Top News

Underrated 'crowd-free' European country with scenic beaches and the cheapest city break
Reach Daily Express | July 6, 2025 5:39 PM CST

Many British tourists aren't aware of what's on offer in one of Europe's most overlooked countries to visit. Many tourists are considering alternatives to their usual summer destinations. This is down to a number of reasons, including an increase in protests against overtourism in areas such as Tenerife and Barcelona, as well as soaring temperatures in countries like Spain and Portugal. Brits might want to look elsewhere for a more relaxed and even cheaper experience.

Lithuania Travel has revealed the reasons to visit the eastern European country, including its often overlooked beaches and fascinating history. Lithuania is just under three hours from the UK, making it an accessible destination for Brits heading abroad this summer. Plus, it gets rather warm but not exceedingly hot in the summer months, which might provide great relief for those of us who struggle with temperatures in the mid-30s and even 40s.

Additionally, Lithuania proves to be a cost-effective destination to travel to. The country's capital, Vilnius, was named the cheapest city break for Brits last year. The team at Post Office Travel Money examined 37 European cities to find the cheapest one and the Lithuanian city came out on top.

British tourists will find coffee for just £1.82, beer for £2.77 and art gallery entry at just £7.07. Among the top things to do in Vilnius are the historic Old Town, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles, Vilnius Museum of Illusions, the Hill of Three Crosses and St Anne's Church.

The capital city is a hit with tourists, but there is actually much more to Lithuania than Vilnius. In fact, there are some stunning beaches along the coastline of this small country. Some of the best beaches and resorts in Lithuania include Palanga.

Here, you will find Palangos Pliaas, a long beach backed by dunes, which is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. There is also a pier here which offers great views of the coast and the clear waters underneath.

On top of that, there is the lively Basanaviiaus Street, lined with bars and restaurants. Other beachside resort destinations in Lithuania include Curonian Spit, Nida, Juodkrant and Šventoji.

It turns out there is a lot more to Lithuania than British tourists realise. According to Visit Lithuania, temperatures there reach between 22C and 24C in summer, making it nice and hot but not swealtering.

They list a number of other reasons for Lithuania being a go-to spot for tourists looking for something a little different from their usual destinations. They mention the Curonian Spit, which has Europe's cleanest Blue Flag beaches at Nida and Palanga.

"One of the country's most distinctive highlights is the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Windswept sand dunes stretch between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, creating a unique landscape rich in flora and fauna, drawing in artists, hikers, and beachgoers alike," they said.

Additionally, there is a unique cuisine in Lithuania which offers something different, as well as a number of castles and historical sites for culture vultures. For the more adventurous tourists, there are opportunities for activities like kayaking along the scenic rivers in the country.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK