This is Lake Balaton’s best beach in 2024!

The Diási Játékstrand in Gyenesdiás has been awarded the title of Best Beach at Lake Balaton for 2024. Additionally, 28 beaches around Balaton received the prestigious five-star Blue Wave Flag (Kék Hullám Zászló), as revealed during the Balaton Association’s award ceremony held on Friday, 12 July, in Vonyarcvashegy, Hungary.

Strict evaluation criteria

The Diási Játékstrand in Gyenesdiás. Photo: gyenesdias.info.hu

This year marks the 21st edition of the Blue Wave Flag certification, which has become a hallmark for the best beaches at Balaton. A total of 46 beach operators participated in the evaluation, which included both free beaches and campsites, Sokszínű Vidék reports.

The assessment considered various factors such as parking facilities, the condition and cleanliness of restrooms, the level of accessibility, and the overall environmental state (including flower arrangements, grass, and the lakebed). The quality and shading of playgrounds, sports opportunities, and child-friendly features like diaper-changing stations and family changing rooms were also important. The range of beachside dining options and the presence of local products were additional criteria.

Lake Balaton’s best beaches: Rating and awards

Beaches were rated on a scale from 1 to 5 stars to indicate the quality and variety of services offered. This year, 28 beaches received 5 stars, 14 received 4 stars, and 4 were awarded 3 stars.

Diási Játékstrand in Gyenesdiás was named the Best Beach at Lake Balaton for 2024.

Special awards

Several special awards were given during the ceremony. Three beaches earned the “Smart Beach” certificate, with the special award going to Vonyarcvashegy Lido Strand. The Hungarian Tourism Agency’s Family-Friendly Award was given to Mandulavirág Strand in Balatonakali.

The Balaton Circle awarded its special prize to Fövenyes Strand in Balatonudvari for its year-round quality offerings and support of local products. The Balaton Tourism Association’s special prize went to Siófoki Nagystrand, recognised for its event programs.

The Diási Játékstrand in Gyenesdiás. Photo: gyenesdias.info.hu

The Balaton Uplands National Park (Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park) awarded the Green Leaf Award to Kisfaludy Strand in Balatonfüred for outstanding green spaces, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation efforts. The Green Frog Award was given to Községi Strand in Szigliget for excellence in environmental education, and the Green Nest Award went to Rigó Street Free Beach in Szántód for exceptional habitat conservation.

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