Southern Transdanubia is one of the eight statistical regions of Hungary, located in the southwestern part of the country. The region consists of three counties: Baranya, Somogy, and Tolna, with Pécs as its center.
The region is exceptionally rich in natural treasures and protected areas. Among its highlights are the Abaliget stalactite cave, the Szársomlyó Nature Reserve, the paleontological site of Villány, the floodplain forests of Gemenc, and the natural treasures of the Zselic region.
The diverse hilly landscape, forests, rivers, and vineyards provide a unique quality of life for those who live here.
The region is rich in historic towns, castles, and pilgrimage sites. Its most important tourist centers include Pécs, Mohács, Siklós, Villány, Máriagyűd, Szigetvár, Pécsvárad, as well as Szekszárd and Kaposvár. The unique atmosphere of the region is enhanced by the villages of Ormánság, the rolling hills of Zselic, and the natural surroundings of the Eastern Mecsek.
The region boasts outstanding spa and wellness centers. Among the most well-known are the thermal spas of Harkány, Sikonda, and Szigetvár, as well as the thermal baths of Tamási and Igal. The healing waters and wellness facilities provide relaxation and rejuvenation throughout the year.
Among the region’s popular recreational waters are Lake Abaliget, the Orfű lake system, and Lake Dombay in Pécsvárad.
Pécs is the largest city in Transdanubia and the administrative center of Baranya County, as well as one of Hungary’s most livable cities. Located on the southern slopes of the Mecsek Hills, the city offers a unique setting with its Mediterranean atmosphere, rich historical heritage, and vibrant cultural life.
With a history spanning more than two thousand years, its past still shapes its character today: Roman remains – including the UNESCO World Heritage Early Christian burial chambers – the medieval cathedral, and the charming historic downtown create a distinctive historical ambiance. At the same time, Pécs is a youthful university center where festivals, exhibitions, and community events bring the city to life throughout the year.
One of the city’s greatest assets is its location: abundant sunshine, clean air, and the proximity of forests and vineyards ensure an excellent quality of life. Nature is just minutes away, while all essential services are conveniently accessible.
Pécs is not only a tourist destination, but also an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful, safe, yet dynamic place to call home.
Mohács is located in the southeastern part of Southern Transdanubia, as Hungary’s southernmost town on the Danube. It benefits from excellent infrastructure and has operated as an official Danube border port of the European Union since 2007. The town is surrounded by fertile agricultural land. The Danube bridge currently under construction marks a new chapter in the region’s development: Mohács is set to become a strategically important southern transport hub, ensuring long-term growth and economic strengthening.
Mohács is deeply connected to Hungarian history: the decisive Battle of Mohács took place here in 1526. The uncovered mass graves and the Mohács Historical Memorial Park stand as lasting reminders of this significant event. The town’s most famous tradition is the annual Busójárás festival, which attracts thousands of visitors and is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For me, Mohács is more than just a town – I was born here. It is a true little jewel on the banks of the Danube, where green surroundings, a Mediterranean-like climate, distinctive architecture, and a charming pedestrian street create a unique atmosphere. The proximity of the river, the relaxed pace of life, and the welcoming community provide a quality of life that draws people back – and for many, becomes a place to call home.
Bóly’s history dates back centuries. Its first known written mention comes from 1093, during the reign of King Saint Ladislaus, when it was referred to as Bolok. During the Ottoman occupation, the settlement became largely depopulated, and it was later resettled with German settlers under the reign of Maria Theresa. Their descendants remain an important part of the community today – which is also reflected in the town’s historical name, Németbóly (“German Bóly”).
Today, Bóly serves as an important micro-regional center, providing a stable foundation in terms of education, culture, healthcare, and the local economy. The town offers a nursery, a bilingual kindergarten, a secondary school, a library, and active cultural institutions. In 1982, the country’s first bilingual primary school program was introduced here, and it continues to operate to this day, complemented by arts education.
Bóly combines the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of a small town with the well-developed infrastructure, professional expertise, and diverse cultural life typically associated with larger cities.
Siklós is one of the most distinctive small towns in Southern Transdanubia, nestled between the Villány wine region and the slopes of Tenkes Hill. Its most iconic landmark is the Castle of Siklós, one of Hungary’s best-preserved medieval castles, which continues to define the town’s character.
The town boasts a rich historical heritage, having served as an important strategic and cultural center for centuries. Its charming downtown area, historical monuments, and year-round events attract visitors throughout the year. Nearby Máriagyűd, a well-known pilgrimage site, further enhances the region’s cultural and spiritual significance.
Siklós is known not only for its historical treasures but also for its thermal bath: the Siklós Spa offers relaxing recreation all year round. The world-famous thermal spa of nearby Harkány further strengthens the area’s appeal for health tourism. The Mediterranean-like climate, the proximity of vineyards, and the wine-region atmosphere provide a distinctive quality of life.
Siklós offers a unique combination of historical ambiance, tourism opportunities, and a peaceful, livable environment.
Villány is one of the most renowned towns in Southern Transdanubia and the center of one of Hungary’s most distinguished wine regions. The Villány wine region has gained international recognition thanks to its outstanding red wines, and the town has long been a leading hub of premium wine culture in Hungary.
The famous Villány wine cellar row offers a truly unique atmosphere: historic press houses, family-owned wineries, and modern wine estates stand side by side. Wine festivals, gastronomic events, and cultural programs held throughout the year create a vibrant and lively ambiance.
