If you don't love the high temperatures of the sky, summer vacation can bring, but you still want to enjoy a gorgeous trip. Lithuania is a great alternative to some of the busy holiday hotspots, with summer temperatures around 24c and no need to escape to the air conditioner every 10 minutes.
Just under three hours from the UK, Lithuania was recently named one of Lonely Planet's top European destinations in 2025, establishing its position as the ideal family-friendly alternative to traditional holiday hotspots. Lithuania's refreshing mild climate and rich outdoor activities make it the perfect cooldown destination as Southern Europe decorates another summer with extreme temperatures.
One of the gems of Lithuania is the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning land spreads through the Curionia lagoon, boasting incredible blowing sand dunes and a rich forested area home to unique plants and fauna.
Nearby is the town of Nida, one of Lithuania's most famous settlements. There are some of the cleanest beaches in all of Europe, but there are fewer crowds.
For something a little more lively, why not visit Palanga? This seaside town has a more traditional resort feel and is packed with outdoor cafés offering delicious local delicacies.
A bright pink beetroot soup, Chartibal Ciaye was named by ThatteTeatlas in 2024 as the world's best cold soup and is definitely worth a try.
There is also a Keyking Duona. and National Staples, Seperinay – hearty oval potato dumplings stuffed with meat and tofu and topped with sauce.
Just above the coast, Siventji offers quieter and more budget-friendly options. It is also a great place to explore Lithuanian culture and history. Home to Jemaiche Arka, a reconstructed pagan sacred place and ancient ancient observatory, this is the perfect place to see the sculptures of the Baltic god and learn about ancient Lithuanian religious rituals.
For a little more culture, visit the Palanga Amber Museum, Lithuania's most popular museum. Located in the former palace, the museum grounds are surrounded by 18 km of walks and botanical gardens filled with roses and other plants. Inside, visitors can explore over 28,000 amber exhibits. Many plants and insects go back thousands of years.
With direct flights from the UK to Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga, Lithuania is easy to reach, but still feels the beaten path. Perfect for holidays with slightly different differences.
