Tihany

Tihany
Tihany was formed of debris spewed from ancient volcanoes – it is difficult to believe that from such violence came such beauty. Jutting into the lake from its northern shore, the peninsula is simply breathtaking. At its heart are hills, marshes, old geyser cones and two crater lakes; this area was declared Hungary’s first nature reserve in 1952, and it is rated highly by hikers, birdwatchers and fishermen alike.
 
On the eastern side is the wildly romantic Tihany village, with its narrow streets and quaint peasant cottages. The crypt of the abbey church dates back to the 11th century – the deeds recording its foundation represent the earliest surviving document containing Hungarian words – and near by are monks’ cells of the same period, modest shelters for contemplation that were painstakingly hewn into the rock face.
 
Take a stroll around the open-air museum and learn about the lives of the village’s 19th-century fishermen and farmers; pick up some pottery or paprika at one of the craft houses; and finally choose from one of several excellent restaurants with stunning views over Lake Balaton. You’re spoilt when it comes to accommodation too, with options including peasant houses, a former Habsburg summer house and a large resort with all-singing-all-dancing facilities. Yes, Tihany is perfect.
 
For further information, see www.tihany.hu.