A Balaton holiday offers different experiences in every season. Spring brings fresh energy, summer bursts with lively lakeside life, and autumn is all about tranquillity. This is the place where childhood memories come alive, where the sunshine, the waves, and the quiet garden of our small hotel instantly switch you into holiday mode.
Whether it’s spring, summer, or autumn, a trip to Lake Balaton is always a great choice. Which season is your favourite?
Low season – Lake Balaton in Full Swing
The low season is perfect for those who love the freshness of spring. Nature slowly awakens, flowers bloom, and the sun’s rays gently caress the landscape. A low season holiday is characterised by a relaxed, unhurried pace.
There are fewer tourists, no queues, and the lakeside is calmer, yet the beach life is beginning to unfold. Surfers appear, SUP boards hit the water, and white sails drift in the distance. If you haven’t tried it yet, you can dive into the world of water sports in Zamárdi. At the Windsurfcenter, you can rent SUP boards and surfboards.
In spring, the cycling paths are less crowded, as there are fewer tourists. Thanks to the pleasant weather, it’s also the perfect time for hiking or cycling adventures. At Platán Hotel, you can even rent a bike for your explorations. Cycle over to the Szántódpuszta Majorság, where history comes alive among 19th-century buildings, or hop on the ferry and head to the Tihany Peninsula.
A low season Balaton holiday offers the full experience – just in a more relaxed, leisurely way, and not least, at more favourable prices.
Did you know? The first half of June still counts as the low season! It’s practically summer, yet you can enjoy it at the best low season prices – meaning you can even extend your holiday for the same budget!
What are the advantages of the low season?
- low season prices are much more favourable
- no crowds, quieter beaches, no queues at attractions
- restaurants are already open, ferries run, some summer services are available
- In June, the lavender fields come into bloom, and the Kőröshegy Tulip and Lavender Park is just a 15-minute drive from Platán Hotel
- pleasant weather ideal for cycling, hiking and active days
High season – The ultimate holiday
During high season, Lake Balaton almost becomes the country’s centre – programmes, festivals, and true summer vibrancy fill the lakeside holiday resorts. It’s no wonder, as the sparkling sunshine makes it impossible to resist the freedom of the Balaton beach.
Culture, music, sports
The town hosts large-scale summer events such as the Balaton Crossing, the Rosé Festival, the Balatoni Játszadalom festival, and the STRAND Festival.
Beach
In July and August, the beach becomes one of the main highlights of your holiday. Zamárdi’s Great Public Beach is free to enter, stretches nearly 3 km along a grassy, shaded shoreline, and offers a wide range of services. For the little ones, there’s a playground and a sandy beach area.
Gastronomy
In summer, alongside the beach life, the gastronomic scene in Zamárdi is also in full swing. Near Platán Hotel, you’ll find everything from classic lángos and fried hake to quality bistro restaurants and long-established favourites. Balaton wines and local flavours truly complete the culinary experience.
Why choose the high season?
- lively beach life
- glorious summer weather
- festivals, concerts, summer events
- all services are bustling, with a varied gastronomic offer
- community atmosphere: beach by day, sunset walks in the evening, shared experiences with friends, family or alone
Tip: If you want to get away from the summer hustle and bustle, Platán Hotel’s green gardens and poolside are the perfect place to relax – yet you’re still close to everything.
Low season – Enchanted by autumn atmospheres
In the low season, a calmer rhythm replaces the summer bustle at Lake Balaton. Yet the term “holiday” still fits in autumn, as the sunshine and the water remain inviting. In September, you can usually expect truly summery weather, and it’s not uncommon to enjoy a swim. With the extreme heat gone, however, active recreation once again takes centre stage.
In autumn, the lakeside, cycling paths, and hiking spots are quieter, almost as if Lake Balaton is all yours. And if you’re looking for activities, the late season won’t disappoint, as it’s the time for harvest festivals and winery visits.
Why should you choose the low season?
- better low season prices
- summer weather, fresh mornings, ideal hiking weather
- fewer tourists, more comfortable holidays
- harvest programmes come to the fore, wine cellars await
- autumn atmosphere, golden sunsets
The low season, like the high season, is a time for the conscious traveller who appreciates peace of mind, lower prices and a colourful programme of activities.
At home by Lake Balaton in every season
A Balaton holiday has its own charm in every season – and at Platán Hotel, you’ll have the perfect companion for it. With us, the same comfort awaits you year-round.
Start your day with a generous breakfast included in the room rate, enjoy convenient parking in the hotel’s secure enclosed area, and relax in air-conditioned rooms with quality beds. A quiet morning by the pool with your favourite book is truly balm for the soul.
At the end of the day, it feels wonderful to unwind in the Finnish sauna or sit out on your room’s private terrace, enjoying a long conversation over a glass of Balaton wine. Whether it’s a spring getaway, a summer holiday, or an autumn retreat, Platán is the ideal choice in every season.
Platán Hotel is a pet-friendly accommodation, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home. At Mirabella Camping Zamárdi, the facilities are available free of charge for Platán Hotel guests.
Family-friendly holidays
In our cosy, family-friendly hotel, you can choose from 16 comfortable, garden-facing rooms. We are also a great choice for a family holiday, with a playground in the garden and a pool table in the event room.
We provide a free baby-kit, including a high chair, baby bath, and cot, making your travel more convenient since you don’t have to bring these items with you.
At our hotel, a welcoming atmosphere comes as standard, and in our small green garden, you’ll find the unique Platán Hotel tranquillity you won’t easily find elsewhere. You can book your stay online easily, and payment is possible by credit card or debit card.
You can always find the best offers on our website!