Not only coastal countries can offer ideal places for a beach holiday, but also those landlocked. It is the case of Slovakia, a country smaller than a quarter of Romania, nestled between the peaks of the Tatra mountains.
Having no seashore, the Slovaks have created several resorts around the few lakes in the hilly area of the country. We have visited several times the resorts around Lake Domasa (Valkov), located in the east of the country, at the foot of the Beskid mountains, and we can recommend this destination to anyone.
Especially since it is relatively close to us (approximately 320 km from the Romanian-Hungarian border crossing in Bors), but it is also an excellent area for relaxation, fishing, beach&swimming or cycling.
Lake Domasa was created artificially, in the early 60s, by building a dam on the Ondava River flowing nearby.
In a short time, almost all the villages around the lake, which is about 15 km long and at most 4 km wide, became tourist resorts. Several sandy or grassy beaches, including some more secluded ones, can be found along the lake coast.
You can also take a tour of the lake by bike, as there are roads and/or paths all around. Most accommodation spaces – and there are many, suitable for all budgets – offer bicycles for loan, free of charge or against a small fee.
Penzion Tatra, a cosy place on the Lake Domasa shore
We have choosen, on our first visit there, in 2007, the Penzion Tatra guesthouse, a small business of the Galcik family – husband, wife and two sons – and since then we go there, whenever we have the chance. We got the bikes for free. We also got for free, as a welcome drink, a shot of Tatransky Caj, a strong alcoholic drink made by macerating of plants harvested from the hills and forests in the area. Taste it with some caution, however, as it may be too strong for some people. Or add some Tatransky Caj (Tatra tea, in English) in the tea, to enhance the flavor.
If you happen to be there, we highly recommend the Tatra guesthouse in Valkov. The owner, Frantisek Galcik, awaits you with open arms, with modest accommodation prices (from 35 euros and little up) and rooms with generous balconies, overlooking the lake. Plus an outdoor sun heated pool.
As for drinks, it is also worth tasting a Borovicka, also an alcoholic maceration, with a taste somewhat similar to that of a classic gin, but also the beer produced in Slovakia, not inferior to the German one or that of the Czech neighbors. If not even better.
The Czechs have more marketing, we have more beer
„The Czechs have more marketing, we have more beer,” said a local. Also in terms of gastronomy you have many dishes to discover: machanka, a sour forest mushroom soup with cabbage juice, or halusky, small dumplings made from a potato based dough, similar to gnocchi, served with cheese and fried bacon cubes (bryndzove halusky s slaninou, in the Slovak language) are just two examples of this.
The water of Lake Domasa is warm (23-24 degrees) until the middle of September, when the owners of guesthouses and restaurants in the area are organising a party to mark the end the season, with local folk music, which is really worth taking part in. Especially since there is also a goulash cooking contest, and the Saris and Zlaty Bazant beers are flowing like the water of the Ondava River.
There are rowing boats or hydrobikes for rent, and for those traveling with caravans or campers there are about 2-3 well-equipped and nice campsites.
For beach and swimming lovers, we recommend Tisava beach (there are sandy areas as well as grass), where the entry into the water is smooth, perfect for the little ones. Pictures can be seen in the gallery below.
Pictures courtesy of Tatra Penzion Domasa Valkov, ArgeşulOnline.ro/Sorin Simion
