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Trip Report

The unlikely culinary and spa experience in the countryside of Hungary

Discover what the countryside of Hungary has to offer in a traditional vine region with natural thermal springs. The trip was a while ago, but I've checked now for updates (2022) they are still valid.

by fanni feketeAbout Me:I am on my dream vacation right now: it's going somewhere very far away from home for half a year and just experiencing the culture and a journey inside and out. Right now, I am doing this in Latin America. I hope to learn about different ... read more

EuropeHungary4 days / May 2018

Highs & Lows

The visit in the vine cellar and underground event center of Bock winery.

The Harkány Thermal spa is quite retro, and the water is naturally sulfuric, if you're not a fan of that, skip it.

Itinerary Overview

Eastern Europe is amazing. It is a mix of different cultures and languages (mostly slavic, except for Hungary and Romania). The nature is great from the hills to rivers, to the seas. However most of the tourists only visit the capital cities or the beaches at the Mediterranean sea.

But in each country, the rural areas have so much to offer and discover. Villány is a hidden gem for foodies and wine-lovers, also a place where you'll not have a big culture shock if you are coming from Western Europe. Therefore it can be a great start of a roadtrip to discover the half of Europe you know so little about!

  • 4 Nights: Villány
    Wine village where you find the old traditions still along the modern producers and some fine dining options too.
  • Day trip: Harkány
    Small village with natural thermal water and a retro spa
  • Day trip: Siklós
    Historic fortress on the hill and modern spa in the village
  • Day trip: Pécs

Q & A

  • How was the food?

    Classy restaurants to visit: Mandula Étterem (Gere Pincészet), Bock Óbor Étterem, Sauska 48. You'll see the recommendations under the location of "Villány" you'll not regret visiting these.

  • Transportation Tips?

    I recommend to rent a car to be flexible with daytrips. If you go for the wine experience, stay in Villány, so you'll not have to drive in the evenings. Bare in mind, that in Hungary we have a "zero-tolerance" rule for alcohol when driving, not even a glass of wine is accepted.

  • Any surprises?

    At the pincesor we found a smaller cellar with a garden: Maczkó pincészet. The rosé was great, and "mackó" is "bear" in Hungarian, and to go with it, they had a super cute design theme for their bottles.

Lodging

  • Villány, 7773 Hungary

    Zsigmond Vendégház This is a traditional local house transformed into a B'n'B, it's very tidy and furnished in a cute rustic style. The garden is beautiful, the host is very kind, and the breakfast is exceptional. We loved staying here, one of the best examples of countryside hospitality.