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Pécs

Pécs is be the European Capital of Culture in 2010, with many activities and events planned throughout the year.

The main city in the area, Pécs was originally a Roman settlement (known as Sopianae), build as the hub for local wine production, and later the Christian church. It has seen many changes through history, evident from its mixed architecture, such as the Ottoman mosque (now a church) on the main square, the city walls and barbican, and bishop's palace. The ecclesiastical quarter and ancient Christian catacombs are designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The city is cosmopolitan and busy, with many cafés (ask for a recommendation for the best cakes in town) and restaurants, permanent food- and flea-markets, as well as a regular large fair outside of town. It is still possible to eat well in Pécs for cheap, and don't miss the spectacular national theatre.

Amongst other attractions, Pécs has a zoo, Ottoman relics (the old mosque and minarets, and the Sultana's bath-house), many underground caverns for wine, porcelain production, the magnificent thatre, and beautiful forested hillsides to the north.

Villány

Centre of the famous wine region of the same name, the town's main street features dozens of wine cellars literally next to each other. Wander along and sample what each has to offer, and decide where you'd like to buy your 10-litre container's worth, just to keep you going.

Siklós

At the other end of the wine region, Siklós has some of the same to offer as Villány, plus a lovely mediaeval castle in good repair, housing museums to torture (in the dungeon, naturally) and local wildlife, and extensive grounds. A visit is worth it for the view from the battlements alone.

Harkány

If all the above has tired you out, find here natural thermal springs to relax you. People come from great distances to experience the waters, said to cure all manner of ailments.

The Wine Region

Aside from the commercialised centres of wine production above, small villages are dotted around, such as Palkonya (a "European Cultural Village") and Villány-Kövesd with rows of private wine cellars with the real home-made stuff inside. You might try to get yourself invited to sample their latest vintage, but don't expect to be allowed to leave quickly, and be warned: you must praise the wine whatever you might think of it! Don't forget that Kiskassa has its own row of cellars, and we have one right on the farm.

Duna-Dráva National Park

Along the Croatian border and up the Danube into Hungary, a large area of land is set aside for nature conservation, and is well worth a visit for those with transport for the wildlife and vegetation in varied hilly to marsh landscapes.

Szigetvár

A little further afield, this castle on an (artificial) island held out in long sieges against the Ottomans, Austrians, and whoever else happened to be passing. Just imagine spending many weeks or months inside those earthwork walls!

Mohács

Site of the Hungarians' most famous military defeat (“More was lost at Mohács,” they say), today it is a centre for boating on the Danube.