Balatonfüred holidays

At the eastern end of the promenade, Esterházy Beach greets you with vibrant flower displays and a super laid-back vibe. For a fee, it’s all at your fingertips – a sandy shore, grassy spots, waterslides and sun loungers, plus plenty of food options. Awarded the Blue Wave Flag for its eco-friendly upkeep, this beach is as charming as it is well-kept.

Also towards the eastern end of the promenade, Kisfaludy Beach is a family favourite. Pay at the door and the largest leisure beach on the northern Balaton coast is yours to explore. Kids can splash in adventure pools or whoosh down waterslides while you sunbathe on the grass, watching boats drift by. If hunger strikes, you can grab a snack at a beachside bar.

Take the 7355 bus or cycle for 35 minutes to nearby Tihany and check out the free-to-enter Gödrösi Public Beach. Great for dedicated sunbathers who don’t mind minimal facilities, this spot offers a relaxed, no-frills experience. With a few restaurants across the road, you won’t go hungry – but bringing an umbrella might be a good idea since shade is limited.

For a taste of the fresh local produce, take a 15 minutes’ walk from the centre of town to the Balatonfüred City Market. You'll find mostly food inside, but on Saturdays, there’s other knick-knacks like secondhand books kicking about, just waiting to become your next beach read. Just keep in mind that it’s closed on Sundays, like most supermarkets in the area.

Shopping opportunities are fairly limited here. But on your lakeside strolls, you can have a mooch around the shops near the marina and poke around for some local handicrafts to take home.

If you love a good G&T, Égszínkék’s the place to be. Just a few minutes’ walk from the western end of the promenade, this bar boasts one of Hungary’s biggest gin selections and shakes up swanky cocktails. Combining the contemporary bar culture of the capital with a relaxed vibe, it’s the ideal spot to unwind with a drink in hand.

For a livelier night out, head to Cocomo. This modern, ambient bar stays open late and often has local performers in, so you can have a little boogie while sipping a classy cocktail. Take a 5 minutes’ walk from the western end of the promenade and you’ll soon have their menu – with more cocktails than you could count – right at your fingertips.

Family-friendly spots serving up tasty dishes with a side of warm hospitality are easy to find here. There’s plenty of local eats, plus a good mix of Italian options. Be sure to take a bite into the Lángos while you’re in town – a crispy, golden Hungarian flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese.

They’re well-known locally for their velős pirítós at Hatlépcsős Étterem – it’s essentially crunchy, re-toasted marrow spread on toast that pairs well with a glass of wine as an afternoon snack. You can find this charming, traditional spot right in the middle of town, so take a seat on one of the benches and get a taste of the local flavours.

Vitorlás Étterem’s got a fab lakeside lookout spot just off the promenade. In an old shipbuilding workshop, it’s got heaps of history and stories to tell – just ask the staff if you’re interested in hearing more. They plate up a mix of local and international dishes here, with the catfish soup being a real crowd pleaser.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, stop by at Karolina Café on the promenade. This family-run spot’s known for its fluffy homemade cakes, inspired by Mama Karolina’s recipes and the owners' creativity. Pair your treat with one of their fruit teas, served with fragrant flower petals, while you relax on the terrace and watch the boats go by.

Buses from the station at Castricum Square are a convenient way to get around town and see more of the area. Pay nearby villages like Tihany a visit to get an extra helping of historical sights and lakeside lookouts on your hols – hop on the 7355 bus and you’ll be there in just half an hour.

Ferries run every half an hour, whisking you from Tihany to Szántód village on the opposite side of the lake in under 10 minutes. You can get to the Tihanyrév dock in just under an hour by hopping on a bus or cycling from Balatonfüred.

A 20 minutes’ walk from the town centre will get you to the train station at Castricum Square, where you can catch trains around the lake. For a day trip to Budapest, get on the fast train – the journey's just under 2 hours and it’s a great way to mix in some more culture and sightseeing during your getaway.

Balatonfüred’s cobbled centre is easy to explore on foot thanks to its flat terrain. A stroll along the Tagore promenade is a must, with stunning lake views and plenty of benches, cafés and restaurants to stop at along the way.

Balatonfüred’s got a variety of walking routes to suit different tastes. Stroll along gentle, tree-lined paths by the lake or wander the charming cobbled streets dotted with historic buildings. If you're in the mood for a bit more adventure, tackle the marked trails with mountaintop views to get a feel for the area’s untouched natural sights.

No trip to Balatonfüred’s complete without a stroll along the Tagore promenade. This 1km stretch takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace, serving up calming lake views the entire way and plenty of spots to pause and take in the scenery. Start at Vitorlás tér sailing square and head towards Esterházy strand, or extend your walk to Kisfaludy strand if you’re up for an extra 10 minutes.

For a bit more of a challenge, try the walk through Koloska Valley. Start at Koloska Inn and set out for a two-and-a-half-hour trek through dense forest, past dramatic rock formations and alongside sparkling streams. When you reach Tamás mountain, soak up the panoramic scenes of the lake and Tihany from above at the Jókai viewpoint. There’s also a free wildlife park nearby where you can spot some of the local species in their natural habitat.