South Central Hungary, Hungary
Villány Wine Region: Located about 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 high-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 run frequently from Pécs to Villány (approximately 45-60 minutes). A car journey takes about 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, dominated by its well-preserved medieval castle. The castle has a long history, dating back to the 13th century, and features various architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance. Siklós also has an Ottoman-era mosque, a reminder of its past.
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, specifically for musculoskeletal and skin conditions.
Discover the natural beauty surrounding Pécs.
This national park, located further south 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 enjoying the serene natural environment.
The Mecsek Hills, bordering Pécs, offer scenic landscapes for hiking, with numerous viewpoints providing panoramic vistas of the city and the plains beyond. Many marked trails are present.
Duna-Dráva National Park and Mecsek Nature Park are protected areas of significance.
The Mecsek Hills and Villány wine region offer beautiful views.
Beyond Pécs, explore more regional historical and cultural sites.
Located west of Pécs, Szigetvár is famous for its castle, which withstood a lengthy Ottoman siege in 1566, a pivotal event in Hungarian history. The town also has a Turkish mosque (converted from a church) within the castle walls and a Turkish House.
The county 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 (dedicated to the Hungarian Symbolist painter József Rippl-Rónai).
Discover the charm of Hungarian rural life.
Explore sites of spiritual significance.
Pécs and its surroundings are rich in cultural venues.
A sprawling complex showing 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 days to explore Budapest's major attractions like Buda Castle, Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Gellért Thermal Bath.
Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, popular for summer recreation, wine regions (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 about 1.5 hours by car. Zagreb, Croatia's capital, is about 3 hours by car. Regular bus services connect Pécs to various Croatian cities. Consider adding 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 dive into the Balkans.
Pécs → Balaton Uplands → Sopron → Győr for a rich journey through Western Hungary.
