Baroque old towns, pine forests and the dunes of the Curonian Spit.
Lithuania, the southernmost Baltic state, mixes Baroque church towers with deep forests and a short, wild coastline. Vilnius has one of the largest old towns in northern Europe and the bohemian Užupis district, while nearby Trakai Island Castle sits in a lake. On the coast, the Curonian Spit is a thin ribbon of pine woods and huge sand dunes, shared with Russia's Kaliningrad region.
Travel is relaxed and good value, with hearty food like cepelinai (potato dumplings) and cold beetroot soup in summer. Distances are short, so it pairs easily with Latvia and Estonia. June to August is warm and full of festivals and beach days; winters are cold and dark, though Vilnius looks lovely around Christmas.
Best time to visit Lithuania
June, July, August.
Places to visit in Lithuania
Vilnius: Lithuania's green capital, with one of Europe's largest Baroque old towns, a self-declared artists' republic and a lively food scene.
Trakai: A lakeside town near Vilnius, famous for its restored Gothic island castle and the culture of the Karaim community.
Curonian Spit: A narrow UNESCO-listed sand spit of high dunes, pine forest and fishing villages between the Baltic and the Curonian Lagoon.
Kaunas: Lithuania's second city and interwar capital, known for its modernist architecture, a medieval castle and a lively student life.
Essentials
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Lithuanian; English common among younger people, Russian and Polish also heard
Plugs: Type C / F, 230 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+2
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants for good service
Getting around: Buses and trains link Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda; a car helps in the countryside
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking