When people think of Szarvas, summer is often the first thing that comes to mind: the water, the boats, the banks of the Körös, the Arboretum, and the long, warm evenings. Yet there’s a time of year that we love just as much. From April through the end of June, the town and the waterfront gradually come to life; the days grow longer, the gardens turn green, and the banks of the Holt-Körös fill with birdsong—all while the hustle and bustle of the peak summer season has yet to arrive.
If the two of you want to get away from the daily grind for a few days—to go for walks, ride bikes, sit by the water, explore Szarvas, or simply do nothing at all—we think spring is one of the best times to do so. Being near the water at this time of year isn’t necessarily about swimming; it’s more about the unique rhythm that a lakeside house brings to your days. We’ve written about this in more detail before in our article, in which we explore, Why is relaxing by the water such a different experience?.
Why is it worth visiting Szarvas in the spring?
Szarvas in the spring is a completely different experience from the town in July and August. There are fewer people, more peace and quiet, and it’s easier to spend a few days there without feeling like you have to see everything right away, or else you’ll miss out on something.
In the spring, it’s nice to take a leisurely stroll through the Arboretum, pop into a place for lunch on a whim, go for a bike ride around town, or simply spend some extra time by the water. What’s more, Szarvas is a town small enough that you don’t necessarily have to get in a car to get from one activity to another. Many places are easily accessible on foot or by bike from Palov’s, and if you’d like to cycle a little further, the We've also put together a separate guide on biking in Szarvas and exploring the surrounding area.
Perhaps this is one of the greatest joys of spring: there’s time to notice even the little things that are easily lost amid the hustle and bustle of summer. The morning light on the water, the birds appearing by the dock, the fresh greenery of the Arboretum, or the fact that it gets dark later and later each evening.
April in Szarvas—When the Banks of the Körös Come Alive Again
The weather in April is still unpredictable, but perhaps that’s exactly what makes it interesting. One day it might be bright and sunny with a temperature of 20 degrees, and the next day it might be cooler and rainier. That’s why a spring weekend in Szarvas doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around a single plan.
If the weather is nice, it’s worth taking a longer walk through the Arboretum, exploring Anna Grove, going for a bike ride, or simply heading down to the water. If this is your first visit to Szarvas, the In our roundup of recreational activities in Szarvas From the Arboretum to Mini Hungary, we've put together a list of several places that are great choices for a spring outing.
On a cooler or rainier day, it’s worth exploring Szarvas’s cultural side. The Sámuel Tessedik Museum, the town’s historic sites, and several other smaller points of interest can easily be squeezed into half a day—places we might otherwise walk right past in the summer. The Cultural Attractions in Szarvas We've written about them separately, and what's more, the Palov family has a personal connection to several of these places.
In our opinion, Szarvas in April is especially suited for those who aren’t necessarily looking for perfect summer weather, but rather a few days of peace and quiet and a genuine escape.
May in Szarvas—perhaps one of the most beautiful months
If we had to choose just one month in the spring, it would be hard not to say May. By this time, everything is green, the days are long, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, but the summer heat and the peak-season crowds haven’t arrived yet.
In May, a morning coffee by the water can easily turn into a long one; during the day, it’s nice to take a stroll through the Arboretum or go for a bike ride around town, and in the afternoon, you can even spend a few hours by the water. It stays light out late into the evening, so the day doesn’t necessarily end after dinner.
Of course, everyone knows the Szarvas Arboretum, but the town has plenty of stories and little-known facts that even some of the returning visitors aren’t aware of. If you like to get to know a place a little beyond the surface, you should read the 12 Little-Known Stories and Interesting Facts About Szarvas Check out our roundup article as well.
We think May is a particularly good time for a romantic weekend in Szarvas. You don’t need any special activities or a carefully planned schedule: a leisurely breakfast, a long walk, a good lunch, and the feeling that you have nowhere to rush off to for a few days might be all you need.
June in Szarvas—it’s already summer, but not yet the height of the season
Summer is definitely here by June. The days are long, and we can spend more and more time by the water—it’s time to break out the SUP, the bike, the dock, and everything else that makes us love the banks of the Körös so much.
