'Postcard-perfect' holiday destination with unspoilt beaches not heaving with tourists

With popular holiday destinations like Spain, Greece, and Portugal dealing with scorching temperatures and wildfire warnings over the summer months, Lithuania has emerged as the perfect alternative destination. With unspoilt beaches, vast pine forests, and reliably pleasant weather, there's something for everyone, whatever your style of holiday.

Recently named one of Lonely Planet's top European destinations for 2025, this Baltic country reaches a pleasant 22-24°C during peak summer holiday time, contrasting the highs of 35-41°C in the southern parts of Europe. With around 3,000 lakes, long coastlines, and dozens of nature reserves, a summer in Lithuania can be active rather than exhausting. And it's likely to be a lot less crowded than any holiday hotspot.

Beaches

Lithuania likely isn't the first place that pops to mind when thinking of a beach holiday, but perhaps it should be up there. One of the country's most distinctive highlights is the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, where windswept sand dunes stretch between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon.

And the nearby town of Nida boasts some of the cleanest beaches in Europe, with stretches of white-sand without the crowds you may expect elsewhere in Europe.

The city of Palanga is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a traditional beach resort vibe, while those looking for a quieter, more budget-friendly option should opt for the town of Šventoji.

Alongside its beaches and nature resorts, Šventoji is also home to emaii Alka, a reconstructed pagan sacred site and ancient paleo astronomical observatory - a must for any history buffs visiting the country.

Historical sites

There are numerous historical sites to visit when holidaying in Lithuania, from the postcard-perfect Trakai Castle, set on an island in Lake Galv, to a Cold War Museum, built into a former Soviet missile base, near Lake Plateliai.

While Palanga is noted as being a great resort destination, it's also the location of the Palanga Amber Museum where you can see a huge collection of amber sculptures housed in a former palace and surrounded by the Palanga Botanical Garden.

Vilnius

Lithunia's capital city of Vilnius is the cheapest European capital to visit, and welcomed just over one million people in 2023, significantly less than other European tourist hotspots like Prague, which welcomed more than seven million tourists in the same year

Vilnius Old Town is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming squares.

Tourists to the city can also visit the Lukišks prison, a former prison that has turned into a hub of music and art. Take a walking tour to delve deeper into the prison's history, or enjoy a coffee while watching some live music.

How to get to Lithuania

With direct flights from the UK to Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga, Lithuania is easy to reach. Flights typically take less than three hours.