Lithuania, rebellious, quirky and vibrant, owes much to the rich cultural currents of central Europe. It once shared an empire with neighbouring Poland that stretched from the Baltic almost to the Black Sea. Lithuania's capital Vilnius boasts a baroque Old Town that is the largest in Eastern Europe and continues to build a reputation as the ‘New Prague'. Lithuania is littered with an abundance of natural treasures from the forests of the south to the magical Curonian Spit and the Nemunas Delta on the coast.

Best time to visit

May to September, the summer months.

Essential experiences

Wandering through the winding streets of Vilnius and peering into hidden courtyards; exploring the Curonian Spit, an isolated thread of sand composed of dunes and lush pine forests inhabited by elk, deer and wild boar; savouring fish freshly smoked to an old Curonian recipe; soaking up the curative powers of Druskininkai's mineral springs.

In a few words, Lithuania is

Eurovision song contest, Stalin world and Baltic States.

Did you know?

Lithuanian's never shake hands across a doorway, as it is believed to bring bad luck.