Great spots to catch sun at Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is the biggest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Europe. No wonder that it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Not only because of the great restaurants, the lovely hosts, several luxury hotels, and the festivals but also for its beaches. The Balaton Association chooses the lake’s most beautiful beaches every year – they select the best ones out of more than 40 contenders. In this article, I would like to present you with my five personal favorites that are great spots to catch some sun. I assure you that all of them are worth a visit, but there is an opportunity for discovery - you can explore on your own even more!

Zamárdi Beach

The “big beach” in Zamárdi deserves its name. The free beach is located on a three-kilometer-long coastline, and it serves as a home to many summer festivals as well. There are a whole lot of snack bars, deck chairs, trees with shade, waiting for people who want to relax. The panoramic view of the Tihany peninsula during swimming is a unique spectacle. Balaton Sound and Strand Festival are both held here.

Zamárdi Beach

Zamárdi, 8621 Magyarország

Balatonfüred – Esterházy Beach

One of the most beautiful parts of the recently renovated resort in Balatonfüred is Esterházy Beach, which has an extensive panorama of Tihany, the realm of lavenders. The beach, which is gradually renewing year after year, completely satisfies even the most demanding guests.

Balatonfüred - Esterhazy Beach

Balatonfüred, Aranyhíd stny., 8230 Magyarország

Vonyarcvashegy – Lido Beach

In my opinion, the most sports-friendly beach at Lake Balaton is Lido Beach in Vonyarcvashegy. You can find here wakeboard and water ski slopes, SUP, windsurfing and paddle boats, as well as sail rental. Beach volleyball and beach football pitches, and a fitness park are waiting for all the sports lovers at Lido Beach. Additionally, water aerobics classes and animation workshops are held every day. The longest slide in the area can also be found here, in Vonyarcvashegy, which is understandably very popular among youngsters.

Lido Beach - Vonyarcvashegy

Vonyarcvashegy, Arany János u. 7, 8314 Magyarország

Balatongyörök Beach

Balatongyörök Beach has the fantastic panorama of Lake Balaton, with a view of the Szigliget Castle and Badacsony. The beach is a real water paradise for families visiting the town, especially for children, with its relaxing spots in the shade, and water slides, but it won’t let you down, even if you are a sunbathing type. There are plenty of good restaurants in the neighborhood that you can quickly check in my previous article on fish-restaurants around Balaton.

Balatongyörök Beach

Balatongyörök, 8313 Magyarország

Siófok Beach

Siófok, or “the Hungarian Ibiza”, how locals call it, is the most vivid town around Balaton Lake. Its main beach, next to the famous Petőfi Promenade, is primarily recommended for those who like the hustle and bustle. Plázs, one of Balaton's largest party venues, is operating on the beach. The size of the white-sanded part of the beach is 2000 square meters, and gorgeous palm trees surround it. Perfect sunbathing setting and also an infinite-looking swimming pool are there to meet everyone’s demands for summer relaxation. The town’s eastern side is popular mainly among families with small children, but its beaches won't disappoint you either, especially since the brand-new swimming pool was launched nearby.

Siófok Beach

Siófok, Plázs Siófok, Petőfi stny. 3, 8600 Magyarország

It is quite an evident claim that visiting Lake Balaton is a must if you come to Hungary during the summer. It offers beautiful sunsets, hiking trails, restaurants, bars, a whole lot of parties, festivals, and even some history lessons if that's your thing. The main attractions will always be its great beaches. Even though Lake Balaton hasn’t got that fairy, turquoise water with endless white sand, it’s a phenomenal place to visit during the summertime. Choose one of my great spots to catch the sunlight or explore the best beaches yourself, during your bike tour around the lake.