![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_262534482-fab1.jpg\")
\n\t\tLithuania has been a European hidden gem for years, but it\u2019s set for big things in 2025 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tLithuania has been a European hidden gem for years, but it\u2019s set for big things in 2025 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Sparkling lakes surrounded by lush pine forests. Cosmopolitan cities and medieval towns. Forest saunas, treetop walks, and Michelin-starred restaurants.<\/p>\n
This is Lithuania<\/a>, a tiny country in the Baltic region that has just been named Europe<\/a>\u2019s fastest-growing destination<\/a> this year so far.<\/p>\n Since topping the World Happiness Report<\/a> for under-30s in 2024, Lithuania has drawn tourists thanks to better flight connections (you can fly direct to Vilnius from London and Bristol), and growing interest in less crowded places.<\/p>\n From stunning landscapes embroidered with hundreds of lakes and rivers to its blossoming reputation as a culinary mecca, the buzz around the country and its pocket-sized capital is more than justified.<\/p>\n With visitor numbers on the rise, there\u2019s never been a better time to explore all this lesser-known nation has to offer before everyone else does. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s everything you need to know before you visit.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Where to go in Lithuania Who doesn\u2019t love a city break. But with major destinations like Amsterdam, Berlin, and Madrid becoming busier and more expensive, many travellers are starting to veer off the beaten track.<\/p>\n Enter, Vilnius. Named Europe\u2019s most affordable city break by Post Office Travel Money in 2024, Lithuania\u2019s capital is truly delightful.<\/p>\n \t\t Metro<\/strong>\u2018s Alice Murphy<\/a> spent 48 hours in Vilnius in November<\/a> and found a charming town still reckoning with its complex past, where brutalist Soviet<\/a>\u00a0architecture meets high-end boutiques and a rapidly blossoming food scene.<\/p>\n She wrote: \u2018It\u2019s been more than 30 years since Lithuania gained independence from the USSR, but the buzz of freedom is still in the air. And, drawn by vibey nightlife, dark history and reasonable prices, people are starting to take note.<\/p>\n But despite direct flights from major UK airports such as Stansted<\/a> and Luton<\/a>, Vilnius remains off the beaten path for British travellers. The tourism board is willing to laugh at its obscurity, declaring the country the \u2018G-spot of Europe\u2019 \u2014 \u2018amazing, but nobody knows where it is<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n \t\t From winding cobbled alleyways and a bohemian quarter with elegant Baroque architecture, this is a city that knows where it comes from. <\/p>\n The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is a good place to start. After centuries of invasion and repression from Germany, Poland, and the Soviet Union, the museum is a sobering reminder of how Lithuanians fought to keep their culture alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n Guide and tour leader Lina Dusevi\u010dien\u0117 expands on the country\u2019s fight for freedom: \u2018The dramatic history of the last three centuries shows that no trouble, occupation, or oppression is strong enough to tame Lithuanians. The young and active people of Lithuania make everyone feel welcome and engaged in learning the history.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWhat our readers think of Vilnius:\t\t\t<\/p>\n Melkuhn Andrea<\/strong>: \u201cI loved the big open spaces, the cat caf\u00e9 and the history of this place. I saw only one group of tourists in August. If you don\u2019t like crowded places, please go to Vilnius. I can\u2019t wait to go back, there are lot of coffee places which I want to try.\u201d<\/p>\n Robert Downing<\/strong>: \u201cGreat place. Quiet and friendly. Not expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n Stuart Hunter<\/strong>: \u201cI worked there some years ago. Nice place and very nice people. And yes, it was as cheap as she says. Worth a visit.\u201d<\/p>\n Vilnius is also central to Lithuania\u2019s blossoming culinary scene, where tradition and innovation collide.<\/p>\n \u2018Lithuanians have always been deeply connected to their traditions, native ingredients, time-tested cooking methods, and the stories that come with them,\u2019 explains Niels Peter Pretzmann, owner of Senatori\u0173 pasa\u017eas<\/a> restaurants and shops.<\/p>\n \u2018The practice of using farm produce, cooking all parts of the animal, foraging and preserving vegetables for winter has been passed down through generations. Add a healthy dose of curiosity about global gastronomy trends, and you get what we all hope for \u2014 a seasonal, sustainable cuisine that reflects Lithuania\u2019s well-defined seasons.\u2019<\/p>\n Farm-to-table restaurants such as the popular 14 Horses serve up lamb dumplings loved by generations of Lithuanians, and higher-end establishments are also making their mark.