The large and beautifully built airports in Lithuania give travellers a glimpse of the country’s design. Grand and welcoming with comprehensive facilities, the international airports in Lithuania are a perfect gateway to the beautiful country. Lithuania is renowned for its tranquil lakes, dense woods, and charming Baltic shoreline. Passengers are greeted by stunning views and less activity than they would expect in other European capitals. Nowadays, leisure travellers make up the majority of airport traffic in Lithuania. And they are hugely interested in the airport experience too.
The Grand Airports In Lithuania
The Lithuania airport group ranks first in the Baltics, second in the Nordics, and seventh in Europe as a whole. Let us have a look at what they have to offer.
1. Vilnius International Airport
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The biggest of the international airports in Lithuania and the busiest airport in Lithuania, which handles 4.8 million passengers annually, is Vilnius International Airport (VNO). Along with services for families and people with mobility issues, Vilnius Airport (VNO) provides a number of amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a business lounge, a variety of stores and eateries, currency exchange, banking, and VIP services. It has a VIP Terminal equipped with business amenities such as computer workstations, WiFi, photocopying, and printing. For qualified travellers, the Narbutas Business Lounge offers cosy seating, beverages, and internet access. There are numerous shops like Narvessen mini-markets, duty-free stores, and other retail establishments whose hours of operation coincide with those of flights.
Main Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, and Lufthansa
2. Kaunas International Airport
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The second-largest airport in Lithuania and the fourth busiest in the Baltic nations is the Kaunas International Airport (KUN). With about 750,000 passengers a year, Kaunas International Airport (KUN) is the second-busiest airport in Lithuania after Vilnius and a major hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair. While landing at the airport, the beautiful view of the Kaunas City Skyline mesmerises passengers. In addition to Lithuania’s lush greenery, lakes, and small villages, the meeting point of the Nemunas & Neris Rivers also translates into scenic aerial views. Like all the famous airports in Lithuania, the facilities at KUN are out-and-out impressive with modern check-in counters. Food & dining options include Coffee Hill and Airport Lounge Bar. Shoppers can have a thorough shopping experience with duty-free shopping options like Heinemann Duty-Free and small souvenir and convenience stores inside the terminal.
Main Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, airBaltic
3. Palanga International Airport
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PLQ is one of the airports in Lithuania, serving the coastal region and neighbouring cities like Klaipėda and Liepāja (Latvia), Palanga International Airport (PLQ) is a small but significant airport in Lithuania. It manages both domestic and international flights and functions via two terminals. The South Terminal was constructed in the 1970s and renovated in the late 1990s. Thus this airport represents the country’s cultural legacy. It includes airline offices, and cafe/bar facilities and is the check-in location for all flights. The North Terminal functions to facilitate the airport’s capacity for arrivals and departures to and from nations outside the Schengen area.
Main Airlines: Common carriers include Ryanair, Wizz Air, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and airBaltic
Places To Visit In Lithuania
Lithuania has a rich cultural heritage. It has many heritage sites to visit, along with spots that boast natural charm. It also has rich, immersive wildlife. The places you must visit are:
1. Gediminas Hill
Photo: Nenea hartia / Wikimedia Commons
Perched atop Gediminas Hill, Lithuania’s most well-known landmark, is Gediminas’ Tower. It represents Lithuania’s tenacity, history, and sense of national identity. Early in the 15th century, the present brick tower was built as a component of the Upper Castle, a crucial defensive fortress. Reach the summit for magnificent views. It is situated in Europe’s biggest and best-preserved medieval ancient town, Vilnius. It features a magnificent blend of Neoclassical, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Gediminas’ Tower holds panoramic views of Vilnius Old Town, the Neris River, and the surrounding landscape.
Best Time To Visit: Morning
2. Curonian Spit National Park
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Curonian Spit National Park is a natural attraction which offers breathtaking and unique sights. Its surreal, desert-like landscape stretches for 98 km along the Baltic Sea. It is shared by Russia and Lithuania. Here, we are looking at what the part owned by Lithuania has to offer. Listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it features some of the highest and most majestic dunes in Europe. In addition, there are quiet, pristine Baltic Sea beaches, rare birds and wildlife to spot, and quaint fishing villages namely Nida, Juodkrantė, and Pervalka. The park also represents the country’s cultural sites like the historical Thomas Mann’s House and Witches’ Hill. This is a park ideal for adventure lovers, with its hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and boat trip options.
Timings: 6 AM – 10 AM
3. Vilnius Old Town
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vilnius Old Town is a historic gem filled with Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Wander through its charming cobbled streets, explore centuries-old churches like St. Anne’s Church, and visit vibrant cafés and artisan shops. The town’s lively atmosphere is enriched with street performances, museums, and cultural landmarks. Don’t miss Gediminas Castle, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for history lovers and photographers alike.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Where To Stay
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Amidst the options of the widest variety of quality stays, there is the Hotel PACAI near the heart of Vilnius’ Old Town. It offers a luxury boutique feel. This is for those who love Old Town charm, history, and nightlife. To enjoy the seaside and direct ferries to the Curonian Spit, you must stay at the Michaelson Boutique Hotel, near the waterfront Klaipėda, replete with coastal vibes and port city charm. The Lithuanian locality of Nida (Curonian Spit) is best for nature & relaxation and serves your love for dunes and the beach. The top hotel here is the Jūratė Hotel offering a comfortable stay near the beach.
Where To Eat
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Like the wide variety of quality stays, there is also a wide variety of Lithuanian food available here. The food scene offers everything from traditional dishes to modern fine dining. The Vilnius is best for foodies & fine dining. Gourmet Lithuanian cuisine boasting historical recipes is found at the Ertlio Namas. Momo Grill is known for the best steaks and fresh seafood. Talking of fresh fish & nature views again, the Nidos Seklyčia is a worthy mention. Another name is Kiubėte, acclaimed for the Kibinai (savoury pastries with meat).
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- For people who like cycling, bike-friendly cities like Vilnius and Klaipėda are great with their rentals and cycling paths.
- Try traditional dishes. The country is rich in tradition and that applies to food too. Do not miss Cepelinai (potato dumplings), Saltibarsciai (cold beet soup), and Kibinai (pastries with meat).
- A great thing is that tap water is safe here. You can readily drink it in most places.
- Some shopping essentials here are amber jewellery and souvenirs as Lithuania is known as the “Land of Amber’. Also, you can buy linen products, chocolate & honey, ceramics and wooden crafts.
Lithuania has super busy airports with traffic increasing every year. They keep up with the pace in terms of competency, facilities, and presentability. The county is also rich in tourist attractions and natural beauty. With all these elements, the temptation to visit the destination is obvious. The best way to organise your travel is when you book your trips with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Jeffry S.S / Pexels / Image For Representation Only