MOST Brits will stick to Western Europe for a summer holiday heading to the likes of France or Spain.
But in doing so are missing out on beautiful and not to mention cheaper alternatives in the east, like Lithuania.
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Lithuania hasn’t typically been a holiday location for Brits, but it’s seeing a rise in tourists.
Last year, Lithuania was Europe‘s fastest-growing destination with international arrivals up 21 per cent – and it’s emerging as a compelling alternative for 2026.
Having visited Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, late last year, I can vouch that it makes for a great city break.
And it will be even more pleasant in spring and summer when temperatures can reach highs of 30C.
While it was a little colder (and even snowed) when I visited in December 2025, I still got a feel for the city where I found bargain drinks and cute markets.
In the heart of the capital city is its beautiful Old Town which has cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and plenty of bars.
If you look up, beautiful churches dominate the skyline – the Old Town has around 40 alone.
Meanwhile, the streets are winding and with shops, cafes and restaurants. I discovered one bar called Vynomanai, which was selling coffee for €2 (£1.74) and beer for €3 (£2.62).
One snack you have to try as it’s a local delicacy called ‘kepta duona’ – and once you have a taste, you won’t be able to stop.
Essentially it’s fried bread in garlic – which is like the UK’s version of pork scratchings. But, if you want something slightly fancier, Vilnius has four Michelin-star restaurants with tasting menus.
In huge contrast is the modern city of Vilnius which is filled with green parks, museums, art galleries and shopping centres.
For something more quirky, head to Lukiskiu Kalejimas prison to take a tour around the cells – unbelievably it was used up until 2019.
After its closure, the site was used for filming prison scenes in Season 4 of Stranger Things.
Now it’s used as a cultural centre and is open to the public for tours.
I’d say, to get a feel of the city, head out into the Old Town early on Sunday morning, you can hear the church bells chime and the streets were practically deserted when I went for a wander.
If you’re booking your next getaway – here are some of our favourite family holidays…
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Selenium Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
This hotel is a top pick for families who want to do a bit of everything. If you love the water, the nearby beach is packed with fun activities like banana boats, jet-skiing, and diving, while the hotel’s pool is perfect for a more relaxing dip. For a change of pace, the hotel can help you organise horse riding or bike rides along the pretty coastal paths, and there’s even a golf course just 20 minutes away for the grown-ups.
Blue Sea Interpalace, Tenerife
With a massive outdoor pool, mini-golf, and a dedicated kids club, there’s plenty here to keep kids of all ages entertained. Each of the 234 rooms comes with the essentials like air-con and a minibar, and the all-inclusive buffet means everyone stays fueled for a day on the beach or battling on the sports courts. When you’re ready to explore, Puerto de la Cruz is right on your doorstep, where you can wander past an 18th-century fort, explore the pretty harbour, or play on the island’s famous volcanic black-sand beaches.
Rodos Star, Rhodes, Greece
Rodos Star is perched on a hilltop with stunning views over the Aegean Sea. It’s a great choice for a relaxed Greek getaway, featuring a main pool for the grown-ups and a dedicated splash pool for the kids. With evening entertainment like Greek dancing and live music three times a week, there’s plenty of fun for everyone. You’re just a five-minute stroll from Afandou, a traditional village packed with shops and authentic tavernas. Plus the generous all-inclusive package will keep everybody fed and happy.
Archipel Monastir, Tunisia
This glamorous Tunisian retreat sits directly on a golden beach, putting the Mediterranean Sea right at your doorstep. Families will love the spacious rooms that sleep up to four, along with a fun-filled sports schedule featuring tennis, volleyball, and archery. While the kids are busy, you can slip away to the hotel’s luxurious spa and traditional hammam for some serious relaxation. When you’re ready to explore, the city of Monastir is packed with local history including ancient fortresses.
For those who like to relax, Lithuania is a great place to do so as it has a high density of spas.
Last year, Lithuania was even crowned the best spot in the world for health and wellness by ITB Health Tourism.
In dedicated wellness towns like Druskininkai, you’ll find lots more, here is home to Dineika Wellness Park.
The small resort has an open-air gym, public sauna by the river, lots of parklands to explore.
Entry to the park is actually free and treatments start from as little €12 (£10.43).
Guests can take mud baths, bubble baths and opt for massages which start from €20 (£17.39).
Lithuania has a relatively short coastline which stretches around 57 miles, but it does have some beaches.
Popular spots with white sands include Neringa, Palanga, and Smiltynė.
Or with the coastline being short, lots opt to swim in its freshwater lakes instead, like Green Lakes and Balžis.
Flights to Vilnius are cheap too, in April you can get one-way flights from London Luton from as little as £16 with Ryanair and be there in under three hours.
For more on holidays, one of Europe’s cheapest city break destinations with £2 beers and massive waterpark has new UK flights.
And this spot in ‘Eastern European Riviera’ with white sand beaches that you can fly to for £13 from the UK.