Ethno Villages in Serbia - Ideas For an Alternative Vacation

If you want to truly experience the traditional spirit of Serbia and enjoy the famous Serbian hospitality, then ethno villages in Serbia are the right destination for you.

Located in some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of our country, ethno villages in Serbia represent modern keepers of traditions and customs that vividly depict the former way of life of people in our regions. An ethno village is primarily a place that characteristically and authentically represents the culture of a nation and preserves its historical heritage, whether it be old houses, objects, or national cuisine.

In recent years, an increasing number of ethno villages have emerged in all parts of Serbia, primarily by transforming family rural estates into true oases with a wide range of amenities for guests, from accommodation facilities and restaurants serving traditional Serbian cuisine to spaces for various activities and entertainment. Ethno villages are often surrounded by lush, untouched nature, as well as numerous cultural monuments and other historical landmarks, which further add to the significance of ethno villages.

When it comes to ethno villages, Serbia offers a large number of such tourist complexes, which are like open-air museums. Some of the most famous ones are Drvengrad, Moravski konaci, Tiganjica, Sirogojno, Terzića avlija, and more. They can be found in all parts of Serbia, and each ethno village uniquely preserves and presents the cultural heritage of its region and the people who live there.

Recommended: Avala and Kosmaj in one day | Where to go on an excursion?!

Ethno Village Moravski Konaci

Ethno Village Moravski Konaci is located in the heart of Serbia, in Velika Plana. The village started operating at the end of 2007, and this tourist complex is divided into two parts. The first part is dedicated to tourism and hospitality, while the second part is for sports and recreation.

This ethno village in Velika Plana consists of authentic old houses, and there are also restaurants serving traditional cuisine. The interior of each house is adapted to the modern needs of tourists and is in line with the contemporary way of life. Within the vast area occupied by Ethno Village Moravski Konaci, there is a lake with nine small islands, all connected by wooden bridges. The lake is open for navigation, and there are also two watermills on its shores. In addition to the lake, a walking trail with benches for resting has been created.

Moravski konaci are a ethno village with a swimming pool, so when it comes to the sports and recreational part, the pool for adults and the pool for children are what attracts the most attention to visitors. Guests staying in this ethno village have access to sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as refreshing drinks, ice cream, fast food, and everything else that can make a stay by the pool or beach ideal.

Ethno village Drvengrad

Ethno village Drvengrad is located at the crossroads of two Serbian mountains - Zlatibor and Tara, on the Mećavnik hill. Situated in the beautiful nature park Mokra Gora, this ethno village is the brainchild of the famous director Emir Kusturica. Mokra Gora Drvengrad was built for the needs of filming the movie "Life is a Miracle," and now it is a unique tourist attraction and cultural heritage of Serbia.

In this complex, whose buildings are entirely made of wood, there is a large number of religious buildings, as well as a hotel, gallery, bookstore, cinema, folk craft shop, pastry shop, and a restaurant serving national cuisine. The streets and squares of this settlement bear the names of prominent personalities, and the most significant event held in this ethno village is the "Kustendorf" film festival.

Recommended: Adventure in Southern Banat | Where to go on a trip?!

Ethno village Tiganjica

Tiganjica ethno village is located near Zrenjanin, and this typical Banat village built in authentic Vojvodina style perfectly portrays the former way of life in these regions and allows visitors to go back in time and experience all the charms of the plains' idyll.

When it comes to accommodation in Tiganjica ethno village, guests can stay in authentic antique rooms with carefully selected wooden furniture. This complex also has a large, spacious yard where visitors can enjoy traditional Banat activities from that time, such as cooking stew and fish soup, accompanied by the characteristic sounds of tamburitza music. Like in any other place in Vojvodina, the best wines are served here in a typical bohemian atmosphere with wooden benches and checkered tablecloths.

This ethno village in Zrenjanin also has stables with horses and horseback riding trails, so visitors can also actively interact with horses and enjoy horse riding. Tiganjica ethno village also offers the possibility of organizing fairytale weddings, business seminars, as well as excursions and field trips, as the natural beauty of this region provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, rest, and gathering positive energy.

Babina Reka Ethno Village

Babina Reka is located in the municipality of Lazarevac and is one of the increasingly popular picnic spots near Belgrade. This place is perfect for a complete vacation and enjoyment of the beautiful natural landscapes that stretch endlessly. Within the Babina Reka complex, there is a large lake where interested visitors can go fishing or simply enjoy the charms of the water. Visiting this ethno village is an ideal opportunity to explore numerous natural and cultural-historical landmarks in Lazarevac, as well as in Arandjelovac and Topola.

Babina Reka ethno village is designed in such a way that every corner offers a message for guests, with a gate inscribed "Who passes falls in love," a walk called "The Alley of Welcome," and the most beautiful sunset observed from the "Bench for Lovers." Guests find the "Well of Wishes" particularly interesting, and there is a "Wall of Fame" in the restaurant, as well as the possibility of playing basketball, football, or table tennis on the "Playground of Friendship."

Recommended: Excursion Spots near Belgrade Worth Visiting

Srna Ethno Village

Srna ethno village is located near Knjazevac, nestled among the mountain ranges of Stara Planina. Srna ethno village on Stara Planina offers fresh mountain air, long walks through untouched nature of the region, and tranquility as an escape from the noise of cities and cars to its visitors.

Visitors are awakened by the chirping of birds, and they have access to clean water springs and numerous opportunities for physical activities such as hunting, fishing, cycling, hiking, skiing, jogging on a fitness trail, and swimming in the river. The friendly hosts in this ethno village offer their guests a sumptuous homemade feast and everything a modern person needs to escape from everyday life and relax.

At the entrance of Srna ethno village, there is a bridge under which the Timok River flows, further enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of this place. When it comes to accommodation in Srna ethno village, it is provided in a hotel and log cabins within the complex. All visitors to this ethno village can also enjoy a zoo, swimming pool, and a spacious garden ideal for relaxation and enjoyment.

Sirogojno Ethno Village

Staro Selo or the Open-Air Museum is an ethno village located in Sirogojno and is one of the most significant and popular tourist attractions in Zlatibor. It consists of 40 old houses brought from all over the mountain. All houses have been adapted and adjusted to meet the needs of tourists.

The Staro Selo Museum showcases characteristic architecture, interior design, and the organization of family life of the people who once lived in this part of the Dinaric region. Sirogojno Ethno Village also has a church, souvenir shop, and a tavern. This area of exceptional natural beauty is attractive to both domestic and international tourists who want to experience the enchanting pleasure of staying on the slopes of Zlatibor.

Our country has extraordinary potential for rural tourism development, and these ethno villages in Serbia prove that its natural features are the foundation on which, with a little effort and imagination, an appropriate traditional complex can be created, attracting tourists. Thanks to the rich rural tradition of Serbia, ethno villages are the perfect choice for those who want something different when it comes to vacationing. Ethno villages in Serbia offer a perfect combination of clean air, natural beauty, and the authentic spirit of Serbian tradition and culture, making a stay in them a true rejuvenation for the mind and body.