The country is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites(Image: Getty)

Europe's undiscovered paradise on the 'edge of the world' where you can buy a beer for £1.25

One Baltic state offers incredible outdoor adventures and stunning scenery less than three hours from the UK

12 Oct 2024, 01:00 by Laura Mckenna · The Mirror

In the heart of the Baltic region, Lithuania is fast emerging as Europe’s hidden gem offering a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Often overlooked by tourists who flock to some of the better-known European destinations, this small country is quietly making a name for itself as an undiscovered paradise with plenty to offer. From lush woodlands and rolling hills to pristine lakes, this stunning country provides an incredible opportunity to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

Lithuania is also an affordable travel option with cheap accommodation, dining and transport available. It's also easy to get around by bus, train, or bike and according to Budget Traveller, a refreshing Lithuanian beer could be yours to enjoy for as little as £1.25.

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Lithuania offers a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and coastlines. Its national parks offer hiking, cycling, and water activities, while the extensive coastline is just right for a spot of wildlife watching.

Perhaps one of the country's most impressive natural attractions is the Green Lakes, a collection of six inland lakes that are famous for their striking emerald hue.

Lithuania is also an affordable travel option with cheap accommodation

Located in northeastern Vilnius, Lake Balsys is the largest and most visited of the six lakes in the Verkiai Regional Park. A serene spot surrounded by forested shores and rolling hills, visitors come to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming and hiking, or settle down for a peaceful lakeside picnic, overlooking the incredible view.

The Baltic beauty is also home to the Curonian Split. A UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, this narrow strip of land is shrouded in legend.

There are six Green Lakes in Lithuania( Image: Giedrius Akelis)

A striking blend of vast dunes, pine forests and long sandy beaches, it's a haven for biodiversity, home to rare plant species, diverse wildlife and over 200 species of birds.

A lesser-known gem is the uniquely named 'Dutchman’s Cap' - an impressive dune cliff rising 24-25 meters above the Baltic Sea. Historically used by sailors and fishermen for navigation, the area remains a hidden coastal treasure that visitors love to explore.

The Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for nature enthusiasts( Image: Simas Bernotas)

Its striking views and untouched beauty evoke the sense of being on the 'edge of the world.'

For those seeking relaxation, Lithuania offers a range of natural wellness resorts and spas. Known for their therapeutic mud, mineral water and amber treatments, resorts like Birštonas, Druskininkai, Palanga, and Anykščiai are famed for their natural spa experiences.

The cliff resembling a Dutch hat offers a breathtaking seaside view( Image: Laurynas Šertvyčius)

Lithuania even boasts the world’s first "amber sauna," made from three tonnes of amber, where visitors can rejuvenate in a setting steeped in natural beauty.

Other must-see destinations include the scenic coastal village of Svencelė, Labanoras Regional Park with its 285 lakes scattered among picturesque Lithuanian villages and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kernavė is steeped in ancient history.

The country is home to the world’s first "amber sauna( Image: Druskininkai)

With short hot summers and cool, fresh winters it's a great place to spend time outdoors. In fact, with so much to offer, it's a wonder more Brits don't choose a trip to Lithuania over other destinations.

The two hour 40 minute flights from the UK to the capital city of Vilnius are also great value, starting from as little as £17.99 with several services running every day.