Ride through the meadows: 3 easy cycle routes in the Villány wine region

The Villány wine region has long wished for a modern cycle route linking the attractions of the region. A few years ago, the dream was fulfilled, and now safe cycling and an unforgettable experience are guaranteed! The cycle path from Villány through Siklós to Drávaszabolcs offers a wealth of attractions, while holding short and long stops will not leave your throat dry either. We believe that everyone will find something for himself or herself on the bike trail, which includes wine cellars, historic sites, natural attractions and a castle. Let’s take a look at three routes that will pleasantly tire you out!

Route: Villánykövesd – Villány – Nagyharsány – Kisharsány – Siklós

The Villánykövesd row of wine cellars are an attraction worth travelling to even from another part of the country. In autumn, wild grape leaves in all the colours of the rainbow, and in winter, the dance of exciting cellar doors make the row of tidy cottages unforgettable. Here let’s hop on our bikes and head towards Villány, where we can give in to temptation and immerse ourselves in the world of red wines. Continue towards Nagyharsány, where the Nagyharsány Sculpture Park and Panorama Walk is a must stop. For a visit to the park at the foot of the Szársomlyó is worth knowing: in the 1960’s, this was the first place in our country where local sculptors were given the opportunity to experiment freely. The sculpture park was a quasi open “studio” for the artists, and the hundreds of monumental stone sculptures can still be seen today. A panoramic promenade was built a few years ago on the edge of the rock wall surrounding the area.

Here we can combine our wanderings among the stone statues with a wine tasting (again) in a real Tuscan-style winery; Vylyan. The Kisharsány vineyard is not located along the cycle path, but believe us; it’s worth the detour. The winery offers a tasting and cellar tour at the end of each week, which can be booked in advance.

Let’s continue our tour towards Siklós, where – if we still have the energy – we can visit Siklós Castle. One of the most beautifully preserved castles in Hungary offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. Whether it’s late autumn, harsh winter or early spring, Siklós Castle takes us back to the Middle Ages.

Route: Villány – Nagyharsány – Kisharsány – Vokány – Újpetre – Palkonya – Villánykövesd – Villány

If you want to do a more strenuous hike, start the same route, with the change to turn from Kisharsány towards Vokány! Crossing the Villányi hills, the route alternates between steep climbs and gentle slopes: a real treat for the more experienced cyclists. After Vokány, pass through Újpetre, then turn right and pass the cellar rows of Palkonya and Villánykövesd. Our loop tour will end in Villány. 

Route: Siklós – Máriagyűd – Drávaszabolcs

We know that starting a bike tour in a thermal bath is a strong start, but we still recommend this one. Thermal Spa Siklós is a place to visit every day of the year. Pro tip: if you’ve got the little ones with you, we recommend breaking the sliding record on the orange waterslide. There is a timer at the slide!

When we have relaxed completely, we can start our pleasant hike towards Máriagyűd. Let’s turn north, where on the side of the Tenkes Hill we find the famous pilgrimage site, the Máriagyűd congregation church. The jewel of this imposing building is the statue of Mary, which is associated with miraculous healings and apparitions. From here, continue towards Harkány, then meander south to Drávaszabolcs.