Sandy beaches where you can feel like you are at the sea

Wild adventures, sitting in soft sands and beavers await if you choose the banks of the Drava as your beach alternative. The Ormánság region has many surprises in store; its varied wildlife, colourful wildflowers and coastal marshlands are a unique experience for young and old alike. Starting from the Ancient Drava Visitor Centre, there are several educational trails in the area, which offer a fascinating insight into the former floodplain farming. Wherever your journey takes you, follow the game crossing pathways to the river and rest in the soft grey sand as you watch the beavers at work in the area. Be careful, because the current is strong, only experienced swimmers should venture into the water! Depending on the water level, you may find different secret bathing spots on the Drava, but it is worth remembering what you find, so you can return to your favourite spot later. You won’t find many coastal restaurants around here, but that’s why we love it: it’s the perfect destination for a little getaway from civilisation.

If you’d prefer to rest in the sand with some of the region’s tastiest dishes and sips just a stone’s throw away, Lake Lupa is undoubtedly one of the best choices. Unlike our previous destination, there’s almost certainly no shortage of culinary delights on offer here, including swimming, (water) sports facilities, a playground and a children’s beach, as well as unrivalled gastronomic experiences for those seeking a comfortable, sophisticated beach. North of the capital, in Budakalász, you will find this 100-hectare sandy pond with a capacity of 10,000 people, and a wide range of activities on its shores. Just lie down on a canopy bed (you can book a private beach area on the Lupa Beach website for super value for money!), enjoy the local gastronomic delights and let the sun play on your skin. At Lake Lupa, you can experience the high-end dimension of beaching.    

- this is what awaits us on the shores of Lake Mályi, a stone’s throw from Miskolc. Known as the “Little Lake Balaton" of the region, its popularity has not been unbroken in recent decades, but fortunately, its reputation is on the rise: the shore is home to excellent hotels and better and better catering establishments. Sporting activities, a friendly atmosphere, a sandy beach and delicious snacks (and sips) await you at Mály. Nearby you will also find, among other things, zip’s, a visitable spectacle brewery, where exciting new beers are brewed (and great food is served!). Zip’s also has a curiosity at European level with its “tap yourself” boxes, where guests can enjoy the experience of tapping a beer. You can also sign up for a brewery visit and beer tasting, and if you don’t have someone to get behind the wheel afterwards, you can stay in one of the BEER B&B apartments on site.

Whatever takes us to Tokaj; the aszú wine that is famous far and wide, canoeing on one of the country’s most exciting and popular river stretches, or hiking through the wild and scenic landscapes of the Tokaj wine region, we’re sure to return home with the experience of a lifetime. If we are not careful, this landscape can steal our hearts forever. Where the Bodrog and Tisza rivers merge, there are plenty of campsites and bathing spots to visit if you are looking for a relaxing bath. One of our favourite sandy beaches is Tutajos Beach, tucked away at the foot of Tokaj Hill. This family-friendly bathing spot is a great choice whether you want to take a bath with friends or family. There are sports fields on the beach, but you can also go canoeing and fishing, with unrivalled panoramic views. (Extra tip: you should expect mosquitoes closer to sunset in the warmer months!)