In a historic achievement, Lithuania has been named the second-best travel destination in the world for 2025 by one of the world’s largest travel guide publishers, Lonely Planet. The Baltic nation, which also ranked first in Europe, is among 10 global destinations recommended for travellers to visit next year, topped only by Cameroon.
This prestigious recognition spotlights Lithuania for its rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and modern attractions. The Lonely Planet experts, known for their high standards, highlighted four key Lithuanian gems that make it a must-visit destination.
What Makes Lithuania Stand Out?
Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, a vibrant and modern city steeped in history, was singled out for its charm. Known for its green spaces, buzzing atmosphere, and a cutting-edge bar and restaurant scene, the city offers a unique blend of historical depth and contemporary life.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, starting with the Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its shifting sand dunes and coastal beauty. Another iconic destination is the Hill of Crosses, a deeply spiritual site that attracts pilgrims from around the world. For those seeking adventure in the great outdoors, Aukštaitija National Park offers pristine forests and lakes, perfect for immersing in Lithuania’s wild nature.
A Rising Star in Global Tourism
Lithuania’s rise in the tourism world is no surprise to the country’s officials. According to Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation, this honour reflects Lithuania’s progress in various fields, including culture, sustainability, technology, and innovation. “Lonely Planet’s recognition is a natural continuation of Lithuania’s achievements in recent years,” Armonaitė commented, highlighting the country’s increasing importance on the world stage.
Olga Gončarova, head of Travel Lithuania, echoed this sentiment, noting thatLonely Planet*’s selection criteria are exceptionally rigorous, making Lithuania’s inclusion all the more meaningful. “To be recommended by Lonely Planet means meeting the highest expectations of a global audience, which is an incredible recognition for Lithuania,” Gončarova said.
What Does Lonely Planet Look for?
Lonely Planet evaluates several factors when choosing its recommended travel destinations, including tourism infrastructure, service quality, and a country’s safety. Uniqueness, sustainability, and the authenticity of the travel experience are also key components of the selection process. Lithuania’s growing reputation as a safe, affordable, and sustainable destination, combined with its ability to offer both modern urban experiences and untouched natural beauty, helped secure its place at the top of the list.
Each year, Lonely Planet compiles its recommendations with input from a global network of travel experts, journalists, and local guides. The final list is curated after extensive evaluations and discussions, ensuring a diverse range of countries and experiences for travellers.
A Gateway to New Tourism Trends
This recognition also places Lithuania at the heart of emerging tourism trends. As the world increasingly seeks out destinations offering sustainability, authenticity, and cultural depth, Lithuania fits perfectly into this shift. Whether you’re drawn to its dynamic cities or peaceful natural landscapes, the country offers a wealth of new experiences for every traveller.
A Call to Explore Lithuania
For Lithuania, this recognition is not only an honour but also an opportunity to further showcase its unique offerings to the world. With this momentum, the country is eager to welcome even more travellers in 2025, offering an unparalleled blend of history, culture, nature, and modernity.
As Gončarova aptly said, “This recognition motivates us to work even more actively with foreign markets and attract quality, sustainable, and responsible tourism enthusiasts to discover Lithuania.”
