After delving into the rich cultural tapestry and exploring all the things to do in Pécs, from its UNESCO-listed early Christian necropolis to the vibrant Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, consider extending your adventure with day trips from Pécs. These excursions lead to the rolling hills of the Mecsek, historic castles, and renowned wine regions, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and heritage of Southern Hungary.

Venturing beyond Pécs opens up a treasure trove of things to do in Hungary, where the traditions of thermal bathing, the allure of historic Budapest, and the tranquility of Lake Balaton await. Each journey enriches your understanding of Hungary’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Choosing where to stay in Pécs is crucial for travelers eager to soak in the city’s historical charm while being well-positioned for explorations beyond. The right accommodation not only puts you at the heart of Pécs’s architectural marvels but also offers convenient access to surrounding attractions, ensuring a memorable and diverse Hungarian experience.

Discover Best Day Trips from Pécs, Hungary

1. Villány Wine Region, Hungary

Grape fields on Hungarian hills from Villany.
Grape fields on Hungarian hills from Villany.

Villány, a renowned wine region just south of Pécs, is famous for its full-bodied reds and picturesque vineyards. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings and explore charming wine cellars.

Distance: Approximately 35 km

Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Renowned wine region, picturesque vineyards, wine tastings, charming wine cellars

Best Time to Visit: Autumn (during the harvest season)

Entrance Fees:

  • Wine Tastings: €10-€20 per tasting

Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Villány Vineyards, Wine Cellars

Travel Tip: Plan your visit during the harvest season in autumn to experience the local wine festivals.

Experience Villány Wine Region

2. Lake Balaton, Hungary

Aerial image of the Tihany Abbey, at Lake Balaton in Hungary.
Aerial image of the Tihany Abbey, at Lake Balaton in Hungary.

Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, offers beaches, resorts, and a variety of outdoor activities. The northern shore is known for its vineyards and historic towns like Tihany with its famous abbey.

Distance: Approximately 150 km

Travel Time: About 2 hours by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Central Europe’s largest lake, beaches, resorts, outdoor activities, Tihany Abbey

Best Time to Visit: Summer

Entrance Fees:

  • Tihany Abbey Entrance: €5

Budget: Approximately €40-€80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Tihany Peninsula, Lake Balaton Beaches

Travel Tip: Visit the Tihany Peninsula for its historical significance and breathtaking views of the lake.

Experience Lake Balaton

3. Harkány Thermal Baths, Hungary

Harkány, famous for its thermal baths, offers healing waters known to alleviate various ailments. The spa town also features beautiful parks and wellness centers.

Distance: Approximately 25 km

Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Famous thermal baths, healing waters, wellness centers

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Thermal Baths Entrance: €10-€15

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Harkány Thermal Pools, Spa Parks

Travel Tip: Pack a swimsuit and flip-flops, and try the different thermal pools for a complete experience.

Experience Harkány Thermal Baths

4. Mohács, Hungary

The Town Hall of Mohacs in Hungary.
The Town Hall of Mohacs in Hungary.

Mohács, a town on the Danube River, is famous for its historical significance and the Busójárás festival. Visitors can explore the Mohács Battlefield and the Busó Courtyard showcasing the town’s unique folklore.

Distance: Approximately 40 km

Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Historical significance, Busójárás festival, Mohács Battlefield, Busó Courtyard

Best Time to Visit: February (during the Busójárás festival)

Entrance Fees:

  • Busó Courtyard Entrance: €5

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Mohács Town Hall, Danube River

Travel Tip: Try to visit during the Busójárás festival for a truly unique cultural experience.

5. Siklós Castle, Hungary

Aerial view about Castle of Siklós, which located at the southern foot of the Villány mountains.
Aerial view about Castle of Siklós, which located at the southern foot of the Villány mountains.

Siklós Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Hungary, is steeped in history. It features a museum, a chapel, and impressive ramparts.

