Opened in 1922, the beach bath that would become the Árpád Gyógy- és Strandfürdő first made its name with a large open-air pool, before the covered, neo-Turkish-style building that completes it rose in 1927 along the Élővíz canal. The real turning point came in 1959, with the first thermal well, ushering in a new era for this site in Békés county.
Officially recognised by the Ministry of Health around the turn of the 2000s, the site's water led to its classification as a medical bath in 2006. Since a 2003 renovation, the complex has featured six pools accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, surrounded by ample green spaces that keep it one of the region's most popular bathing spots.
Insider tip — Arpad Gyogy- es Strandfurdo in Gyula taps into the thermal waters beneath Hungary's Great Plain, where geothermal gradients are among the highest in Europe. The open-air thermal strand pools are a beloved institution for the local community, combining health-giving mineral soaks with a social outdoor bathing tradition unique to Hungarian culture. Gyula's well-preserved medieval castle is just a short walk away for a historical complement to your bathing visit. Summer evenings at the strand are especially festive, with families gathering until well after sunset.
