Beckhams put Turku in Finland on the map

David Beckham’s recent visit to the Mehilainen Clinic for an operation on a torn Achilles tendon, and a subsequent visit from his wife, has put the Finnish city of Turku well and truly on the map, visiting prior to the crowds that are sure to visit in 2011 when the city is a European capital of culture.  Less well known than the country’s capital Helsinki, Turku is located in the South of the country on the banks of the Aura river. The small, medieval city is the starting point for exploring the stunning Turku archipelago, a series of islands perfect for discovering either on one of the many bicycles for hire or by boat or one of the frequent ferries. The city’s plushest hotel would be the Radisson Blu Marina Palace. Situated on the river the hotel features the contemporary design Finland is well known for and two restaurants the Herttua and the Italian Aurora.  Whilst no doubt the Beckhams will travel by private jet, most tend to get to Turku by Finnair, flying via Helsinki.