Serbia Destinations

Belgrade Region

One of the oldest cities in Europe has a spirit of its own, and we call it – “Belgrade spirit”. Belgradian is not born in Belgrade, but is one who nurtures and grows with the city. You can feel this spirit in your walks through magnificent Belgrade Fortress, while you dine in renowned Belgrade restaurants or when you get out in search for the world famous Belgrade nightlife, even as you’re drinking the morning coffee in some of the numerous Belgrade cafes – “the vibe” is always present. Belgrade hotels are at the top of best value lodging in Europe, and our capital’s venues are climbing to the top of European convention market.

There is a famous thought expressed by the Serbian writer and aphorist Dušan Radović, who wrote: “Whoever was lucky enough to wake up in Belgrade this morning can consider that he has achieved quite enough in life for today. To insist on anything more would be unseemly.” If you happen to be a tourist, waking up in Belgrade is a good way to start the day; and as soon as you find yourself in the city streets, you “achieve” and experience so much more.

Vojvodina

So much to see, to experience and to taste in Serbian Northern Province: this South Panonian plain is interspersed with vast folklore and exquisite culture coming dozens of nations who settled here. If you seek for City Break – you can always try Vojvodina’s capital Novi Sad, or fantastic Art Nouveau city of Subotica – or if you’re looking for a quiet rest in places like Vojvodina manors – Salaš, or maybe if you are a nature lover – Deliblato Sands, Carska bara, Mt. Fruška Gora await you. Whatever your choice would be – Vojvodina will not disappoint your expectations.

One cannot resist Vojvodina’s “Festina Lente” way of life, and the visitors are enchanted by the easiness of locals’ philosophy. Not only that, but many have fallen in love in beautiful horses of Zobnatica, in extraordinary taste of Sremski Karlovci wine, in fantastic legends of the Dundjerski family mansions… So many activities in one place makes Vojvodina perfect place for a getaway from the stressing urban environment and a perfect place for incentives & team-buildings.

West and Central Serbia

This is the place where people greet each other by saying “svako dobro” (“best wishes”), and where famous Serbian hospitality reached a completely new level of meaning. This is where Serbian Ethno-tourism was invented. But not only that – Western Serbia is where Serbian modern tourism has started from… West Serbian Ethno housing covers the whole region – from the very banks of Drina River to the West to the sloaps of Mt. Povlen and Divčibare to the East; from beautiful Zasavica Natural Reserve all the way North to Mt. Zlatibor and Uvac gorge to the South.

Some of the oldest and most beautiful Serbian spas are situated right here. Sheer beauty of Serbian mountains is best seen in Mt. Tara. Here you will find the very best samples of Serbian trademark – kajmak. Your adventure in nature starts here, where nature and history coexist together for centuries in extraordinary harmony.

It’s not only the center, but also a heart of Serbia. Sunny hills, interspersed with colorful orchards, vineyards and thick forests intersected by multitude of brooks and creeks is the home of Serbian independency. This is where you will see flocks of quails hunted by falcons and hawks, bucks browsing on meadows along with herds of sheep and cows.

One cannot miss its gem – town of Topola beneath Oplenac Hill, the symbol of Serbian Royal dynasty Karadjordjevic; as well as one cannot visit Central Serbia without tasting its most famous brand – rakija. Abundance of forests grants rich flora and fauna, which makes Central Serbia haven for hunters. Central Serbia does not know the concept of “organic food” – it is quite usual thing for them and still the only way they do it, and they don’t care for anything less.

East Serbia

If you could describe East Serbia in one word, then it would definitely be – MAGIC… Edged by a mighty Danube River, this is the home of some of the oldest civilizations known to the world. East Serbia is where Danube has its narrowest and widest flow; it is the home of ancient civilization of Lepenski Vir; Romans believed that this was the place where this world met the “other world”, and yet today East Serbia is one of the most picturesque regions in Europe. Folklore of East Serbia is world-known, as well as their ancient wineries. It is the home of the largest plain fortress in Europe and Serbian medieval capital – Smederevo, and this is the place where mysteries of Vlahs take their place.

