Lithuania stands out as one of the best destinations for travelers in 2025. According to Lonely Planetone of the largest travel guide publishers, this Baltic country is ranked number one in Europe and is among the world's top 10 destinations recommended for tourists for next year. Indeed, it is positioned as the second best destination among 30 must-see places around the world, just behind Cameroon, which occupies first place.
What sets Lithuania apart?
According to the government tourism promotion agency Travel Lithuaniathe selected destinations all share an exceptional nature. However, to appear in the top 10, a country must also stand out for the originality of its offer, the quality of its infrastructure, excellent value for money, a sustainable approach and a strong sense of security. Lithuanian experts have identified four main attractions that illustrate these criteria.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital, embodies a captivating marriage of past and present. Its medieval architecture and historic squares bear witness to a rich cultural heritage, while its dynamism reflects an assumed modernity.
Nicknamed the “Jerusalem of the North”, Vilnius is renowned for its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobbled streets, churches with slender bell towers and stone buildings illustrate its glorious past. The city also offers numerous green spaces, true havens of peace, with shaded parks, green banks and tree-lined squares that invite you to relax.
The spectacular Curonian Spit National Park
Nature lovers will be amazed by the Curonian Spit National Park, an exceptional natural site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This territory is famous for its shifting dunes shaped by the wind, its fine sand beaches, and its majestic pine forests.
The park is home to exceptional biodiversity, including numerous species of migratory birds which find refuge in these preserved spaces. Visitors will also be able to explore hidden coves and admire cliffs sculpted by erosion, offering breathtaking panoramas.
The wild nature of Aukštaitija National Park
For adventurers, Aukštaitija National Park, located about 100 kilometers north of Vilnius, offers a real outdoor playground. This vast land is full of ancient forests and crystal clear lakes, ideal for hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching.
The marked trails invite visitors to discover preserved nature populated by deer, elk and many species of birds. The more adventurous can pitch their tent on the edge of a peaceful lake, enjoying the sound of frogs and the crackling of a campfire.
The Hill of Crosses near Siauliai
The Hill of Crosses, near the town of Šiauliai, is an iconic spiritual place. This unique site brings together more than 100,000 crosses, of all sizes and shapes, deposited over the centuries by believers.
This shrine, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in Lithuania, resisted numerous attempts at destruction during the Soviet era. Today, it attracts pilgrims from all over the world, who come to pray or lay down their own crosses as a testimony of faith.
A rising star in global tourism
Lithuania's rise as a global tourist destination comes as no surprise to local authorities. Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė said: “The recognition of Lonely Planet is the logical continuation of Lithuania's progress in key areas such as culture, sustainable development and innovation. »
Olga Gončarova, director de Travel Lithuaniaadded: “Being recommended by Lonely Planet is a prestigious distinction that demonstrates our ability to meet the highest expectations of an international audience. »
