Anyksciai

The vividly green hamlet of Anyksciai, located halfway between Kaunas and the Latvian border in the east, provides a natural escape balanced with some genuinely lovely ecclesiastical buildings. The red-brick Basilica of Apostle Evangelist St Matthew's high Gothic spires, which dominate the banks of the meandering Sventoji, may be seen here.

This stunning structure, which dates back more than 500 years, today has the highest church towers in all of Lithuania, as well as some dazzling stained-glass works by the renowned artist Anorte Mackelaite. After that, dust off your walking boots (if it's summer) or wax your skis (if it's winter), for Anyksciai also offers the little ski resort of Kalitos Kalnas and infinite hiking paths on its outskirts.

Anyksciai Regional Park and the neighboring communities have a number of attractions. Anyksciai may be exactly up your alley if you're interested in local history, the beauty of the forest, and the hidden riches of less-visited locations.

• Location: Lithuania
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: capital of Lithuanian wine created from the harvest of local gardens - the country's most well-known drink
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: If you want to visit Anyksciai when it's the hottest, the months to go are July, August, and then June.