Two Days in the Sokobanja Region | Where to Go on an Excursion?!

One of the most "grateful" tourist areas in Serbia is the surroundings of Sokobanja, a region where a significant number of unique attractions are concentrated in a relatively small area, attracting visitors from all over the country throughout the year.

From natural beauty to important historical monuments and even some modern tourist facilities, the Sokobanja region is so attractive and accessible that it's no wonder it is one of the most popular tourist and excursion destinations on the map of Serbia.

Although Sokobanja is quite far from Belgrade, it is well connected to the capital and the rest of the country via the highway through Aleksinac, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway from most cities in Serbia.

Assuming that we are starting this excursion from Belgrade once again, after driving for a little less than two hours on the E75 highway, we take the exit near Aleksinac to continue towards Sokobanja on the regional road that leads to Knjazevac.

Bovan Lake

Somewhere halfway between Aleksinac and Sokobanja, in the valley of Sokobanja Moravica, which represents a kind of border between the "Carpathian" and "Balkan" parts of Serbia, you will find the spacious and picturesque Bovan Lake. This reservoir was created in 1978 by damming the mentioned river and serves the water supply needs of the town of Aleksinac. Therefore, the use of motorboats on the lake is prohibited, ensuring that the water is clean and of excellent quality, making it suitable for swimming, rowing, sailing, and fishing. Even the road that stretches along the left bank of the lake is extremely pleasant to drive on, so even if you are just passing through, you will want to stop at one of the many parking areas along the way to enjoy the view of the lake and the imposing Mount Rtanj in the background. Despite the well-arranged beaches, numerous weekend houses, and the popularity of this destination among the locals, even a novice will notice that the tourist potential of Bovan Lake is far from fully utilized. The lack of adequate infrastructure and the lack of environmental awareness among some visitors give the impression that this place could be even more beautiful. Nevertheless, Bovan Lake is a beautiful natural phenomenon worth visiting.

Sokobanja

Continuing the journey along Lake Bovan, in less than 8 kilometers you will reach Sokobanja, one of the most popular tourist and spa resorts in Serbia, with a spa tradition of over 180 years. This small town, bustling with tourists for most of the year, is an ideal place to find accommodation and create a base for further exploration of the Sokobanja region. Of course, Sokobanja itself has much to offer, from the Local Museum and Milošev Konak, to the old Hamam, beautifully landscaped parks, promenades, traditional restaurants, and a variety of interesting activities for all generations. However, in this case, our focus will be on the surroundings of Sokobanja, full of tourist attractions, some of which are only a 10-minute drive from the town center.

Beaches of Sokobanja's Moravica

Generally, a lot is happening around the Moravica River in the Sokobanja region, and it is the most responsible for the attractiveness of this area. In the immediate vicinity of Sokobanja, there are several small but extremely picturesque and popular swimming spots that nature (not man) has fully arranged. Namely, along the stretch of the river from Coka Restaurant upstream to Lepterija, there are as many as five unusual beaches or bathing areas located in the meanders of the Moravica River, next to its waterfalls or so-called giant pots (water-filled depressions typical of riverbeds in karst areas). These include Župan, Tesnac, Šes’ Kace, Tri Kace, and Džentlmen beaches, where mostly young people gather in the summer months in search of refreshment and adventure (tubing, diving into the water, etc.).

Lepterija

Upstream from Džentlmen Beach, which is considered quieter and more hidden than the others, after a few kilometers, you will reach the most famous excursion site in Sokobanja - Lepterija. Located on a plateau on the left side of the Moravica Valley, there are numerous benches and "mushroom" shelters - a good opportunity for a short break before the climb to Soko Grad. A beautiful wooden bridge extends over the river, offering a view of trout in the crystal-clear water of the Moravica. Fishing is rightly prohibited here, but you can try the fish in nearby taverns and restaurants, discreetly integrated into this idyllic ambiance. However, climbing to Soko Grad should not be attempted on a full stomach, so it is advisable to have refreshments and possibly lunch upon returning from this impressive fortress.

Soko Grad

From the picnic area Lepterija, upstream of the Moravica River, there is a clearly marked hiking trail that leads to the medieval fortress Soko Grad. This fortress, believed to have been built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, witnessed the clashes of numerous conquerors of the Balkans. Built on a protruding rock high above the Moravica gorge, Soko Grad is one of the oldest and most attractive medieval monuments and also one of the major tourist attractions in this part of Serbia. The ascent to Soko Grad cannot be classified as an extreme endeavor, but it should not be taken lightly either. Besides a certain level of physical fitness, it is necessary to have appropriate footwear and a water bottle with you, just in case. The first part of the trail along the river is quite easy, while the second part is more physically demanding, leading to the actual adventure of climbing the fortress. However, the priceless feeling and the view that Soko Grad offers of the Sokobanja valley and the surrounding mountains will justify every drop of sweat and adrenaline. Caution should also be exercised within the fortress due to the steep and unfenced walls, as well as the occasional snakes that may surprise you here during warmer times of the year. The ascent to this unique "lofty perch" is truly worth the effort, and the view from there will remain in your memory forever. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to capture it with a camera, just in case.

