Bratislava, Closer To the Sea Than You Might Think
Just a stone’s throw away from Bratislava is a popular touristic resort called Sunny Lakes (Slnečné jazerá). Until recently, it was known as Slovak Tahiti. Much like the original Tahiti, it offers bathing, water sports, fishing accommodation and more.
“The Senec sea, as I call the lakes, is better than the Mediterranean. Water is warmer here, it’s close to Bratislava and we have found everything we need here,” says Dáša Toledová. She used to spend vacations here as a child and now she comes regularly with her husband and children.
Sunny Lakes is one of the best known and most visited summer resorts in Slovakia. Only 25 kilometres from the Slovak capital you’ll find a seaside-like resort with beaches, mini golf and water attractions. There are tennis courts, volleyball and football pitches, a mini zoo and playgrounds for the kids. A rich cultural programme awaits you right in the area, day and night.
Thanks to the Bratislava CARD City & Region, you can get here by train or bus for free. In the local aqua park, you are even entitled to extend your stay for an extra hour with no additional charge.
In a seafarer’s shoes
Part of what makes the seaside resort so perfect is, of course, its tasty prepared fish dishes. The southern side of the Sunny Lakes offers a remarkable culinary experience while the stylish Lobster restaurant stands over the water on robinia poles. From its terraces, you can look over the lake and enjoy fish specialties of local or foreign cuisines.
The local fish soup, Halászlé, tastes especially delicious on board a sailboat. You will feel like a seafarer, as part of the restaurant resembles Santa Maria, a ship on which Columbus discovered America. Part of the complex includes Polynesian-style bungalows with terraces built above the lake and direct access to the water. When watching the sunset or sunrise, you will experience unforgettable romantic moments here.
The nearby amphitheatre provides entertainment at live concerts or other cultural events and even offers Latino dance lessons.
Active relaxation
If you’re looking to enjoy water sports to your heart’s content, Sunny Lakes is the ideal place. You can rent a water bike or boat or try paddling according to the tradition of the Hawaiian Islands. Everything you need for paddle boarding, you’ll find right on the bank of the lakes for a small fee. Regular visitor of Sunny Lakes, Martin Ondrejčák, became a keen fan of this activity last year.
“Paddle boarding is great for training stability,” he laughs.
If you love cycling, try one of the cycling trails around Senec. They will take you to the wine town of Pezinok or to the kingdom of the roasted goose – Slovenský Grob.
Not just in summer
It is worth visiting Sunny Lakes outside of the summer season as well, especially the northern side where the Aquapark Senec is open regardless of the season and weather. You can choose between five year-round pools and two more summer pools. Children will love the toboggans and slides while avid swimmers can savour a 25-metre indoor pool with a separate entrance.
Treat your body to a much-deserved break in sauna world. In one of the best Slovak wellness centres, you can choose from eight saunas, three whirlpools, a Kneipp treading bath that stimulates blood circulation as well as a variety of massages. Staying in a sauna house in a closed yard is unforgettable, especially when it’s snowing, as you will experience the contrast of freezing snow melting on your hot skin.
