Plateliai – one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages

In 2025, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Plateliai as one of the world’s “Best Tourism Villages,” honoring the town for its sustainable tourism development, dedicated preservation of cultural heritage, and ongoing celebration of authentic Samogitian identity. This distinction has made the village a true magnet for both Lithuanian and international travelers.

The lake’s sandy, shallow coast, particularly the stretch alongside Hotel Linelis, is ideal for families with children, while the small islands scattered across the lake are easily explored by boat. If you prefer to lace up your hiking boots, the surrounding forests and wetlands offer trails where you can get up close with the local flora and fauna.

There’s plenty on offer for those interested in cultural and historical exploration as well. Nearby Plateliai Manor houses Europe’s only museum dedicated to Užgavėnės (Shrove Tuesday) masks. The local tradition, stretching back to pagan times, involves wearing devilish masks to chase away the winter. Here, you’ll find 250 such masks alongside exhibits explaining the tradition itself. For those more interested in modern history, a Cold War museum near the lakeshore offers the chance to descend into the underground shafts of a former ballistic missile base.