<\/p>\n Take Dziaugsmas, one of four local restaurants to receive a star in 2024\u2019s first-ever Michelin guide<\/a> to Lithuania. Offering a \u20ac67 (\u00a355) tasting menu that includes black pudding doughnuts and moreish bone marrow, it\u2019s clear Lithuanian chefs are respecting their cuisine while keeping an eye on the future.<\/p>\n Niels, who is also the owner of a sustainable farm called Farmers Circle on the outskirts of Vilnius, notes how Lithuania\u2019s food scene holds immense potential for\u00a0slow tourism. He believes reconnecting with the places where food is grown, and embracing unhurried, immersive experiences, is the key to Lithuania\u2019s uniqueness.<\/p>\n He says: \u2018We encourage guests to\u00a0slow down, stay overnight, and wake up to the peaceful serenity of farm life. These could be some of the most precious experiences of our generation.\u2019<\/p>\n Go Vilnius<\/a>, the city\u2019s official tourism and business development agency, agrees that sustainability is a priority. And, since Vilnius holds the title of Green Capital of Europe this year, it\u2019s also at the heart of the city\u2019s plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018We focus on sustainable tourism \u2014 whether it\u2019s eco-friendly transport and dining, supporting local businesses, or encouraging visitors to explore beyond the Old Town,\u2019 the agency says. \u2018We invite people to check out unique neighbourhoods and historic spots outside the city, like Trakai and Kernav\u0117.\u2019<\/p>\n These lesser-known trips are driven by new initiatives such as \u2018Meet a Local<\/a>\u2019, a program where tourists can connect with locals and explore Vilnius and its surrounding areas from a resident\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n Starting your journey in Vilnius? The capital has scores of affordable accommodations, including the\u00a0Comfort Hotel LT \u2013 Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll<\/a>, TripAdvisor\u2019s top rated for value with rooms from \u20ac68 (\u00a357) per night.<\/p>\n For luxury, head to\u00a0Hotel Pacai<\/a>, a stylish hotel inside a Baroque palace where Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed. <\/p>\n The 104 rooms feature glossy marble bathrooms, centuries-old exposed brickwork and beds so comfortable you won\u2019t want to get up. But the real draw is the location, on what was once Vilnius\u2019 \u2018royal mile\u2019. Step out of the cobbled courtyard and you\u2019re right beside the old town, minutes from the city\u2019s finest restaurants, boutiques and landmarks. Double rooms with breakfast start from \u00a3162 per night.<\/p>\n Ancient Kaunas<\/p>\n There are many reasons Kaunas was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.<\/p>\n During the interwar period, Lithuania\u2019s second city was nicknamed \u2018Little Paris\u2019 for its Art Deco architecture, fashion, academic life and relaxed caf\u00e9 culture.<\/p>\n Just a one-hour drive from Vilnius, this city is also steeped in rich history.<\/p>\n \t\t Having been a settlement since the 10th century AD, it was initially founded as a fortress in 1030 before becoming a town in 1317. It\u2019s in the Old Town where this vibe is felt most strongly, from the medieval Cathedral-Basilica to Kaunas Castle.\u00a0<\/p>\n With restaurants and bars aplenty, it\u2019s easy to pass hours here, drinking coffee or a glass of traditional mead, the national drink of Lithuania.<\/p>\n Metro<\/strong>\u2018s Kirsten Robertson visited Kaunas in December 2023<\/a> and said the Aleksotas Observation Deck is well worth the trip for a panoramic view of the city. You can walk up the hill, drive up or glide up on a funicular for \u20ac1.<\/p>\n Staying in Kaunas and looking for Art Deco inspiration? The four-star \u2018Kaunas\u2019 hotel offers pure vibes for a steeper \u20ac106 (\u00a388) per night.<\/p>\n Palanga and the Baltic coast<\/p>\n Lithuania is not known for its beaches, but its position on the Baltic Sea means it has plenty of charming coastal spots.<\/p>\n Even luxury is accessible here. Lithuania boasts many wellness resorts, the biggest in the seaside town of Palanga, a popular summer resort with 13km of white sandy beaches.<\/p>\n Here you\u2019ll find the world\u2019s largest amber sauna, which uses amber and infrared rays to warm the body. Supposed benefits include pain relief, improved circulation, and relaxation.<\/p>\n Visitors can experience this for next to nothing at SPA Amber Palace, a four-star spa with a swimming pool and jacuzzi. The treatment typically ranges between \u20ac20-\u20ac30 (\u00a316-\u00a324) per person.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t While you\u2019re in the area, a trip to the \u2018Lithuanian Sahara\u2019 is non-negotiable.<\/p>\n The Curonian Spit is a spectacular collection of coastal dunes, so stunning it\u2019s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parnidid, the largest of the drifting dunes, is an Instagrammers paradise.<\/p>\n The country works hard to maintain Parnidis\u2019 dune landscape and its natural inhabitants. To ensure people can enjoy it for years to come, visitors are asked to stick to the designated walking routes and areas.