Tired of Valentine's Day clichés? Lithuania Travel invites you to experience it differently

For some couples Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year, while for others it causes an allergic reaction. Tacky decorations, clichés taken straight from 90s romcoms, and crowds of people are not for everyone. For some of us all that noise leaves no room for any kind of romance. However, there is no single recipe for Valentine's Day. You don't need to celebrate it the same way everyone else does. Especially since Lithuania offers so many unique ways to do it. 

Escape the crowds on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has a rather divisive reputation. Although many people celebrate it, just as many simply can't stand it. A survey conducted in the United States a few years ago showed that 60% of people don't even consider it a real holiday. Additionally the pressure to spend money and engage in supposedly romantic activities are deeply off putting for thousands of couples.

"To people who dislike certain holidays, I say that they probably don't dislike the holiday itself, but rather the ways they've tried celebrating it so far. The good news is that Lithuania gives you a chance to experience Valentine's day differently. Here you can create a holiday you truly desire. For example, you can temporarily escape from your mundane routine and enjoy romantic time away from other people," says Neringa Sutkaitytė, tourism expert at Lithuania Travel.

For couples seeking peaceful and calm Valentine's Day, Lithuania Travel recommends giving a chance to glamping. These places, also sometimes called forest hotels, are increasingly among travelers both in Lithuania and worldwide. They can offer your privacy, comfort, and novel experiences, and are an ideal exotic getaway. There are plenty of options to choose from – in a tree, right next to the water, under open skies, or deep in the forest. It's a perfect way to stay in nature while still having access to all the comforts we're accustomed to.

You can choose your glamping location according to your taste and priorities. There are plenty of accommodations both in forests, by lakes or rivers, or both close to the city and in remote locations. Many of these recreational spots also offer sauna or sulfur bath services. Additionally, they're usually located near regional parks, reserves, and nature trails perfect for long romantic strolls.

For those seeking more comfort

For couples who aren't interested in glamping, Lithuania's coast can be an ideal choice. Beautiful and tranquil Juodkrantė, with its pristine beaches and pine-scented Witches' Hill, attracts thousands of visitors during the summer, but goes into a state of light hibernation during the cold months. In other words, it's simply perfect for those seeking more privacy.

Another great idea is to stay on the other side of the Curonian Lagoon, in Pamarys region. It will undoubtedly charm you with its unique nature and a sense of tranquility. While staying here, a visit to Ventė Cape is a must. This place offers you a chance to admire perhaps the most memorable sunsets in Lithuania.

If you choose to visit the nearby Tauragė district as well, be sure to stop at Pagramantis Regional Park, climb its observation tower raised at the confluence of the Akmena and Jūra rivers. This spot gives you a chance to admire the rivers' "embrace" from a bird's-eye view.

If traveling to the seaside is not your cup of tea, you can visit Molėtai region known for its many lakes. Here you’ll find a perfect blend of peace and comfort. You can spend a romantic weekend walking through local pine forests, along lake shores, climbing the Mindūnai observation tower, and enjoying SPA pleasures in the evenings. By the way, this is a great chance to stay at the new Molėtai Hotel, recently selected as the most successful accommodation service provider of 2024.

If you don't want to get bored on Valentine's Day

If you want peace and quiet on Valentine's Day, it doesn't mean you're limited to just lounging on the spa lounge chair. This holiday is also perfect for educational or sport activities that will give couples a chance to spend romantic time together while learning or experiencing something interesting and exciting at the same time.

Valentine's Day is also ideal for trying new activities. For instance, why not learn some traditional Lithuanian crafts? Here the possibilities are endless! From pottery making, weaving, or wool felting to candle making, amber jewelry creation, or even making Shrove Tuesday masks. You're only limited by your own imagination.

Horseback riding will undoubtedly add romance to your life. Lithuania has numerous stables offering not only the chance to meet these wonderful animals but to embark on journeys along scenic routes as well. For example, the one in Juniper Valley. It's one of the most beautiful places in the entire Kaunas Regional Park. Due to the natural juniper grove growing on the steep slope of the Kaunas Reservoir, this place is sometimes called Lithuanian Switzerland.

Finally, a romantic dinner at a restaurant is an essential part of any Valentine's Day. The good news is that there are perfect places for this even far from the country's major cities. A great example is Red Brick restaurant, located in Radiškis village, which was recently included in the prestigious Michelin guide. It's perfect for both an immaculate dinner and a longer stay.

"These are just a small portion of places and activities that will help you create a somewhat different Valentine's Day experience. We dislike some holidays simply because we associate them with certain clichés. But Valentine's day can be anything you want it to be. Not some banal and overly sentimental event, but a perfect way to strengthen your romantic connection. You just need to be brave enough to create it in your own way," says domestic travel expert Neringa Sutkaitytė.