CNN – The best spas of Hungary

According to CNN, even the Romans knew the healing waters of Hungary, but the Ottoman Turks were who imported their social spa culture to the country.

You can see people playing chess in the warm waters of the huge Széchenyi complex in Budapest – one of the biggest in Europe and one of the most beautiful, says CNN. While they are in the water, they can take advantage of the restorative properties of the thermal water.

The spa at Egerszalók is nicknamed Salt Hill, because the surrounding mounds are white, thank to the mineral deposits. Visitors can go into the hot springs or can use the 17 indoor and outdoor pools. Just five miles away is Eger, which has a 16th-century Turkish bath and outdoor thermal pools. You can try Turkish massage or you can relax in the the ornate interior, decorated by mosaics.

According to CNN, another 64 kilometers east, there is the underground water world at Miskolctapolca, simply called it the Cave Bath. Thermal waters flow through a huge series of limestone caves, which are heated.

Hévíz is the largest thermal lake in Europe, and it lies close to Lake Balaton. Bathers can see there ducks and water lilies too. Visitors can use seven thermal pools, mud baths and treatments for conditions that can be helped by a therapeutic dip.