Lake Balaton

Balatonfüred has been the most fashionable resort on the Lake Balaton since the 18th century when the medicinal centre was established, and people are still drawn here on holiday because of its healing thermal waters. While the mineral baths are reserved for patients, the Balatonfüred resort area remains popular with tourists as there are three good beaches for swimming. The shores of the lake are great for all manner of water activities, from sunbathing to yachting, and there are also a number of cycle tracks along the lake and through the surrounding region. A wine tasting festival is held in August annually and the famous Anna Ball takes place on the weekend closest to the 26 July (Anna Day) at the Anna Grand Hotel.

Hévíz is the site of world's largest thermal lake: Gyógytó. It is the most extraordinary sight with its huge milky blue surface covered in water lilies and steam. The warm water wells up from a volcanic crater spring about 40 metres (128ft) below the surface and provides year round swimming, although the recommended maximum time in the water during any one session is one hour. The mud on the bottom and edges is said to be slightly radioactive which is good for various medical conditions but only in small doses. A pavilion in the centre of the lake is reached by a covered bridge and indoor swimming takes place in an area enclosed with Plexiglas. Gaps in the plastic lead to the rest of the lake where swimmers can float among the water lilies and swim between the platforms bobbing on the surface. There are also various other spa and health treatments that can be enjoyed.

Address : Lake Balaton region

Website : www.heviz.hu/en

Keszthely is a university town with trendy cafes, tree-lined streets, and busy market areas. Modern history shows Kesthely dating back some 760 years, inhabited since the Roman Empire. Its most import sight is the Festetics Palace, with the Helikon Palace Museum and Library both in one of its baroque wings. Varosi Strand is great for travelling families, with its beach and amusement area. It has water slides, a big pool, and various play spaces, as well as nice lawns, a beach, and loungers. Keszthely likes to describe itself as the capital of Lake Balaton and it is the best town from which to explore the surrounding lakeside area, including the nearby Kis-Balaton nature reserve (excellent for bird watching) and the thermal lake at Hévíz.

Address : Western shore of Lake Balaton

Website : www.keszthely.hu/en/