Freskó is a small Italian-style café in the heart of Zamárdi, instantly recognisable by its salmon-coloured walls and blue window frames. Guests sip Florentine coffee, enjoy focaccia, admire the Totti memorabilia and speculate about the origin of the mysterious ceiling fresco.

Once an abandoned village area, the Szántódpuszta Estate has become a significant cultural and leisure destination by the lakeshore. The chapel offers a stunning view of the Tihany Peninsula, while interactive exhibitions present 19th-century estate life. Visitors can hike, ride horses or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Seasonal festivals and themed days enrich the annual programme.

Operated by Balaton-parti Kft., Siófok’s main beach covers more than eight hectares with a capacity of 13,500 visitors and a 670-metre shoreline. Although the official season runs from May to September, year-round events bring guests back: food-truck gatherings, concerts, sports programmes and family festivals.

Opened in 2015 in a once-dilapidated retro building, Villa Gréta was lovingly restored by the Szilágyi family. Ági, a former IT professional turned pastry chef, prepares all cakes in-house – from the signature túrós to the carrot cake and the chocolate creations – while Lajos welcomes guests at the counter. Every dessert is made from local ingredients and served in a warm, homely atmosphere.

This family-run winery and guesthouse is nestled in nature, centred around 6.5 hectares of vineyards with seven carefully cultivated grape varieties. The “Green Door House” offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking quiet moments away from city life – or a weekend filled with wine.

Founded in 2013, this family winery represents one of the most charming historic quarters of Balatonszárszó. Their Furmint, Olaszrizling, Orange Wine and unfiltered Furmint sparkling wine reflect the southern shore’s character and a sincere approach to winemaking. All of these can be tasted at their own wine bar, the Esszencia House.

A family project born from a deep love of wine and the craft behind it. Coming from the hospitality world, they quickly found themselves drawn to the rhythms of vineyard life. Their approach focuses on nature-friendly wines made with minimal intervention – a sustainable philosophy they consider the only meaningful path.

The Berzsenyi Dániel City Library has been a welcoming space for readers and community-minded visitors for decades. During Taste Balaton 2026, the library presents unconventional programmes that show how the world of books reaches every generation and thrives far beyond quiet reading corners, offering interactive activities and engaging experiences for all.

Situated beneath the iconic Valley Bridge, Konyha & Rét is one of the most striking gastronomic venues on the southern shore. Konyha offers an intimate fine-dining experience for 25-35 guests with a curated Balaton wine selection, while the adjacent Rét can host nearly four hundred people for concerts, dinners, weddings or festivals. The panorama is breathtaking, and the cuisine meets it with confidence.

For more than twenty years, the Katona family has been cultivating vines on the sunlit slopes of Balatonboglár’s southern shore. Their 43-hectare estate highlights both international varieties and regional classics such as Olaszrizling and Kékfrankos, with each wine reflecting clean, precise winemaking and deep respect for the terroir. Alongside fresh, fruit-forward whites, their special selections are aged in oak and shaped by the dynamism of the second generation.

IKON Winery operates on a rare, contiguous forty-hectare estate on the outskirts of Balatonlelle. Founded in 2007 under the professional guidance of János Konyári, the gravity-flow cellar combines a striking architectural design with efficient technology. Their portfolio has two pillars: widely accessible wines with excellent value, and limited-edition flagship cuvées crafted from Bordeaux varieties.

At Pizza Sztori, the Neapolitan dough is mixed with care, the toppings are selected with affection, and every pizza is baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Italian tradition meets local ingredients in every bite, whether someone prefers a classic Margherita or an inventive flavour combination – because here, every pizza truly carries its own story.

This unique boat-shaped building offers a 400-square-metre interactive exhibition and the highest lookout point around Lake Balaton. Model layouts, films and simulators bring the region’s maritime history to life, while the 25-metre tower provides a panoramic view from nearly 70 metres above the lake. It is an ideal destination in any weather – the view remains spectacular at every hour and in every season.

Founded by Ferenc Androsics in 1980, the estate has grown into a sixty-hectare vineyard and fruit-growing enterprise near Szőlősgyörök. In addition to arable farming, they cultivate thirteen hectares of walnut and six hectares of hazelnut. The winery development began in 2019, and the first bottles were released in 2021. Each sip reflects family heritage and genuine respect for the land.

Gutman Winery is a family estate on the southern shore, cultivating seven hectares in harmony with nature. Nestled among the rolling Somogy hills near Lake Balaton, their work is guided by environmental awareness and a value-driven mindset. Their wines are meant to accompany both festive occasions and the simplicity of everyday moments.

Légli Estate works in and around Balatonboglár with the aim of presenting the region’s distinctive ecological character. Their philosophy values openness to new ideas, thoughtful craftsmanship and unwavering respect for the terroir. They believe every wine region holds something unique – here, that “something” begins in the vineyard and reaches its fullest expression in the bottle.

Only a few kilometres from Lake Balaton, this expansive estate combines tradition, hospitality and diverse programmes. The csárda, wine selection, event hall and equestrian experiences make it an ideal destination for visitors seeking memorable, experience-driven recreation.

A defining winery of the southern shore, where three generations share the responsibilities of vineyard work and winemaking. They focus on local varieties and are increasingly dedicated to producing sparkling wines. Passionate about Lake Balaton and sailing, the family regularly competes with their 70-foot cruiser. The Our Sea wine range, premium selections and sparkling wines all deserve attention.