Wine, Cakes, and Balaton''s Riviera

The Balaton has frequently been associated with the Riviera and not only because of a popular Hungarian song (that goes "For me, the Balaton is the Riviera'); certain parts of it radiate a distinctive Mediterranean air. Looking, for example, in the direction of Káptalanfüred from the terrace of Vöröskő Pension on the edge of Balatonalmádi, gives you the feeling you were looking at Italian scenery - evergreen trees, barren red rocks and pleasant-looking summer homes. No wonder that this area – around Alsóörs, Csopak, and Paloznak – likes to refer to itself as Balaton's Riviera.
The almond blossom is an integral part of the Mediterranean feeling, so it is celebrated with a cake baking competition on the riviera. The cakes must, of course, include almonds. You can register for the competition until 30 April.

You don't have to participate to get a bite of cake, just be on the Csopak beach in the afternoon of 3 May, where judges including master pastry-maker Miklós Szamos and actress Szonja Oroszlán will evaluate the entries. In addition to other prizes, the winner will have their name written on the sky above Alsóörs with laser lights.
A week later, on 10 May, choose Badacsony as your destination (that is, if you're not in Balatonföldvár). You can take a tour of the wine cellars of Badacsony for free with the regional bus service, plus, you'll get the first glass of wine you taste for free as well. You might as well taste some more if you're there.

If you visit at least 3 wineries and answer a question at each location, you'll get a reward: a bottle of wine will be waiting for you in Hotel Bonvinoban. By the way, Bonvino is worth your attention and time, so consider spending the night there. It is friendly in size compared to 10-storey monster hotels, the minimalist design lacks fake stuccos, and it is close to everything, including the Lake and the train station.