Distance: Approximately 25 km

Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Medieval castle, museum, chapel, ramparts

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Castle Entrance: €7
  • Guided Tour: €10

Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Siklós Castle Grounds, Villány Mountains

Travel Tip: Check for special events or guided tours to enhance your visit to the castle.

6. Kaposvár, Hungary

Baroque Cathedral Kaposvar in the historical center of the city.
Baroque Cathedral Kaposvar in the historical center of the city.

Kaposvár, a charming city with a lively arts scene, offers galleries, theaters, and a beautiful main square. The Rippl-Rónai Museum and the nearby Deseda Lake are major attractions.

Distance: Approximately 70 km

Travel Time: About 1 hour by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Charming city, arts scene, galleries, theaters, Rippl-Rónai Museum, Deseda Lake

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Rippl-Rónai Museum Entrance: €5

Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Kaposvár Main Square, Deseda Lake

Travel Tip: Visit the Deseda Lake for a picnic or a leisurely walk, especially delightful in the spring and summer.

7. Orfű, Hungary

Lake of Orfu, in Hungary from bird view.
Lake of Orfu, in Hungary from bird view.

Orfű, a small village near Pécs, is famous for its lakes and the annual Fishing on Orfű music festival. The area is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing.

Distance: Approximately 20 km

Travel Time: About 20 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Lakes, annual Fishing on Orfű music festival, outdoor activities (hiking, swimming, fishing)

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Free (for lake access)

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation and food)

Scenic Spots: Orfű Lakes, Surrounding Nature Trails

Travel Tip: Rent a canoe or a bike to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the Orfű lakes.

8. Mecsek Mountains, Hungary

The Mecsek Mountains, offering a plethora of hiking trails, are a paradise for nature lovers. The area is also rich in history, with ancient Roman ruins and historic mines.

Distance: Approximately 15 km

Travel Time: About 15-20 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Hiking trails, ancient Roman ruins, historic mines, scenic lookouts

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Free (for hiking and exploring)

Budget: Approximately €10-€20 (including transportation and food)

Scenic Spots: Mecsek Mountain Trails, Lookout Points

Travel Tip: Pack a lunch and hike to one of the mountain’s scenic lookouts for a breathtaking view of the region.

Plan Your Perfect Day Trip with Our Trusted Travel Partners

🚗 Find the Best Car Rental Deals with Rentalcars.com and GetRentacar.com
🏨 Discover the Best Accommodations with Booking.com
🌟 Discover Amazing Experiences with GetYourGuide.com and Tiqets.com
📶 Stay Connected with Airalo.com

FAQ About Best Day Trips from Pécs, Hungary

What are the best day trips from Pécs?

Ideal day trips from Pécs include exploring the Villány wine region, visiting the historic town of Mohács, and discovering the cultural treasures of Szekszárd.

Is Villány worth visiting for wine enthusiasts?

Absolutely! Villány is one of Hungary’s most famous wine regions, known for its red wines. It offers numerous vineyards and cellars for tastings and tours.

Can I visit the Danube-Drava National Park from Pécs?

Yes, the Danube-Drava National Park is a short drive from Pécs and offers stunning natural landscapes, birdwatching, and tranquil walking trails.

Are there cultural tours available in Szekszárd?

Yes, Szekszárd is known for its cultural heritage and wine culture. Guided tours often include visits to local museums, historical sites, and wineries.

What historical sites can I explore near Pécs?

Near Pécs, you can explore the ancient Roman town of Sopianae, the medieval fortress of Siklós, and the historical town of Mohács, known for its Battle of Mohács memorial site.

Is a trip to Harkány recommended for relaxation?

Definitely! Harkány is famous for its thermal baths and spa resorts. It’s a perfect destination for relaxation and wellness treatments.

Can I visit traditional Hungarian villages around Pécs?

Yes, the region around Pécs is dotted with traditional Hungarian villages like Villánykövesd and Gödörháza, offering a glimpse into rural life and local customs.

Are there any nature reserves near Pécs for hiking?

The Mecsek Mountains near Pécs are ideal for hiking and nature walks, with well-marked trails and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Sources:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.