It happened quickly and without much noise: A city that most Israelis barely knew a few months ago suddenly became the hottest summer destination. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has gained so much popularity among Israelis that Israir decided to add a third weekly flight to Vilnius – an addition that rarely happens in the middle of a season.
The airline, which only began operating direct flights to Vilnius at the beginning of June with two weekly flights, finds itself responding to demand that has grown beyond all expectations. Starting August 5th, Israir will add an additional flight on Tuesdays, in addition to the existing flights on Sundays and Thursdays.
What makes Vilnius so attractive?
The Lithuanian city manages to do something that not many European destinations succeed at: Attracting both families and young crowds at the same time. It’s not easy to achieve, but Vilnius succeeds because of its unique combination.
A rich history that begins in the Middle Ages and continues through various periods of Polish, Russian, and German rule. Vilnius’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobblestone streets, stunning Baroque churches, and architecture that tells a story spanning hundreds of years.
But Vilnius is not just a museum city. The local cuisine is gaining growing appreciation among Israeli food lovers, with local markets offering fresh products and restaurants blending tradition with modernity. Prices also remain reasonable compared to other European tourist cities.
The phenomenon of Vilnius’s growing popularity among Israelis is no coincidence. In recent years, Israeli travelers have been looking for new and less common destinations, places that have not yet become overly touristic and still maintain their authenticity.
Lithuania in general, and especially Vilnius, offers something often forgotten in well-known destinations: A true sense of discovery. When travelers arrive in Rome or Paris, they know what to expect. When they arrive in Vilnius, there is still an element of surprise and discovery.
Additionally, the city offers convenient access to other destinations in the Baltic region. One can combine a visit to Vilnius with trips to Riga in Latvia or Tallinn in Estonia, creating a diverse European experience that doesn’t require many internal flights.