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Where Water Heals and Wine Relaxes – Discover Harkany, a Thermal Haven Beneath Centuries-Old Trees

Source: eKapija

Friday, 25.07.2025.

08:31

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One of 18 pools in total within the Harkány spa complex (Photo: Harkany Spa/Görföl Róbert/Thermal Media)

We have reached the point where summer in the city becomes unbearable. Those who have already used their vacation are ready for a new round, and those who have not, are eagerly awaiting it. We do not know which group you belong to, but we have a suggestion for a weekend getaway from the city, or maybe even a complete vacation. Because the place we are sending you to has it all – healing water, wellness and spa facilities, a huge pool complex with various attractions – and all of this in a park under the crowns of two-century-old plane trees. For lovers of a good drink, there are excellent wines and brandy, and if you are an adventurer, we suggest you try driving on the go-kart track. All these are reasons to head to the south of Hungary this summer, to the famous Harkany spa.

You can get to this spa quickly and easily. It is 250 kilometers from Belgrade, and the fastest way to get there is via Croatia. Did you know that Harkany was once very popular in the old Yugoslavia? This is evidenced by numerous inscriptions in Serbo-Croatian, which date back to the time when Yugoslavs enjoyed visiting this spa. Due to the proximity of Croatia, don't be surprised that many citizens know this language, so you can easily communicate with them on the street, in shops and cafes.

Healing pools (Photo: ekapija)

The Legend of Harkany

There are various stories about the famous thermal spring in Harkany, and according to one of the legends, which can also be read on the wall of the spa complex, the water was created by the devil himself. According to this story, he wanted to marry a beautiful girl from that area, but in the end he failed to win her heart. That's why he ran underground, and sulfurous water erupted at that place.

It is unlikely that this story is true. However, what we were convinced of during our visit to Harkany is that enjoyment is guaranteed. The swimming pool complex itself is located in the middle of a park in the center of Harkany, in the natural shade of trees that are more than two centuries old. It covers 13.5 hectares, has as many as 18 indoor and outdoor pools, and when it comes to water fun, it can compete with large aqua parks.

Fun for the young ones: Pools in Harkány (Photo: Harkany Spa/Görföl Róbert/Thermal Media)

Several pools are reserved for kids, so they can play in a pirate ship and other water attractions. For the older and more daring, some pools also have large slides, and visitors are also able to use water massagers, as well as free fitness programs in the water. When you get tired of swimming, you can rest on nearby benches, but also in the cafes and restaurants located within the spa complex itself.

What sets Harkany apart from other spas is the specific and very rare thermal water rich in sulfur that fills several pools. Thanks primarily to this sulfur compound and the wealth of minerals, Harkany's thermal water is one of only three in the world that has been proven to treat psoriasis. It also helps with rheumatic and skin diseases, sterility, digestive problems and chronic inflammation. You can even drink the water, and staying near it is recommended even for those who do not have any health problems, because it has a positive effect on the immune system. It is also recommended to just sit by the pool and breathe, because this healing water also works by simply inhaling it.

Harkany - indoor pool (Photo: eKapija)

In a break from swimming, you can relax in the sauna or treat yourself to one of the many massages. As Hungary is famous for its spa culture, you can find experienced therapists here, as well as creams, baths and shampoos based on Harkany thermal water that work almost miraculously.

The summer program in Harkany also includes numerous DJ parties at the pools and outdoor festivals, which are an ideal opportunity for additional entertainment.

Where to stay?

In the vicinity of the spa complex there are several hotels and apartments, including the Drava Hotel located in the greenery right next to the spa complex, with a spa center, comfortable rooms and spacious family apartments.

In addition to accommodation in the hotel, on the land next to it, which extends over several hectares, there are also several guest houses where you can enjoy complete peace and privacy. Also, within the hotel complex there is an area where you can stay with your caravans, and there are several sports fields. If you want a combination of hotel comfort and a homely atmosphere, this is the place to be.

