Located in the heart of the Baltic region, Lithuania is a relatively unspoilt country and one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Lithuania has otherworldly qualities – enchanting rolling hills, crystal clear lakes and many incredible historical sites, Express reports.
It is the largest of the three Baltic countries and home to less than three million people. This hidden gem is often bypassed by tourists in favour of better-known European destinations, but it is slowly gaining a reputation as an undiscovered paradise with many attractions. Lonely Planet has included the country in its Best in Travel ranking, which showcases the world’s best cities and regions.
The Lonely Planet team believes there has never been a better time to explore Lithuania’s incredible protected forests, lakes and sand dunes along the Baltic Sea.
Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a hidden gem filled with culture and history, with a vibrant social life. Green spaces cover 61% of this picturesque city, and in the heart of the capital is the Sapieha Palace, a significant monument of architecture, art and history.
Symbol of the country
Vilnius is one of the few European capitals to allow hot air ballooning, which has quickly become a symbol of the city. No visit to Lithuania would be complete without seeing the Curonian Spit, a 60-mile-long, thin, curved stretch of land that looks like a belt across the Baltic Sea.
Dominating long stretches of pure silvery beaches, the spit has been formed by sea, wind and human activity and is a wonder to explore.
Lithuania is just three hours from the UK and is a great inexpensive destination. A pint of beer can cost as little as £2.60 and a bottle of wine can cost just over a fiver, £5.20. The cheapest month to book is November, with average hotel rates as low as £42 per night.