If you love adventure – search no more! Outstanding canyons, such as Lazarus’ Canyon and Vratna Canyon; or pyramid-shaped Mt. Rtanj are perfect for dynamic, intense tours. For history lovers East Serbia offers astonishing range – from Neolithic and Bronze Age through Roman Era and Medieval times to the secrets of Orthodox Clergy and myths of Vlahs.

South-East Serbia

Still not completely explored, mountains of South-East Serbia hide more than meets the eye. Crowned by beautiful Mt. Balkan, which gave name to the whole Peninsula, South-East Serbia is a place where East meets West and where Oriental influence is still quite present. Its raw natural beauty is best depicted in its mountains and lakes. One cannot but admire sheer beauty of Mt. Stara Planina, or extraordinary atmosphere around the Devil’s Town. For those who seek refuge by the water, rivers of South Morava, Nišava and Timok are treats for anglers.

If you are looking for a history, then take a look at Roman sites of Felix Romuliana and Iustiniana Prima. Of course, a true historian cannot miss the center of South-East Serbia – City of Niš, hometown of Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Pirot keeps one of the most beautiful crafts of Serbia – carpet weaving. Last, but not the least – South-East Serbia is the best representative of Serbian specialties: it is a very tough competition between mountain cheeses from Stara Planina, world-famous BBQ and red peppers from Leskovac, and world-famous culinary brand from Vranje – delicious Samsa.

Royal Valley

This part of Serbia, intersected by West Morava River and Ibar River, is also known as the Lilac Valley. It was the home of Serbian Kings and it was the very core of Serbian Medieval Kingdom, along with Kosovo and Metohija. Today one cannot but admire the rich Serbian legacy depicted in monasteries such as Žiča, Studenica, Djurdjevi Stupovi or Sopoćani. Completed with numerous fortresses, such as Maglič – one can easily create the picture of once great kingdom. It is right here where Serbian vast culture can be found – besides medieval capitals, such as Kruševac; you will find extraordinary Oriental legacy in cities of Novi Pazar, Raška and Sjenica.

If we should speak about nature of this region, than two words will do the job – Uvac Gorge. Settled between beautiful mountains of Zlatar and Zlatibor; it holds as the last refuge of largest European bird of prey – Griffon Vulture. Pešter Highlands are haven for those who seek refuge to the untouched nature, and is also known as the Balkan Tibet. Enjoy their 100% organic specialties such as Sjenica cheese, Jardum and beautiful pies made out of buckwheat.

Kosovo and Metohija

We consider it a cradle of our nation. First Serbian states were founded on this land, and Serbian legacy cannot be undone. Vast number of churches and monasteries are among the most valuable historic sites in Europe, and that is why some of the most beautiful monasteries from Kosovo are enlisted as Serbian UNESCO Cultural Heritage. Hundreds of Serbian Medieval fortresses are spread through plateaus and hills of Kosovo and Metohija. The first Serbian Patriarch’s Court was founded here, in town of Peć, all the way back in 1346. However, by 1389, after the epic Battle of Kosovo, Serbia began to fall to the powerful Turkish Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region for the next 500 years.

Mountains on Kosovo and Metohija form natural borders between Albania to the west and FYROM to the South. Mountain range Prokletije have the highest peaks in Serbia, with 2.656 meters Djeravica as the highest Serbian point. Southern mountain range of Šar-planina is one of the most famous ski-resorts in Ex-Yugoslavia, with dozens of ski-tracks.

Today Kosovo acts as an autonomous area, under the governance of NATO. Due to Albanian pogrom over Serbs during the 1990’s, not only the people suffered; but also Serbian legacy. Hundreds of churches and monasteries were sacked and demolished, along Serbian cemeteries some of which dating centuries.