People have been living in the area where the tiny seaport of Šventoji now stands for at least 5,000 years. Translating as The Holy, Šventoji is situated at the mouth of the river of the same name, a body of water that’s brought it both fame and ruin over the centuries due to its past importance as a gateway in and out of the Baltics. First marked on a map in 1542, Šventoji’s fidelity has been tested by almost everyone, including the British who briefly ran the port at the end of the 18th century. Technically part of Palanga since 1973 and just 13km to the north, the resort's been building a reputation of late as a destination to vie with its two bigger rivals further down the coast. Delusions of grandeur? The thousands who flock to the village every summer don't think so. To find out more, visit the tourist information people in Palanga (see below) when you're in town.