The fewer days you have off, the longer you want them to last, right? With this in mind, we have found the perfect beach hideaway, where in summer the sun doesn't set until 11pm. A treasured location among travel insiders, Lithuania's stunning Curonian Spit is a must-visit destination for 2008.
This long, pristine sand spit is as close as you'll come to a Sahara desert in Europe. From above it resembles the curve of a spider's web elegantly joining the Lithuanian Coast to Russia. 98 km long, the thin, curved lick of sand separates a blue lagoon from the Baltic sea, where the refreshing smell of pine forests fills the air. Sound incredible? Trust us, it is.
Laze on the sand, take a dip, and explore the secluded bays, forests and massive shifting dunes, under which are reputedly buried 14 villages. Don't worry, they won't move under your feet, but we still recommend going now before everyone else hears about it.
The chic and stylish Hotel Palanga near the spit is an incredible glass-fronted property which looks onto the pine forests lining the beaches of the coastal town. Shrouded in mythology and edged with huge white sand beaches, this town is teeming with vibrant bars and bustling restaurants which make it the number one Lithuanian party town. Listen to live music while sipping a local beer and watching the slow sunset over the Baltic sea - the long days give you the chance to really optimise your time off.
Make four days feel like a fortnight as you kick back on the Curonian Spit, and soak up the nature of the national park far away from the tourist throng.