(Villany is famous for its red and rose wines)

Villany - the capital of Hungarian wine tourism

When you are in Harkany, do not miss the nearby places. For example, next to the spa there is a small picturesque wine village of Villany, famous for its red and rose wines.

The main street of this charming town descends steeply from the center, but after just a few steps it makes you stop. Dozens of wine cellars line the length of a few hundred meters, each with its own story, scents and tastes. Many of them are dug into the hills or arranged as "wine streets" (pincesor). Wineries mostly offer tastings and tours through the cellars. Along with fresh wines, visitors are also offered local gastronomic specialties, prepared according to traditional recipes. The most famous wine varieties are Cabernet Franc, Kekfrankos (Blaufraenkisch), Portugieser, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Villanyi (Photo: eKapija)

Every year in June, the international Gere Jazz Festival is held. It is a day-long event with numerous activities in the courtyard, vineyards and cellars of the Gere winery. The event is ideal for all those who love jazz and wine and who want more than just a regular concert. You are late this year, but here is a suggestion for next year. If you would rather not wait that long, a new event awaits you in the fall. Every end of the harvest in Villanyi is celebrated with the Red Wine Festival (Villanyi Vorosbor Fesztival), when almost all the streets in this town are closed to traffic, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting and local specialties.

We recommend a visit to the Urszics family winery, where you will be welcomed with local food, wines and live music, often in Serbian. Be sure to look for Aleksandra Urszics (or Ursic in Serbian) among the staff, who comes from the only remaining Serbian family in Villanyi.

In addition to touring the wine cellars, you can also enjoy the view of Kikerits Hill, which is home to the protected species of crocus, a beautiful white flower that is the trademark of the wines from the Vilnius region. If you are an adventurer looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, you can also take a ride on the local go-kart track.

Palinka - Brandies from a family-run factory in Siklos (Photo: eKapija)

From Traminer to Palinka: Tastes and Stories of Siklos

While Villany is famous for its red wines, white grapes are mostly grown in Siklos. Over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year and the sub-Mediterranean climate guarantee ripe, sugary fruit, and therefore great wines. Don't miss a dinner at the Kalmar winery, with a tamburitza band, perfectly roasted duck and a memorable Traminer.

Lovers of a slightly stronger drink can try Palinka, or Hungarian brandy, in Siklos. There is an unmissable family-run factory that produces top-quality brandies from William's apple, apricots, grapes and sour cherries. The fruit used for the brandy is exclusively of local origin.

Church of Saint Demetrius in Šiklos (Photo: eKapija)

There is also the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrius in Siklos. Serbs have been present here since the 15th century, and today's church - a blend of Baroque and Classicism - preserves a richly decorated iconostasis that was renovated in 2018. Since the Serbian community in the area around Siklos is not large, the church is not open every day. Therefore, if you want to visit it, you can only do so by prior arrangement.

Another feature of Siklos is the fortress overlooking the city, which testifies to the turbulent history of this area: King Sigismund of Luxembourg was imprisoned there, while the Turks, Habsburgs and local nobles also passed through the centuries. Today, the fortress has been turned into a museum with numerous exhibits, medieval weapons, reconstructions of torture devices, but also a wine cellar with its own sommelier.

Drava River Cruise (Photo: Marija Ivanović)

Drava River Cruise

For an extra dose of water fun, take a cruise on the Drava River, which winds along the border between Croatia and Hungary.

Not far from Harkany is a small harbor where boats depart — perfect for a leisurely lunch overlooking the untouched nature. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, as in this area you can spot white-tailed eagles, black storks, kingfishers, beavers, and even the occasional deer in the quiet forests along the river.

(Photo: Pixabay/János Bencs)

Pecs is not far either

Just 25 kilometers from Harkany is Pecs, a "borderless city" with a rich cultural heritage.

Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Cella Septichora necropolis from the 4th century under UNESCO protection, the Gazi Kasim Pasha Mosque, the Orthodox Church, the synagogue, and of course, the famous Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. This is an ideal day trip if you want a little urban exploring with history and art.

D.O.

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