Serbia’s national parks are a nature lover’s dream: Where to go for vineyards, hiking and history

11.03.2024 - 01:13 / euronews.com / Portia Jones

Landlocked in the heart of the Balkans, Serbia is the crossroads of different cultures and historical influences, making it a unique and diverse travel destination.

Here, you'll find a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty alongside its dynamic capital city, Belgrade, which has plenty of UNESCO sites and national parks to discover.

Serbia has typically been off the tourist radar, but with ongoing investment into tourism infrastructure and new hotel and resort openings, the country is poised to attract more visitors to its capital and wild landscapes.

The gritty, nightlife-packed capital of Belgrade is an obvious starting point for international visitors. However, the National Tourism Organisation hopes to entice travellers away from the capital and direct them to the country’s many ski slopes, national parks, and UNESCO sites.

Marija Labovic, CEO of the National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, says that despite a wealth of natural and historic offerings, international travellers rarely venture beyond Serbia's capital, Belgrade.

"We are a destination with a variety of tourism products," Labovic adds. "Top of our list would be nature-based vacations."

Serbia's natural landscapes are undeniably impressive, with deep gorges, jagged mountains, pristine rivers, and lush forests.

Tara National Park, in western Serbia, is a must-visit for outdoor adventures, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and dreamy views of the Drina River Canyon.

Kopaonik National Park, in the central part of the country, is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months and hiking and mountain biking during the summer.

Near Belgrade, the Fruška Gora National Park provides a serene escape from city life and is known for its leafy vineyards and centuries-old monasteries.

Here's our guide to Serbia's five national parks, where you can traverse unspoiled natural landscapes and hike, swim, and ski as the seasons change.

Spanning 220 sq km kingdom of untouched nature, Tara National Park is a haven for biodiversity and outdoor adventure in western Serbia.

Home to mountain slopes, dense forests, deep gorges, and the winding Drina River, Tara is popular with hikers, wildlife lovers and photographers.

Along with scenic lookout points and authentic 'Ethno villages', Tara has over 20 marked hiking and mountaineering trails that take you through various landscapes.

Start your exploration at Banjska Stena, a dramatic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Drina River Canyon below.

From here, hike the Banjska Stena Trail, which winds through ancient beech and fir forests, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside crystal-clear streams.

You can also enjoy cycling in the Tara National Park. The "Tarocikl" (Tarocycle) project offers