For a tourist, Kannur holds forth a number of attractions. Just walk along its shoreline, play with its sea water as well as backwater, enter the sacred temples, purchase the handloom products or forget yourself while watching Theyyam(an ancient ritualistic folk art) in any of the Kannur Kavus -the choice is yours.

With the Western Ghats in the east (Coorg district of Karnataka State), Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadweep sea in the west and Kasaragod in the north, Kannur district is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself which shares much of this natural splendour has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State.

Fort St Angelo : This Fort is the prime attraction of the Kannur town and is located around 3 km west of it. It was originally built by Don Francisco De Almeida (a Portuguese Admiral). However, the Dutch took away the fort from the Portuguese in the 17th century and sold it to Ali Raja of Kannur. Later, the Fort also passed into the hands of the Britishers. Currently, St Angelo Fort, also known by the name of Kannur Fort is under the care of ASI. From the fort, you can have some striking views of the Moppila Bay and Dharmadom Island. The bay is a natural fishing bay and today serves as a fishing harbour. As for the Dhramadom Island, it is just 5 acres in area and is located at a distance of 100 m from the mainland into the Arabian Sea.

Payyambalam Beach : This one is the biggest beach of Kannur and attracts people accordingly. At the entrance is a garden along with a statue of a mother and child, a work of famous sculpture Kanayi Kunhiraman. More people come to this park in the evening, however a little further, you can be with yourself and watch the sunset in a calm atmosphere.

Valapattanam Backwater : The Valapattanam river originates in the Western Ghats of Kodagu and is one of the lengthiest one in the Malabar region. DTPC gives you an opportunity to enjoy a motor boat ride on the river. The ride starts from Parassinikadavu Temple and you also have a chance to stay overnight on a houseboat.

Muzhapilangad Beach : This beach lies at a distance of 15 km from Kannur and 8 km from the Thalasseri and boasts of being one of the longest beaches in Kerala. The beach is a delight for both who wish to laze around in solitude as well as those who want to swim in the sea water. Since the beach is not very crowded, it is relatively cleaner than the other beaches around. Also, this beach happens to be the only drive in beach of India.