Thanks to its exceptional location, Villány is one of the sunniest areas in Hungary. The Mediterranean-like climate, the scenic vineyards, and the peaceful small-town environment ensure an outstanding quality of life. The proximity to nature and the well-developed tourism infrastructure make the town attractive both as a permanent residence and as an investment opportunity.
Villány is not just a destination – it is a lifestyle: a harmonious blend of wine, sunshine, and tranquility.
Harkány is one of the most well-known spa towns in Southern Transdanubia, famous for its world-renowned sulphur-rich thermal waters. With a history spanning more than 150 years, the Harkány Thermal Spa is recognized throughout Europe, particularly for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
All year round, the town offers opportunities for rest and rejuvenation: a modern spa complex, wellness services, hotels, and restaurants welcome visitors. The Mediterranean-like climate, abundant sunshine, and peaceful surroundings ensure an excellent quality of life.
Thanks to its advantageous location, Harkány is close to Siklós and the Villány wine region, making it possible to combine health tourism with wine and gastronomy experiences. The town is orderly, safe, and welcoming.
Harkány is not just a spa town – it is a place that offers a true quality of life.
Szigetvár is one of the historically significant towns of Southern Transdanubia, known worldwide for the 1566 siege. The heroic defense of the castle led by Miklós Zrínyi remains one of the most memorable events in Hungarian history, and its legacy is preserved today by the Castle of Szigetvár, located in the heart of the town. The carefully restored fortress now serves as a cultural and tourist center, hosting exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Beyond its rich history and built cultural heritage, one of Szigetvár’s greatest attractions is its thermal water. The spa’s 62°C medicinal water rises from a depth of 800 meters and has been serving visitors seeking healing and relaxation since 1966. Its sodium chloride, alkaline hydrogen carbonate composition with high fluoride content is particularly effective in alleviating musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions, and it may also help slow the progression of osteoporosis.
Szigetvár is a place where the values of the past and the tranquility of everyday life go hand in hand.
Pécsvárad is located on the southern slopes of the Eastern Mecsek, at the foot of the Mecsek’s highest peak, the 681-meter-high Zengő, just 19 kilometers from Pécs. This picturesque small town boasts a rich historical heritage and exceptional natural surroundings. Its most significant landmark is the Castle of Pécsvárad, which dates back to the time of King Saint Stephen and played an important role in the religious and cultural life of the region for centuries.
The town’s historic center still preserves its medieval atmosphere, while offering a well-maintained and livable small-town environment. The forests and hiking trails of the Eastern Mecsek, along with nearby Lake Dombay, provide excellent opportunities for excursions, relaxation, and outdoor activities.
Pécsvárad is a place where history and nature exist in perfect harmony.
Szekszárd is the county seat of Tolna County and one of the key cities of Southern Transdanubia. The gently rolling hills, vineyards, and calm small-town atmosphere give the town a distinctive character.
The city’s name is closely associated with the Szekszárd wine region, which is particularly renowned for its full-bodied red wines. Winemaking and gastronomy play a central role in local life, with wineries and events attracting visitors throughout the year.
Szekszárd is not only significant from a tourism perspective, but also offers a stable and livable environment as a county seat: educational institutions, healthcare services, cultural programs, and well-developed infrastructure are all available. The city is friendly, safe, and easy to navigate, while providing access to all essential services.
Dombóvár is one of the key towns of Tolna County, known primarily for its thermal spa and its favorable location. The town is an important transportation hub, making it easily accessible from several larger settlements in the region.
The town’s greatest attraction is the Gunaras Thermal Spa, which offers year-round opportunities for relaxation and healing with its medicinal thermal water. The spa and its surrounding holiday area are set in a peaceful, green environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking nature-oriented recreation.
Dombóvár is a livable small town where educational institutions, healthcare services, and well-developed infrastructure ensure everyday comfort. The town is friendly, safe, and easy to navigate, while the surrounding hills and forests provide excellent opportunities for excursions and outdoor activities.
Dombóvár is a place where healing waters, nature, and a relaxed lifestyle come together in harmony.
Bonyhád is one of the key small towns of Tolna County, with a rich historical past and strong community traditions. The town serves as the center of the Völgység region and has played an important role in the area’s economic and cultural life for centuries.
One of Bonyhád’s distinctive features is its significant German minority heritage, which continues to shape the town’s identity and cultural life today. Traditional events, twin-town partnerships, and active community programs keep its historical roots alive.
Bonyhád offers well-developed infrastructure, including educational institutions, healthcare services, shops, and sports facilities that ensure everyday comfort. Its orderly streets, friendly residential environment, and surrounding rolling hills provide peaceful and safe living conditions.
Kaposvár is the county seat of Somogy County and one of the key cities of Southern Transdanubia. Thanks to its well-maintained streets lined with parks and trees, it is often referred to as the “City of Flowers.” Its calm, livable environment and continuous development provide a stable foundation for its residents.
The city has a rich cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of the painter József Rippl-Rónai, whose legacy remains an important part of Kaposvár’s identity. The Csiky Gergely Theatre, museums, and year-round cultural programs create a vibrant intellectual and artistic atmosphere.
Kaposvár is also an important educational and economic center, offering a university, secondary schools, healthcare institutions, and well-developed infrastructure. Its favorable geographical location – close to the forested hills of the Zselic region – provides excellent opportunities for excursions and outdoor activities.
