Lake Balaton offers a long shoreline dotted with family resorts on the southern side and welcoming vineyards to the north. With its green and silky water, the lake is Hungary’s favorite summer retreat.
However, there is much more to do all year around than just lounge around at the lakeside. Each waterfront town has its own unique character, from the cultural center of Keszthely at the western tip to the elegant spa resort of Balatonfüred. Situated a little over 120 kilometers southwest of Budapest, Lake Balaton stretches out diagonally from the capital as a kind of lumpy oblong for 77 kilometers.
The most interesting statistic of the lake is its depth, or rather lack of it as the average depth is just 3.3 meters. Especially along the southeastern shore, you have to wade out a long, long way before the water comes up to your knees. For this reason, the lake is extremely popular with families with young children.
Lake Balaton also offers a surprising range of entertainment possibilities. While Siófok on the southern coast attracts the young, party-loving disco crowd, it also offers all around family fun as well. The north bank around Balatonfüred is a little more sedate and populated with artist colonies, but it is also a perfect choice for families. The most family-friendly beach around the Lake is situated in Balatonfüred, the Eszterházy Strand. The craggy outcrops of Badacsony are covered with vineyards and the healing waters are good both for drinking (Kékkuti) and bathing (Hévíz).
The gastronomy around the Balaton has being improved in the region. Recently more and more restaurants has used local ingredients and new method to prepare the dishes. The bistros and Fröccsterrace have been appeared in the small villages as in the 3 big towns as well, where you can taste beach food also, such as waterdog or Balcsi Bagel.
