Vilnius named European Hospitality City 2025

(and why it’s a brilliant destination to explore by caravan, campervan and motorhome)

Vilnius during the evening

I first visited Vilnius by caravan during Bailey of Bristol’s Arctic Adventure, towing across the Netherlands, Germany and Poland before dropping into Lithuania’s capital en route to the Arctic Circle. And while the newly announced European Hospitality City 2025 title is firmly rooted in the hotel world, Vilnius turns out to be an outstanding destination for caravan, campervan, and motorhome travel too.

Good road links, calm driving conditions and a genuine warmth towards visitors make it ideal for anyone exploring the Baltics under their own steam. And with three well-run Alan Rogers campsites within reach of the city, it’s a straightforward addition to any overland itinerary.

A Major European Award for a City Built on Hospitality

Vilnius has been named European Hospitality City 2025 by the European Hotel Awards – a rare Honorary Award reserved for cities that genuinely embody the ideals of European hospitality: sincerity, warmth, innovation and openness.

The announcement was made at a gala ceremony on 17 November 2025 at the Grand Hotel Vilnius, attended by hospitality leaders from across the continent.

According to Mayor Valdas Benkunskas, the award reflects a decade of steady investment and growth across the city’s tourism ecosystem – not only in hotels but also in the broader visitor experience.

The Awards’ international jury added that Vilnius “represents a new narrative for Europe – a capital where tradition and innovation coexist naturally,” and that the honour carries a symbolic encouragement for Lithuania to continue setting high standards.

Vilnius in the summer

Why This Matters to Touring Travellers

Although the accolade focuses on the city’s hotels, its underlying message applies equally to those exploring by caravan or motorhome. A place that values efficiency, openness, and service almost always makes overland travel easier and more enjoyable.

From my own caravanning experience, Vilnius delivered precisely that.
Roads were easy to navigate, the driving felt calmer than in many Western capitals, and the welcome was genuinely enthusiastic. For touring travellers crossing the Baltics, it’s an inviting, compact and rewarding city to explore.

This year’s awards also recognised several leading figures in Vilnius’ hospitality scene, including:

  • Radisson Collection Astorija – Hotel of the Year (Lithuania)
  • Chef Donatas Šatkauskas (Telegrafas) – Chef of the Year
  • Sigita Rudzevičiėnė, GM, Grand Hotel Vilnius – Hotel Director of the Year
  • Evalda Šiškauskienė – Lifetime Achievement Award

While these celebrate traditional hospitality, touring visitors increasingly benefit from the same rising standards.

The city of Vilnius
Sakyk suris

Vilnius’ Growing Role on the European Travel Map

The Lithuanian capital has quickly become a hub for continental tourism events. Over the past year, it has hosted:

  • The European Hotel Awards
  • The Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum
  • The inaugural Baltic Gastro Summit

It will also welcome the HOTREC General Assembly, further solidifying its role as a leader in European tourism and visitor services.

For caravanners and motorhomers, this momentum typically translates into better infrastructure, improved transport links, and a more polished experience across the city.

Touring Near Vilnius: Three Campsites Worth Knowing

The following Alan Rogers-listed campsites make excellent bases for exploring Vilnius. Each offers something slightly different, depending on the style of trip you’re planning.

1. Camping Lavender Village (Levandų ūkis Kempingas)

Distance from Vilnius: approx. 28 km / 35 minutes

Set on a working lavender farm, this peaceful rural site offers a laid-back base within easy reach of the city.

Facilities:

  • Touring pitches with electricity
  • Modern washblock
  • Small café/snack kiosk (seasonal)
  • Lavender fields and a shop
  • Wi-Fi (varies by pitch)

Size: 25–35 touring pitches
Best for: Quiet stays, nature, photography, rural Baltic scenery
Further information can be found here.

2. Kempingas Slenyje (Valley Camping, Trakai Region)

Distance from Vilnius: approx. 35 km / 40 minutes

A lakeside campsite near Lake Galvė and the famous Trakai Island Castle. Ideal for combining city exploration with waterside relaxation.

Facilities:

  • Lakeside pitches with electric hook-ups
  • Modern showers and toilets
  • Seasonal café/bar
  • Kayak, SUP and boat hire
  • Children’s play area

Size: 40–60 pitches
Best for: Watersports, families, scenic stays, day trips into Vilnius
Further information can be found here.

3. Holiday Park Apple Island (Obuolių Sala)

Distance from Vilnius: approx. 60 km / 1 hour

A more developed resort-style site located on Apple Island, connected to the mainland by a short causeway. It’s the most fully featured of the three.

Facilities:

  • Touring pitches with power
  • Restaurant with lake views
  • Sauna and wellness options
  • Modern washrooms
  • Boat and bike hire
  • Children’s play areas
  • On-site shop

Size: Approx. 40+ touring pitches within a larger resort
Best for: Longer stays, families, travellers wanting hotel-like facilities
Further information can be found here.

Why add Vilnius to your touring wishlist?

Whether you’re heading north to Latvia and Estonia, or east towards Poland and Slovakia, Vilnius makes an excellent touring stop thanks to:

  • Straightforward road access and good surfaces
  • Relaxed driving conditions compared with many capitals
  • Affordable campsite prices
  • Compact historic centre that’s easy to explore
  • Strong year-round appeal, from Christmas markets to lakeside summer stays
  • A genuine culture of hospitality that extends far beyond the hotel sector
  • Go Vilnius | the Official Development Agency of the City of Vilnius can be found here.
A park in Vilnius