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The nature reserve of Toijainen is located along Toijaistentie, in the centre of Hirvensalo, and is approximately one hectare in size. Landscape-wise Tammimäki is a very typical small woody hill in Hirvensalo, surrounded by fields. The south and south-west slopes of the hill have large, nearly three metre high boulders as relics from the last ice age.
Both nature and cultural history considered, Ruissalo is a valuable and versatile area. Ruissalo is characterized by the cultural heritage of old fields, gardens, villas from the 19th century, oak forests, and diverse nature.
The nature reserves of Ruissalo were extended notably in 2006 along with an agreement between the State of Finland and the City of Turku concerning land ownership. At the same time the requirements of both the Herb-Rich Forest Conservation Programme and the Natura 2000 network were met.
Rauvolanlahti (Rauvola Bay) is located on the border of Turku and Kaarina cities. It belongs to the national Waterfowl Habitats Conservation Programme which was confirmed by the Council of State in 1982. The bay is part of the Natura 2000 network.
Pähkinäinen is an island located in Naantali. It can be accessed with a commuter ferry from Röölä in Rymättylä. There is a Turku City campsite in Pähkinäinen, and Turku owns the eastern half of the main island of Pähkinäinen. The western half of the island is circled by several kilometres of nature trail.
The majority of Pähkinäinen consists of rocky pine forests typical to the middle archipelago. Depressions with lush groves cut the long rock ridges here and there. A dense vegetation grows in these moist hollows.
The Pomponrahka area consists of the northern Isosuo bog and the southern Pomponrahka bog. The area is part of the national Mire Conservation Programme.
The rock hill of Nunnavuori rises to the height of over 63 metres and is located between Runosmäki residential area and Impivaara Sports Centre. From the top of the hill opens a grand view to south and south-west over Turku City. A fitness trail circles around the lower slopes of the hill. Nunnavuori is mainly dry boreal forest. The southern sweet-grass (Hierochloë australis) is a specialty of the area and it grows in patches on the western slope of the hill.
Protected Muhkurinmäki is located in the Muhkuri district between Naantalin pikatie and Turku–Uusikaupunki railway line.
The vegetation of the area is luxurious rocky forest consisting mostly of oaks. It is an interesting place for a mushroom enthusiast to explore, because is is possible to find some rare mushrooms growing on decaying oak trunks and in the lush groves.
It is also possible to spot rare bird species such as golden orioles (Oriolus oriolus) and greenish warblers (Phylloscopus trochiloides) in the grove.
The protected Metsäkylä-Kuninkoja area includes waterside meadows, groves, fresh boreal forests, small dry meadows and barren rocks.
The richness of bird species and pairs competes with the groves of Southern Finland. It is possible to see almost all of the passeriformes typical to Southern Finland forests.
Metsäkylä-Kuninkoja is also a great spot to find rare plants.
Kurjenrahka is a 29 square kilometre wide nature reserve known as the domain of cranes. With its bogs and forests Kurjenrahka is well suitable for day hikes. One of the best known sights in Kurjenrahka is Kuhankuono, an old boundary marker of eight municipalities. The part of the Kurjenrahka bog area that belongs to Turku is a sector facing directly south from Kuhankuono. There are altogether around 150 km of hiking trails in Kurjenrahka which means the area is well suited for long hikes.
Kulho island is located between Hirvensalo and Kakskerta, on the western side of Lemunaukko. The large rock rises, the field in the middle of the island, and the largest continuous reed bed in Turku that divides the island in half command the landscape of the island. Most of Kulho island has been added to Natura 2000 network of conservation areas.
Katariinanlaakso is a 17 hectare nature destination consisting of hardwood grove patches. It is located near the southern suburbs of Turku close to the Kaarina border. The area includes also rocky forests, pine forests and dry meadows. The southern part of the nature reserve consists of waterside meadows.
Friskalanlahti (Friskala bay) in Hirvensalo is mostly protected area. The bay is part of the national Waterfowl Habitats Conservation Programme and Natura 2000 network. In addition to the waters, a wide reed bed, pastured waterside meadows and two grove patches are included in the nature reserve.