Kisfaludy Beach in Balatonfüred has been named the Best Beach on Lake Balaton for 2026, with the award presented on Friday in Fonyód at the Blue Wave Flag ceremony organised by the Balaton Association (BSZ).

The beast beaches of Lake Balaton named

A total of 42 beach operators entered this year’s competition, now in its 23rd year, committing to have their facilities assessed against a rigorous set of criteria, said Krisztina Kovács Fabacsovicsné, secretary of the BSZ.

She noted that the applicants—predominantly municipalities—included operators of both free and fee-paying beaches. Inspections were carried out jointly by representatives of partner organisations, including the Association of Women for Lake Balaton, the Balaton Tourism Association, the Balaton Circle, the Balaton Uplands National Park, and VisitHungary, the Hungarian news agency wrote.

Beaches were once again rated on a scale of one to five stars. The Blue Wave Flag itself serves as a hallmark of the lake’s finest beaches, while the star ratings reflect the quality and range of services on offer.

Assessors examined parking conditions, the state and cleanliness of sanitary facilities, levels of accessibility, and the overall condition of bathing areas—from lawns to shoreline. Playgrounds, sporting opportunities, child-friendly services, and the quality of on-site catering were also taken into account.

5 stars, 4 stars, 3 stars

A total of 25 beaches received five-star Blue Wave Flags, 13 were awarded four stars, and three earned three-star ratings.

The Hungarian Tourism Agency’s “Family-Friendly Beach of Lake Balaton 2026” special prize went to the Diási Játék Beach in Gyenesdiás, while the Balaton Circle’s “Gastro Beach of Lake Balaton 2026” title was awarded to Alsóörs Municipal Beach.

The Balaton Tourism Association named Föveny Beach in Balatonfűzfő as the lake’s most innovative beach, recognising it as the first to introduce a SUP rental vending machine. The Association of Women for Lake Balaton awarded its prize for children’s animation programmes to the Central Beach in Balatonszárszó, while the “Smart Destination” digital innovation award went to Csopak Municipal Beach.

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The Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate presented its “Green Leaf” award to Balatongyörök Municipal Beach. Föveny Beach in Balatonfűzfő received the “Green Frog” prize for environmental education, while Kisfaludy Beach in Balatonfüred was awarded the “Green Nest” distinction for habitat protection. Bat boxes were also distributed alongside the special prizes.

In separate county-level contests, the Panoráma Beach in Fonyód was named the best in Somogy, Alsóörs Municipal Beach in Veszprém, and Balatongyörök Municipal Beach in Zala.

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