One of the most popular tourist destinations in Serbia is the mountain resort Zlatibor. A perfect place for those who seek fresh air, mild terrain, antistress environment, that also offers some of the prettiest attractions nearby.
Zlatibor has a lot to display to summer lovers but winter sports fans as well. Named after a pinecone that gives an impression of being made of gold (‘zlato’ means gold in Serbian while the word ‘bor’ stands for a pine tree), this mountain resort is famous for its velvet-like hills that stretch for miles.
Zlatibor Serbia
Zlatibor Serbia covers about 1,000 square km and has always had an important strategic value due to its position. This is where the border between Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empire was established a few centuries ago.
Mountain resort Zlatibor is specific because of the various wind currents that are circling its hills, making the mountain extremely healthy in terms of fresh air. Locals love to pick medicinal herbs on wild pastures. Tourists come for long walks over the plains and through forests.
On the other hand, if you had the chance to try Serbian pršuta, you should know that the one from Zlatibor is the most popular. There is also a village here that hosts a Pršuta Festival once a year. For those of you who are yet to try it, let us introduce you to pršuta. It’s the salty dried meat, mostly beef or pork, that is usually served as an appetizer (meze in Serbian). One can’t refuse a shot of rakija to go with it.
Zlatibor attractions
Besides the so-called Trail of Health or the amusement parks for kids at the mountain center, there are some Zlatibor attractions one just can’t miss. Everything is close by at about 20 km or so.
Firstly, put Gostilje Waterfall on your bucket list. This 20-meter waterfall beautifully cascades down the hill, creating a vivid mixture of green moss and streams, and flowing into the Katušnica river in the valley. It is located 25 km from the Zlatibor center and is easy to reach by car.
The complex is open all year round. Its lovely slopes turn into frozen streams in winter. Legend says that nature fairies live behind these streams. One look and a man goes crazy. (They say that there’s no effect on women though.)
When talking about Zlatibor attractions, we have to mention the open-air museum called Sirogojno. This is where a couple of traditional households were restored with the 19th-century cottages brought from surrounding villages. According to Serbian rural tradition, there were up to 50 family members who shared a household. They would cook, wash, and welcome guests in the main cottage. Sons would own a separate cabin to live in with wives and children. And they all helped with fieldwork or cattle, storing milk, corn, etc.
Another attraction in the area of mountain resort Zlatibor is Stopića Cave. This ‘hole in the ground’ is 1,691 meters long. And that’s not all! It also houses a noisy stream flowing through underground chambers. These waters form specific limestone tubs with curving edges. They cascade down while water overflows to lower tubs.
Two more things should be covered in Zlatibor Serbia. One is a visit to Tornik, the highest peak at 1,496 meters, and the other a ride by the Gold Gondola – the longest gondola in Europe with some breathtaking views!
