations, yet the neighborhood nevertheless maintains a tranquil village atmosphere with Linden tree-lined lanes, quaint cafes, and wooden cottages with warm interiors.

The main draw of Mariehamn is that it serves as the jumping off point for several ferries, cruises, and kayak excursions among the more than 6500 islands that make up the province, only 60 of which are inhabited. Without a doubt, Mariehamn is a great destination for peaceful family vacations.

• Location: Åland