Serbia
You'll soon see why Serbia is known for its warm hospitality, but it's seen hard times since the disintegration of Yugoslavia. The great cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad were extensively damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign. The semi-autonomous republic of Kosovo claimed unilateral independence in 2008. But you'll discover that Serbs still have much to be proud of and, more importantly, still know how to have fun, as you'll experience for yourself if you visit the ski resort of Kopaonik. Delve deeper into Serbian culture at the UNESCO-listed medieval Orthodox monasteries of Sopoćani and Studenica.
Background
Landlocked by the break with Montenegro, Serbia has been depleted since the days of Yugoslavia. However, you'll still discover a country of soaring mountains, such as Zlatibor to the west and Kapaonik to the south. The country's one flat fertile region remains the semi-autonomous republic of Vojvodina, criss-crossed by the broad River Danube.
Urban
In Serbia's capital, Belgrade, visit riverside Kalemegdan Citadel, built on the site of the original Roman settlement of Singidunum. Afterwards, dine to live Gypsy music along the romantic old streets of Skadarlija. In Novi Sad see the 18th-century Petrovaradin Citadel. Hungarian border Subotica boasts early-20th-century Vienna Secession architecture. To the south, close to Kosovo, Novi Pazar has a Turkish-style old quarter and makes a good base for visiting the two UNESCO-listed, 13th-century monasteries at Sopoćani and Studenica.
Rural
In the north, go walking and wine-tasting in the rolling hills of Fruška Gora National Park, planted with vineyards, orchards and woodland. Near the Bosnian border, try white-water rafting down the dramatic Drina canyon in Tara National Park. Or hike through the mountains in Zlatibor, home to Sirogojno, a charming village of 19th-century wooden houses with steep pitched roofs. For skiing and snowboarding, head for Serbia's top winter resort in Kopaonik National Park, named after Serbia's highest mountain (6615 feet).
Fast Facts - Serbia
- Language
- Serbian
- Currency
- The currency is the dinar (CSD), but euros (€) are also regularly accepted
- GMT
- GMT +1 (GMT +2 in summer)
- Electricity
- 220V AC, 50 Hz, two-round-pin plugs are standard
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