An empire of sun worshippers and sports lovers opens its gates to those who visit the eastern part of lake Balaton. On the beaches of Akarattya, Aliga and Kenese, which are sunny from early morning until late evening, you feel that time stands still, and you wish this holiday could last forever. From the lively settlements on the lake's most northerly inlet you can choose one of the paths leading up to the ridge of the hill, and look down on the blue world stretching out before you. The landscape is animated by fishing villages and fishing nets which trawl the water daily. Come with us to the High Ground above the lake to look for traces of ancient times: up here you are still aware of the characteristic, slightly sour odour of the reedy water which once covered the whole area. Medieval music rises from the red stone walls of the ancient church, and we are transported back to the intimate moments of a bygone age.  

Other sports have been associated from the beginning with the bathing world and spa life of the Balaton. The enormous surface of the water, the reed beds, the woods and fields of the surrounding countryside offer distinct possibilities for sport.

Sailing remains popolar to this day, whether we think of it as a hobby or as a competition. Competitions are favoured mainly by owners of technically specialised sporting craft, but the complicated wind currents test even their knowledge. Recently, the number of moorings for leisure craft has increased, where boats can be stored or hired.

Bone fishhooks, a hand span in length, exhibited in the Museum of Balaton prove that people fished and angled here even before historical times. Those who are patient can angle for catfish that grow to over one and a half metres, pikeperch long as an arm or carp, busa and amur of more than ten kilos. You can fish almost anywhere, the best times being early and late in the season when it is not too hot and fish are more ready to bite. Licences are availabie in every fishing shop.

Local stables organise pony trekking and horse shows at almost every holiday resort. The famous stud farm of Szántódpuszta is worth visiting, and you can sit on coaches and hansom cabs, which are once again in fashion.

Those who make excursions on foot or by bicycle can choose from among numerous tourist routes and popular sites. They can climb on the volcanic cones of the Balaton highlands from which they can take in the wonderful panorama of the lake with its ever-changing colours. Those who wish to go even higher can look at the lake from a hang glider, a propeller-engine plane, helicopter or balloon. There are at least twenty points around the lake where you can go on a pleasure flight, and the two largest airfields of the region, the airports of Sármellék and Balatonkiliti, can take small international aircrafts.