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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.
+ 6
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!
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
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.