Meanwhile, June is often even quieter than the classic July–August peak season, so it’s a good choice for those who want a genuine summer experience but aren’t keen on the busiest time of year.
And if you’d like to do more than just look at the water, Szarvas offers plenty of opportunities to actually get out on the water. Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, boating, and fishing can all be part of your day; the We've compiled a list of water activities in Szarvas in a separate article, including options that depart from Palov’s private dock.
Spring Culinary Experiences in Szarvas
In our opinion, part of a weekend spent just the two of you is not having to plan every meal in advance, but at the same time, it would be a shame to go home without having tried any of the local specialties.
In recent years, a surprisingly exciting culinary scene has emerged in Szarvas and Békésszentandrás: there are modern bistros, more traditional restaurants, cafés, pastry shops, craft beers, and local producers. We don’t want to list our personal favorites in every single article, so we’ve created a A culinary guide to Szarvas featuring the places we’re happy to recommend.
And if you don't want to start your visit with a restaurant right away, Palov’s In the "Tastes of Szarvas" Culinary Experience Package You could also request delicacies from local producers to go with your reservation.
What if the weather is bad in the spring?
This is one of the most common questions, but in our opinion, it’s not necessarily a problem if the sun doesn’t shine all day on a spring weekend. In Szarvas, you can go swimming, visit a museum, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or simply retreat indoors.
The St. Clare Spa is a particularly good choice on a cooler day, and for us, it’s also a place with special personal significance. The history of the thermal water in Szarvas is closely linked to the Palov family, as Dr. Katalin Palov led the certification process for the thermal water. About this „In our story titled ”Where Water Reigns” We'll go into more detail.
If you're more interested in the spa's current services and the therapeutic waters, the Our detailed guide to the St. Clare Spa It's worth checking out.
A rainy afternoon in a house by the water isn’t a bad scenario in and of itself. When it’s raining outside and you have nothing urgent to do inside, it’s quite easy to realize how rarely we allow ourselves to simply stay put.
A Relaxing 48-Hour Spring Weekend in Szarvas
If you arrive on Friday afternoon, we don’t think it’s worth jumping right into another activity. Unpack, take a look at the waterfront, and give yourselves a little time to really settle in.
On Saturday, after a leisurely breakfast, you can visit the Arboretum or go for a longer bike ride, followed by lunch somewhere in town. In the afternoon, it’s worth heading back to the water; if it’s warm enough, you can even go stand-up paddleboarding, but it’s perfectly fine if you just spend your time on the dock.
And on Sunday, you don’t necessarily need another full day of activities. A walk, a swim, or a cup of coffee in town might be more than enough before heading home. A good weekend isn’t necessarily defined by how many activities you managed to fit in.
A Spring Getaway for Two at Palov’s
Palov’s is a guesthouse in Szarvas designed for two people, located right on the waterfront and featuring its own dock. It’s easy to fall in love with the waterfront in the summer, but we might actually love this place even more in the spring.
At times like this, you’re free from the constant hustle and bustle of peak season. In the morning, you can sit out on the dock; during the day, explore Szarvas; and in the evening, return to the water. You haven’t arrived at just another apartment in a complex, but at a small lakeside retreat that we designed specifically for two people to relax.
What’s more, our connection to Szarvas goes beyond just hospitality. The history of several generations of the Palov family is intertwined with the town’s cultural, healthcare, and community life, so if you’re curious about that as well, Why Szarvas, specifically, and where does the name and philosophy of Palov’s come from?, You can read more about this on the page about our story.
And if you've already decided not to wait until July to visit the banks of the Körös this year, the Palov’s Current Availability and Booking Options are available directly on the booking page.
April, May, and June aren't just a prelude to summer. In Szarvas, these months are worth a trip all on their own.
For three nights of relaxation, check out the only, a girlfriend and the option for couples to get away.
To participate in the wellness program, you must schedule an appointment on a weekday (not a holiday) that has been specifically confirmed by the St. Clare Spa.
