South Central Hungary Hungary Travel Guide
Villány Wine Region: Is around 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of Pécs, Villány is Hungary's southernmost and most famous red wine region. Its unique microclimate and loess soil contribute to the production of major-quality, full-bodied reds, especially Cabernet Franc and Portugieser. The charming wine village of Villány, along with neighboring Villánykövesd and Palkonya, have many wine cellars and tasting rooms.
Transport: Buses are in service frequently from Pécs to Villány (about 45-60 minutes). A car journey takes around 30 minutes. Organized wine tours are also readily available. Find day trips on GetYourGuide.
Explore historical towns and natural landscapes beyond the city.
A historical town south of Pécs, mainly consisting of its well-preserved medieval castle. The castle has a long history, dating back to the 13th century, and includes a range of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance. Siklós also has an Ottoman-era mosque, a reminder from its heritage.
Just 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Pécs, Harkány is home to one of Hungary's most renowned thermal spas. Its sulfur-rich medicinal water is known for its healing properties, especially for musculoskeletal and skin conditions.
Discover the natural beauty surrounding Pécs.
This national park, located southward along the Danube and Drava rivers, is a significant wetland habitat. It is known for its rich biodiversity, specifically its birdlife. Good for birdwatching, nature photography, and peaceful walks. Guided tours are good for exploring specific areas.
A picturesque valley in the Eastern Mecsek Hills, known for its charming traditional villages (like Óbánya itself), hiking trails, and clear streams. Good for hiking, exploring traditional village life, and savoring the peaceful natural environment.
The Mecsek Hills, bordering Pécs, offer scenic landscapes for hiking, with numerous viewpoints providing panoramic views of the city and the plains beyond. Many marked trails are present.
Duna-Dráva Park And Mecsek Nature Park are protected areas of significance.
The Mecsek Hills and Villány wine region offer breathtaking landscapes.
Beyond Pécs, explore more regional historic and cultural sites.
Located west of Pécs, Szigetvár is noted for its castle, which withstood a lengthy Ottoman siege in 1566, a crucial event in Hungarian history. The town also has a Turkish mosque (converted from a church) within the castle walls and a Turkish House.
The administrative area seat of Somogy County, a larger town north of Pécs. It has a pleasant city center, a historical castle ruin, and the Rippl-Rónai Museum (focused on the Hungarian Symbolist painter József Rippl-Rónai).
Discover the charm of Hungarian rural life.
Explore sites of sacred meaning.
Pécs and its surroundings are rich in societal venues.
AN extensive complex demonstrating Zsolnay porcelain, artisan workshops, and cultural events.
A modern concert hall hosting classical music performances and cultural events.
A historic theatre hosting drama, opera, and ballet performances.
Extend your Pécs journey to explore more of Hungary or neighboring countries.
Budapest offers a stark contrast to Pécs's more relaxed pace. Easily combined with Pécs by direct train (approximately 3 hours). Add 2-3 time for discovery Budapest's key points of interest like Buda Castle, Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Gellért Thermal Bath.
Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, popular for summer recreation, vineyards (north shore), and historical towns. Accessible by bus or train from Pécs (approximately 2-3 hours). Add 1-2 days for relaxation by the lake, swimming, or exploring charming towns like Tihany or Balatonfüred.
Pécs is close to the Hungarian-Croatian border, making for easy extension. The Croatian city of Osijek is roughly 1.5 hours by car. Zagreb, Croatia's capital, is about 3 hours by car. Regular buses provide connections Pécs to various Croatian cities. Look into including a day or two to explore Slavonia (eastern Croatia) or extend further to Zagreb.
Pécs (South) → Lake Balaton (West) → Budapest (Central) → Eger/Tokaj (North/East) for a comprehensive Hungarian experience.
Pécs → Osijek (Croatia) → Sarajevo (Bosnia) for a deep see the Balkans.
Pécs → Balaton Uplands → Sopron → Győr for a rich journey through Western Hungary.
