On recommendation from a friend and one that was followed up by every 'top things to do in Lithuania' search, we set out to the town of Trakai, half an hour west of Vilnius. Despite the 14th century island castle being the main attraction, the surrounding canoe-studded lakes and open-air cafés selling 'kibinai' (a Trakai specialty akin to a pasty) lent the place such a laid-back, beach town vibe that we wished we stayed longer.
Our first point of call was, of course, the castle itself - accessed by a big wooden bridge!
After wandering through the various exhibits, climbing many a stair and taking in the views from the tiny turret windows, we headed back over the bridge and walked by the water. It was pretty hot by this time and I was gagging for a swim, so we turned our attentions to the lake and assessed our options - simply swim? just a paddle? ooh hire a pedalo? maybe a canoe? surely not a paddle board?
Paddle board it was and the best choice too! We hired one each and splashed about on the lake for an hour before a very soggy journey home! But SO worth it!!
Trakai was one of the best days of the trip and now comes highly recommended from me as well!
