The most beautiful Danube beaches (Part 2) | The Natural Heritage of Serbia

U the first part of the article about the most beautiful Danube beaches in Serbia, we visited those upstream of Belgrade.

Follows the continuation...

Lido

Along with Novi Sad's Štrand, probably the most famous Danube beach in Serbia is Lido. Located at the tip of Veliko Ratno Ostrvo, Lido has been a legendary summer gathering place for the people of Zemun, as well as other Belgraders, for over half a century. The beach itself is not very big, nor is it particularly well-maintained (just a few hospitality establishments), considering that Veliko Ratno Ostrvo is a protected natural monument. However, that doesn't affect the fact that thousands of citizens sunbathe there during the summer. Lido became particularly popular when, in the early 2000s, the island was connected to Zemun's quay by a pontoon bridge. The bathing season at Lido traditionally lasts throughout July and August, when anyone can cross the bridge and get acquainted with this true oasis on the outskirts of Belgrade's urban jungle. Although it seems like time stands still there, it actually flies by, best reminded by the perfect sunset from this spot.

Bela stena

Another attractive "island" beach is located about 10 kilometers downstream on the island of Forkontumac, which administratively belongs to Pančevo. Facing west, just like Lido, it provides a unique pleasure of watching the sunset over the river, to which the Sava River joins a few kilometers upstream. However, before the sunset, a perfect summer day can be spent at Bela stena. The name of this beach comes from the finest sand of an extremely light color that covers the western cape of this island. In the immediate vicinity of the beach, there is a weekend settlement, so Bela stena mostly has a local character. Of course, that doesn't mean it's not hospitable to all curious visitors who are willing to take a boat ride to the island from the Pančevo side. Bela stena beach is not well-maintained and lacks standard beach infrastructure, with only a few restaurants. However, its visitors take great care of this local natural gem.

Recommended: Belgrade Islands: 12 green oases on the water (Part 1)

Vinci Beach

The next in a series of representative Danube beaches is located in the village of Vinci, approximately halfway between Veliko Gradište and Golubac. This small village in the Braničevo region is known as a weekend settlement. Tucked away from the main regional roads, this small settlement along the mighty river is still an undiscovered gem of the Danube region for many. The local beach in Vincima is situated between the road itself and the river, in a narrow strip about 500 meters long. In this part, the Danube is enriched by the waters of the Velika Morava and Mlava rivers, making it considerably wider and more powerful than the sections of the aforementioned beaches. It is modestly arranged but well-maintained. Along with a few hospitality establishments that offer accommodation, it can be a perfect choice for a summer weekend.

Golubac Beach

Perhaps not the most popular and certainly not the largest, but the beach in Golubac is undoubtedly the most picturesque among all the Danube beaches in Serbia. It is located at the entrance to the settlement, where the width of the Danube exceeds 5 kilometers. At this point, where the Danube resembles more of a sea than a river, begins the most attractive part of this river valley - the Đerdap Gorge, which was declared a UNESCO Global Geopark several years ago. From Golubac Beach, there is a view of the impressive windmills on the Romanian hills across the river, as well as the renovated Golubac Fortress, probably the biggest tourist attraction in the Carpathian region of Serbia. The beach itself, although small, is nicely arranged with sun loungers and umbrellas. In addition to the inevitable hospitality establishments, it even has a small marina for boats and small ships to dock.

Beach in Donji Milanovac

Similar in characteristics, but slightly smaller, is the beach in Donji Milanovac. Situated at the entrance to this beautiful town, it is exceptionally well-arranged, which is to be expected as Donji Milanovac is the headquarters of Đerdap National Park. The beach in Milanovac is specific in that the Danube in this part of its course actually represents a lake created by the construction of the Djerdap 1 Hydroelectric Power Plant, so the river is not as fast-flowing, but its depth is much greater than usual for rivers. Already upon entering the water, the depth quickly reaches over 2 meters, and just a few meters from the shore, it becomes significantly deeper. Therefore, caution is advised to swimmers. The multitude of interesting tourist sites in the immediate vicinity of the beach make this place a great destination for relaxation and refreshment, even if you are not in the mood for swimming.

Beach in Tekija

The beach in Tekija can momentarily remind us of a small place in the Bay of Kotor, but only until we approach the water and smell the scent of freshwater river. This small village at the foot of Miroč Mountain, made famous by the renowned event Zlatna bućka, is known not only for fishing but also for its exceptionally beautiful beach that offers a magnificent view of the slow-flowing Danube and the slopes of the Carpathian Mountains on both sides of the river. Its westward exposure guarantees an idyllic setting during the late afternoon hours at sunset, and the beach bar and well-maintained bathing area provide for a pleasant and relaxing summer day. Considering all the attractions in the vicinity, at least one visit is a must.

Beach in Kladovo

Beach in Kladovo is located about 20 kilometers downstream, at the exit of the Danube from the Đerdap Gorge. Unlike the previous ones and some mentioned earlier, it cannot boast of an idyllic view because it is located directly opposite the industrial zone of the Romanian city of Drobeta Turnu Severin, whose panorama (from this angle) is "decorated" with numerous chimneys, cranes, and silos. Nevertheless, the city beach in Kladovo is one of the most visited in this part of Serbia. Spacious, well-arranged and maintained, covered with the finest sand, and with a variety of amenities for all generations, the beach in Kladovo perhaps more than all the others resembles those by the sea.

Beach in Brza Palanka

With the exception of a few reed umbrellas, the beach in Brza Palanka cannot be considered particularly well-arranged. However, its location and remoteness in the far northeast of the country, which is inherently attractive and exotic. This is especially true when combining the tourist attractions of Đerdap and the Negotin region. Located away from major roads, the beach in Brza Palanka is rarely a destination on the way for most people. And precisely because of that, it is worth seeing. For the local population, this beach is already a traditional gathering place in the summer months.

Mihajlovac and Kusjak Beach

About thirty kilometers downstream, at the confluence of the Timok River, the Danube leaves Serbia. In this intermediate space, there are two more noteworthy small beaches - the one in the village of Mihajlovac and Kusjak Beach, near the Djerdap II Hydroelectric Power Plant. Their isolation from main traffic routes and larger settlements promises peace and a relaxing atmosphere by the longest river in Serbia.