Visiting Soko Grad could be the highlight of the first day of the trip. Dinner at one of the restaurants near the Moravica River or in the center of Sokobanja would be a great opportunity to summarize impressions and rest, as you need to recharge your "batteries" for the next day.

The Source of the Moravica River

The second day of exploring the Sokobanja region could start with a visit to the source of the Moravica River, which is located in the village of Vrelo, about 10 kilometers away (via the regional road, towards Knjaževac). At the foot of Mount Devica, this extraordinary source is not just an ordinary crack in the rock from which water emerges, but a system of several deep underwater springs that form a shallow lake with exceptionally clear, pure, and cold water. About 200 meters away from the source, there is also a cave opening from which water periodically emerges during high water levels, further nourishing the Moravica source, which becomes even more abundant. The source of Sokobanja's river Moravica is a precious and legally protected natural monument, and the surrounding area is well-maintained and represents another popular picnic spot, especially in the summer months. From its source to its confluence with the South Morava River, Sokobanja's Moravica flows for only about 60 kilometers, which makes it one of the cleanest rivers in Serbia.

Sesalac Cave

In the vicinity of the Moravica source, in the territory of the village of Sesalac, about 20 kilometers from Sokobanja, you will find the Sesalac Cave. Situated on the southwest slopes of Mount Slemen, this speleological site is located at an altitude of 601 meters, is prepared for tourist visits (marked and illuminated), and accessible to visitors without a guide, completely free of charge. The possibility of independent exploration and movement through the cave is the reason for a completely unique experience when visiting this site. When combined with the diverse cave formations hidden inside, a large bat colony (a unique opportunity to see such a thing), and the appearance of a river that suddenly disappears at one of the cave entrances, the adventurous spirit will be awakened instantly. Like in any cave, caution should be exercised, and it is advisable to have sturdy footwear and a flashlight just in case. In the immediate vicinity of the cave, there is a small park for children and a seasonal restaurant for adults. The beautiful ambient setting with the cave also includes a small artificial lake just a 5-minute walk from the cave. This water reservoir, formed by damming the Sesalačka River, completely disappears underground after just a few hundred meters through the mentioned sinkhole, which is also a sight that is not often seen.

Ripaljka Waterfall

After a short rest, the excursion can continue, starting with a return to Sokobanja and then taking the road that leads across Mount Ozren to one of the major attractions of the Sokobanja region – Ripaljka Waterfall. This waterfall is located in the Gradašnica River gorge, which flows into the Moravica near Sokobanja. It is about 14 meters high but is seasonal in nature – it is most abundant in spring, after snowmelt and early rains, while it can be completely dry in autumn. It is easily accessible via a clearly marked path from the parking lot of the Ozren Special Hospital, near which you will also find several pleasant restaurants, cafes, as well as stalls where you can buy authentic local products and ointments from the Sokobanja region.

Očno Picnic Area and the Love Stone

About 2.5 kilometers or a half-hour walk from the Ripaljka parking lot, you will find the Očno department of the Ozren Special Hospital, after which a vast nearby meadow and another popular picnic area in the Sokobanja region are named. Located at an altitude of nearly 700 meters above sea level, Očno Picnic Area is known for its unusual wind rose, particularly beneficial for respiratory patients. In addition to the clean air and dense century-old forest, the main attraction of this site is the so-called Love Stone – a grand limestone rock located in the middle of this wide meadow, the origin of which is uncertain. Various legends and traditions are associated with it, and it is an unwritten rule that lovers should kiss next to this rock. Near Očno, there is another popular picnic area – Kalinovica, which offers various recreational activities, camping, barbecuing, and overall enjoyment of nature.

By visiting these picnic areas, a two-day adventure in the Sokobanja region could come to an end, symbolically concluded with a lunch at one of the traditional restaurants in Sokobanja or Aleksinac before returning to Belgrade and the routines of everyday life.

The Sokobanja region is a place where you can definitely spend much more than two days and see much more. If you have the opportunity for a longer break, it is definitely worth it.

Recommended: Excursion sites near Belgrade worth visiting

Type of excursion: Two-day

Transport: Car/motorcycle

Approximate distance: 500 km

Physical demand: 3/5

Average budget (per person): 7,500 – 8,500 RSD