Jump into the water at revamped beaches this summer

The friendly, natural free beach at Vásárosnamény-Gergelyiugornya is surrounded by romantic guesthouses built on stilts. Lots of people count this beach as their favourite due to the unspoilt nature that surrounds it, the fine sand that makes it feel almost like being by the sea, as well as the water that gets gradually deeper. The results of water quality tests here, at the junction of the Szamos and Tisza rivers, are excellent every year. In recent years, the banks of the Tisza have seen major developments, such as the renovation of Bereg Szíve Holiday Centre. Water sports enthusiasts, kayaking and cycling tourists are visiting the village in increasing numbers. The renewal of the beach has included the construction of sports fields, such as beach football pitches, as well as new showers and other facilities. Adventure lovers can find Atlantika Water Park and the Movie Planet family theme park nearby. If the weather is bad, you can continue bathing at the Szilva thermal and leisure spa in Vásárosnamény, where you can also try out the new saunas.

Lake Tisza has been catching up with Lake Balaton and Lake Velence in terms of popularity in recent years. Each of its beaches is popular for a different reason. The Sarud beach has a campsite with chalets, tent pitches, as well as kayak, canoe and pedal boat renting and a playground. The beach in Poroszló is known for being child-friendly, and the famous Lake Tisza Ecocentre, which is a great family spot, is also nearby. The water lookout points, the lake’s top attractions, can be reached from these two beaches by boat. Abádszalók beach is for water sports enthusiasts, Tiszafüred is for swimmers (a 500-square-metre pier system and water polo field have recently been built), while those who prefer peace and quiet can head for Tiszanána, where newly installed sun sails will stop you getting sunburned. In recent years hundreds of millions of forints have been spent on improvements around the lake, including the installation and modernisation of service facilities, changing rooms, snack bars, sports fields, slides, sandy beaches and shade systems. The path around the lake has long been a favourite with cyclists. Hungary’s only rafting course is located next to the Kisköre dam. Houseboating, a new form of recreation, is becoming increasingly popular in the area. 

There probably isn’t a single Hungarian who doesn’t think of Lake Balaton first when they think of summer. The constantly evolving beaches of Hungary’s largest lake regularly win awards and always have something new to offer visitors. The children’s grove and playground at the Municipal Beach in Alsóörs have recently been renovated, and outdoor fitness equipment has been installed for more active holidaymakers. The grassy areas at Mandulavirág Beach in Balatonakali have been renovated and the facilities for selective waste collection have been extended. Accessible toilets and showers, accessible games, tactile paving and a tactile terrain table are available to guests with special needs.

The Lido Beach in Vonyarcvashegy, known as one of the sportiest beaches at Lake Balaton, has been enhanced in recent years with a new walkway. A year-round retreat and a lookout tower have been built on the hill in the western part of the town. The facilities at the Csalogány Street free beach in Balatonfenyves are comparable to those of paid beaches. There are changing rooms, showers, toilets and lockers for valuables, playgrounds for children, beach attendants and first-aid staff to ensure safety. The Sándortelep Panorama beach in Fonyód has undergone major improvements as well, with a sandy beach, sunbathing islands and water playgrounds making it a family favourite. For families who prefer the town’s free beaches, newly designed baby changing rooms are available.