A Sunday that starts on the south shore of Lake Balaton and ends with clinking glasses among volcanic hills? That’s the promise behind this weekly excursion pairing boats, buses, markets, and wineries. Every Sunday, guests head from Fonyód or Balatonfenyves across the water to Badacsony, then continue by minibus to the beloved Káptalantóti Craft Market for shopping and free time, with wine and arboretum add-ons to stretch the day into the afternoon.
Two Ways Across the Lake
From Fonyód, the journey kicks off by speedboat, slicing straight to Badacsony. From there, a minibus carries the group to the Káptalantóti Market for 1.5 hours of browsing and buying from artisan stalls and local producers, plus unstructured time to explore. This package costs 9,000 HUF (about 24 USD) per person and runs every Sunday, departing at 10:00 and returning by 15:00.
Prefer a slower glide? From Balatonfenyves, the Szent Benedek sightseeing boat ferries guests to Badacsony, followed by the same minibus link to the market and that 1.5-hour window to shop and wander. This option is 12,000 HUF (about 32 USD) per person, also every Sunday with a 10:00 start and a 15:00 finish.
Afternoon Add‑Ons: Wine or Arboretum
After the market, pick your afternoon flavor. One trip heads to Folly Arboretum and Winery (Folly Arborétum és Borászat), a terraced garden and winery with a 1.5-hour free program, including a tasting of three varieties—choose cordials or wine. The other swings back to Badacsony for a two-stop winery crawl at Istvándy and Laposa, with three-wine tastings at each cellar.
For Fonyód departures, the day with add‑on costs 16,000 HUF (about 43 USD) per person. For Balatonfenyves departures, the enhanced package is 21,000 HUF (about 56 USD) per person. Both run Sundays, 10:00 to 15:00, with the tastings stitched into the afternoon schedule.
Group Minimums and Booking Fine Print
The Fonyód program sails with a minimum of 10 registered guests, while the Balatonfenyves program needs at least 15. These headcounts can be reached by combining multiple individual bookings. The requirement does not apply to the regularly scheduled public boat service, but the organized program sections only run at pre-arranged, confirmed times. Translation: book ahead and confirm your slot before you show up at the pier.
Upcoming Sunday Dates
The schedule zeroes in on winter-into-early-spring Sundays out of Fonyód: 2026.02.08., 2026.02.15., 2026.02.22., and 2026.03.01. Additional dates can be added as demand builds—watch for more slots as the season opens up.
Where to Stay: From Castles to Quiet Corners
If you’re making a weekend of it, Fonyód and Fonyódliget have you covered. Tucked behind Fonyód Hill and away from the lakeside bustle, the Boros Castle Guesthouse (Boros Kastély Vendégház) rises like a peninsula in the middle of the Nagyberek nature reserve. The guesthouse holds 26 people and doubles as a training or corporate retreat venue, with sailing, boating, and wine-tasting programs. Inside are 10 freshly renovated, en-suite rooms, including doubles and two-room terraces for four, all with sweeping views of the Fonyód hills and the protected wetlands.
The Funoldi Guesthouse (Funoldi Vendégház) bills itself as a go-to for anyone craving calm. Set in one of Fonyód’s prettiest districts, it’s equally suitable as a conference center—so whether you’re decompressing or presenting, the setup flexes both ways.
Families or couples might gravitate to an air-conditioned apartment along a quiet cul-de-sac just five minutes from the Fonyódliget public beach. On a fenced, landscaped lot, a 40-square-meter, two-bedroom flat welcomes guests—and yes, SZÉP Card is accepted.
There are also independent-entry apartments on Fonyód’s south-shore stretch, open year-round, all boasting gorgeous lake panoramas. For kitchen fans, a north-shore-facing American‑style kitchen apartment sits one minute from the water and looks out to the opposite bank.
Within the Fonyódliget Holiday Park, the Zöldkert Restaurant sits amid trees and calm, with on-site pension apartments offering solid accommodation right inside the park’s bubble. Prefer something central? Hotel Balaton anchors downtown Fonyód, 100 meters from the lake and marina and 250 meters from the beach. The 50-guest hotel offers fully equipped rooms with showers, minibars, cable TV, plus smoke detectors and a fire alarm system. Apartments add mini-kitchens for easy self-catering.
Eat and Drink: Views, Vibes, and Street‑Side Sweetness
On Fonyód’s main square, My Kitchen Studio 365 (Konyhám Stúdió 365) pairs Balaton views with a culinary studio vibe. It’s pitched as more than a restaurant—think artistic flavors and a mood to match. If you love tasting your way through new combinations while soaking up small joys, it’s the spot.
In the town center, Barbican (Barbakán) keeps things casual: Fornetti bakes, grilled sandwiches, pastries, homemade lemonade, coffee specialties, and draft beer. Summer adds soft-serve and slushies; winter brings a cozy interior. Free Wi‑Fi welcomes digital nomads and map-checkers alike.
How to Join
Pick your port—Fonyód speedboat or Balatonfenyves Szent Benedek sightseeing ship—book your slot, and be ready for a lake crossing, a minibus hop, and a market spree. Keep the add-ons in mind: Folly’s arboretum plus drinks, or the Badacsony double tasting at Istvándy and Laposa. Bring a shopping bag, a camera, and an appetite for Balaton’s volcanic wines. Sundays are sorted.
