Kaunissaari forms part of an esker that juts out into the Gulf of Finland. The soil also has a glacial till on the west side of the ridge formation. The trees are mainly pines; the southern part of the island has culturally influenced, lush vegetation, and much deciduous trees.[2]Sand beaches are located on the north and east side of the island.[1] At the southern end of Kaunissaari is a fishing village, the oldest buildings of which are from the 19th century, although the earliest records of Kaunissaari's settlement date from the 1560s.[3] Of these, the old fishing village and the island's sandy beaches make the island a popular excursion destination, which is why Kaunissaari is the most popular seaside tourist destination in Kymenlaakso and the most versatile archipelago destination in terms of service equipment.[4] Tourists and villagers in Kaunissaari are served by a retail store, restaurant and café opened in the 1980s and an archipelago museum, which presents the local history of the island.[1][5] Kaunissaari holiday village offers accommodation in log cabins, and the old school building can also be rented for small groups.[5] The current guest marina was built in the early 1990s because the old one became congested due to tourism.[3]
The easiest way to get to Kaunissaari is by ship from Kotka.[1] Boaters can stay at the island's guest marina, close to services.[5]