Lively, historic, and always buzzing, the centuries-old spa town of Gyula pulls out all the stops for locals and tourists alike with a marathon of festivals that run all year long. Whether you’re drawn by culture, music, gourmet delights, or the chance to relax, Gyula’s calendar leaves no one out. Home to the iconic Gyula Castle (Gyulai vár), its legendary thermal spa, fiery pálinka, and world-class sausage, the town becomes a stage brimming with possibilities, especially when festival season hits.
A Summer Jam-Packed with Festivals
Be sure to clear your schedule from late June to mid-August—because Gyula’s main event season doesn’t let up for weeks on end.
Kicking off on June 27 and running through August 17, the Gyula Castle Theatre Interdisciplinary Festival (Gyulai Várszínház Összművészeti Fesztivál) offers total immersion in performing and visual arts. The beautiful medieval fortress and atmospheric open-air theatre host plays, concerts, and cultural events that attract visitors from throughout Hungary and beyond.
For literature lovers, the World Literary Classics Festival (Világirodalmi Klasszikusok Fesztiválja) takes over from August 4 to 10, celebrating works that have shaped global culture in this picturesque setting.
If you’re in the mood for laughter, don’t miss the Literary Humor Festival (Irodalmi Humorfesztivál) on August 15—tickets start at just $10, with a maximum price of around $14 for a fun-filled day of wit and satire.
From August 22 to 25, movement and music come together at the Zumba Festival Gyula. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just want to sit back and soak in the rhythm, you’ll find something to get your pulse racing.
From Gourmet to Honey: Flavors You Can’t Miss
As summer turns into fall, Gyula draws on its roots with the National Romanian Gastronomic Festival (Országos Román Gasztronómiai Fesztivál) on September 13. Here, regional delicacies and traditional flavors create an irresistible sense of community among food stalls, live music, and a plethora of culinary traditions.
But the town doesn’t stop when the weather turns cold. On December 6 and 7, the Gyula Honey Festival (Gyulai Mézfesztivál) celebrates all things honey: from artisanal tastings and bee-based products to lively talks and family-friendly programs, it’s a cozy winter highlight.
More Than Just Accommodation
Gyula’s hospitality is first-rate, catering to solo travelers, families, couples, and groups. Many hotels and guesthouses do more than offer a place to sleep—they promise rejuvenation, fun, and pampering year-round.
The standout Wellness Hotel Gyula is a haven for those who appreciate family-friendly wellness, offering full board at half-board prices throughout the year, including holidays. Whether you’re after romance, a getaway with friends, child-friendly play, or a senior recharge, this hotel ensures every generation leaves refreshed.
Across the town’s romantic center, the Abbázia Apartment and Studio (Abbázia Apartman és Stúdió) puts guests just steps—about 50 yards—from both the castle and the famous spa. Angelhaus Guesthouse (Angelhaus Vendégház) and Bányai Guesthouse (Bányai Vendégház) entice visitors with peace and quiet near the spa, nestled in tranquil, scenic neighborhoods.
Bigger groups don’t have to miss out on charm either: an apartment house a minute from the summer spa entrance and right beside the canal is an ideal base for larger families or friends traveling together, with its six stylish apartments.
The Central Apartment (Central Apartman) lies right in the heart of town, offering easy access to key sights (most between 820 and 1,640 feet away) and providing accommodations from studios of 194 sq ft up to luxury 1,184 sq ft apartments for families or groups.
The Sweet Side of Gyula
Foodies and history buffs alike shouldn’t miss the Hundred-Year-Old Confectionery (Százéves Cukrászda), Hungary’s second oldest patisserie, open since 1840. Housed in a charming Empire-style building adorned with hand-painted walls and original Biedermeier furnishings, this café not only serves classic cakes, parfaits, sweets, and ice creams, but also transports guests back to the lively 19th-century coffeehouse era. The restoration between 1984 and 1986 and a major refresh in 2004 have preserved its place as a local gem and must-visit for everyone with a sweet tooth.
The Almásy Mansion Visitor Center (Almásy-kastély Látogatóközpont) adds another layer to the town’s cultural life, with a cozy café and an inviting museum gift shop open daily (except Mondays) from 10am–6pm.
Don’t Miss Out—But Watch for Changes
For festival-goers, one last heads-up: organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, so keep an eye on announcements for last-minute updates. One thing’s for sure: whether you come for the art, the food, the fun, or to relax, Gyula’s 2025 festival season is sure to keep you coming back for more.
