Southern Transdanubia is Hungary's most sun-drenched and Mediterranean-style region. Here, life slows down among sun-kissed hills, the vineyards of Villány, and art cities like Pécs. It is a borderland where Roman, Turkish, and Habsburg influences have created a unique cultural mosaic. For the discerning traveler, this region offers charming historic manors, spicy and authentic cuisine, and some of the best red wines in Central Europe.

Pécs: The City of Five Churches and Porcelain

We recommend spending at least two days in Pécs, European Capital of Culture in 2010. A walk through the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter is mandatory: the iridescent ceramic roofs are pure visual art. Do not miss the Early Christian Necropolis (UNESCO) and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim. For an experiential touch, dine in one of the central squares where the evening atmosphere mirrors that of an Italian town.

Villány and Siklós: Wine Lover's Paradise

If you love full-bodied wines, Villány is your destination, often called the 'Bordeaux of Hungary'. We suggest a guided tasting in the historic cellar rows of Palkonya. Nearby, the Siklós Castle stands grand: visit it in the morning and follow up with a relaxing dip in the sulfur-rich thermal waters of Harkány.

Top 5 Luxury and Charme Hotels

• Bock Hotel Ermitage (Villány): Luxury and fine winemaking in one of Hungary's most prestigious estates.
• Palatinus Boutique Hotel (Pécs): Art Nouveau elegance in the heart of the city.
• Crocus Gere Bor Hotel & Resort (Villány): A perfect blend of vinotherapy and high-class hospitality.
• Hotel Makár Sport & Wellness (Pécs): Set in greenery, perfect for relaxation and activity.
• Dráva Hotel Thermal Resort (Harkány): Modern comfort steps away from the famous baths.