Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s biggest lake, a natural paradise for sailors, hikers, and cyclists. However, it is also a place for culture and relaxation. One of the lake’s most beautiful areas is the Káli-Basin, which is sometimes called the “Hungarian Provence”, due to its similarities to the French region, and boasts a unique Mediterranean micro-climate of its own, making it a little more exotic than other territories around the lake.
Hence, the Káli-Basin is definitely a place to visit. Here is a list of the 10 best things to do in this singular region of the Balaton:
1. A visit to Balatonhenye
Balatonhegye is a charming village in the northern part of the Káli-Basin. An excursion to this settlement is a good opportunity to explore the culture of this region, as the houses preserve the architecture of the original 19th-century village designs. However, Balatonhenye is also the starting point of many scenic hiking trails, therefore, it is an ideal day trip for anyone who is looking for a more active pastime.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
MiLa Home Balaton (@milahomebalaton) által megosztott bejegyzés
2. Watch the sunset from the Dörgicse church ruins
At Dörgicse you will find three church ruins from the era of the Arpad dynasty (8th – 14th century): the Saint Peter church, with a mysterious history, the small Dörgicse church of basalt, and the 22m tall lower-Dörgicse church ruin. Any of these three churches will prove a romantic spot to enjoy the end of a long day.
3. Sziget beach at Révfülöp
The Sziget beach is one of two beaches at Révfülöp, a small village lately become popular due to the yearly open water competition – the “Balaton-átúszás” – that starts from here. The Sziget beach is a short walk from the village centre, boasts lots of shade and an open-air cinema that is open every day of the week during the summer.
4.Have a family meal at “Neked Főztem” Zánka
Neked Főztem is a restaurant located by the main road at the highest point of the village of Zánka. It is a perfect balance between refined and casual. The building used to be a pub that typically locals would visit and when it was refurbished, the original design was kept. All courses are made from seasonal ingredients and can be enjoyed with a spritzer, which is a typical Balaton drink.
5. Káptalantóti farmers’ market
A little further away from the shore, you will find the Káptalantóti farmers’ market. The market first opened in 2007 and is open all year round on the weekends. It is a great place to buy organic and local produce – be that artisan cheese or traditional Hungarian clothing. You will also find more unique wares such as renovated antiques or vinyl discs.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
La Maison Virágműhely (@lamaisonviragmuhely) által megosztott bejegyzés
6. Grab an ice cream at “Kő fagyi?” (Mindszentkálla)
Kő fagyi boasts some of the best ice creams at lake Balaton, with some of the most unique tastes, including poppy seed or their latest ice cream flavour, the “Kalberry”. You will usually see a long queue of customers waiting for their ice cream, but the amazing tastes are absolutely worth it, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the village and its surroundings, makes time fly by fast.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
Orbán – Pintér Eszter (@eszter_orbanpinter) által megosztott bejegyzés
7. Pálköve Beach
This beach is one of the most hidden beaches on the northern bank of the Balaton. It is quite small, but as not many people know about it, it is never crowded.
8. Istvándy winery
Istvándy winery is located just outside the village of Káptalantóti and can be found on a mountain top. It has the most exquisite foods and mouth-coating wines that you can enjoy with a splendid view of the lake. It is an ideal place for families too, as it offers a separate children’s menu, as well as a playground for the little ones.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
Istvándy Pincészet (@istvandy_pinceszet) által megosztott bejegyzés
9. Visit the Human Comedy group of statues
Standing on the shore of the Kornyi lake, you will find four large figures, left there by Imre Veszprémi. They are made of limestone and metal tubes and make for quite an imposing sight as they watch over the land. You will notice them as you drive from the lake to Kővágóörs, it is impossible to miss.
10. Walk down to the Valley of Medicinal Herbs
In the village of Zánka, you will find the Valley of Medicinal Herbs. It is a place where more than 500 types of plants are grown, all with different medicinal properties. You can either choose to simply stroll through this paradise of plants, or ask for a detailed tour where you will learn more detail about the different herbs.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
Adrienn Nagy (@iamlittlemissdisaster) által megosztott bejegyzés