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re after pure R&R, stay along the coast somewhere like the Kerp\u0117 Hotel. <\/p>\n Described as \u20184-star accommodation with spa facilities including a Turkish steam bath, jacuzzi and Himalayan salt room,\u2019 rates start from \u20ac93 (\u00a377.50) per night.<\/p>\n Pagan history<\/p>\n Scratch Lithuania\u2019s devoutly Catholic surface and you\u2019ll find a strong pagan culture still permeating the nation. <\/p>\n The country was the last pagan state in Europe, only converting to Christianity in the 14th century. As such, folklore traditions are very much alive. For context, Christianity first arrived in Britain in the 4th century.<\/p>\n Throughout the year, Lithuania honours this sacred heritage in myriad ways. One of the most prominent events is \u2018Jonin\u0117s,\u2019 also known as Midsummer Day, on June 24th.<\/p>\n This pagan festival celebrates the summer solstice, and people gather to sing songs, weave flower crowns and hunt for mythical fern blossoms. <\/p>\n \t\t In the mornings, revellers wash their faces with morning dew and walk barefoot in the belief it has healing powers. By night, they gather around bonfires, jumping over the flames to herald good health.<\/p>\n Best time to visit Lithuania<\/p>\n It depends on what kind of traveller you are. The summer season is Lithuania\u2019s busiest time for tourists. <\/p>\n With a relatively warm Baltic Sea and long bright days where temperatures range between 17\u00b0C and 23\u00b0C, June, July and August are also filled with summer festivals. Vilnius hosts the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival and\u00a0Klaip\u0117da has a Sea Festival.<\/p>\n Spring and late autumn is the time to see Lithuania\u2019s streets a lot quieter.<\/p>\n Those after a coolcation<\/a> should visit the Baltics during the winter, to enjoy cheap Christmas markets and snowcapped hills.<\/p>\n How to get to Lithuania<\/p>\n Getting to Lithuania is straightforward and cheap.<\/p>\n Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair<\/a> and Wizz Ai<\/a>r fly direct to Vilnius from major London airports (Stansted<\/a> and Luton)<\/a>, with one-way fares costing as little as \u20ac30 (\u00a325).<\/p>\n After landing, four buses run directly to the city centre and surrounding areas. The journey takes less than 15 minutes and buses run regularly, roughly every 10 to 30 minutes. Single tickets can be bought from the driver for \u20ac1 (83p).<\/p>\n Alternatively, you can fly to Kaunas International Airport, the second-busiest in the country. Located in central Lithuania, it\u2019s 14km northeast of the ancient city of Kaunas and 100km west of Vilnius. This airport mostly caters to low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz, with some one-way flights from Stansted, Luton or Bristol<\/a> costing as little as \u20ac24 (\u00a320).<\/p>\n Looking to head straight for the lapping waves of the Baltic Sea?<\/p>\n Palanga International Airport is the smallest airport in Lithuania and offers flights to the coast and its nearby locations. These fares are steeper, averaging between \u20ac108-\u20ac120 (\u00a390-\u00a3100) from Stansted.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tA tip for explorers\t\t\t<\/p>\n Lithuania\u2019s geographical position makes it perfect for multi-country holidays. In December 2023, Lithuanian Railways<\/a> introduced a daily Vilnius to Riga train, the capital of Latvia<\/a>. You can reach the city in just six-and-a-half hours by train, with second-class tickets costing \u20ac24 (\u00a320).<\/p>\n Following a few days exploration, hop on a five-hour train to Tallinn<\/a>, Estonia<\/a>\u2019s capital, where you\u2019ll complete the three Baltic states in one trip. Tickets are just as cheap, priced at \u20ac30.50 (\u00a325.30).<\/p>\n For Lina, it\u2019s Lithuania\u2019s reachability that convinces her the country can blossom into a mainstream destination. She says: \u2018The more people visit, learn the importance of nature, appreciate hard work for freedom and self-expression, the better the world may become.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\tComments Arrow Arrow
\nVilnius, Europe\u2019s most affordable capital<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_240665597-039b.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe buzz around Lithuania is more than justified (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-590266991-7840.jpg\")
\n\t\tVilnius is gaining attention for its rich history and affordability (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-901049498-a62f.jpg\")
\n\t\tA trip to Kaunas should not be skipped (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-1497009019-71bf.jpg\")
\n\t\tLithuania\u2019s sand dunes could be mistaken for the Spanish coast (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Drone](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_262534335-e054.jpg\")
\n\t\tLithuania\u2019s stunning countryside is replete with hundreds of lakes and rivers (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-494254150-4493.jpg\")
\n\t\tTravellers can easily visit Estonia via train from Lithuania (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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