Zlatibor | Top 10 in Cities of Serbia
- Nikola Igračev
- 7 min
- 24 December 2022.
- Guide
Tornik Ski Resort
Despite not being located in high mountains, thanks to gentle slopes and easy accessibility, Zlatibor is one of the most popular ski resorts in Serbia. The most famous ski resort in Zlatibor, Tornik, is located about ten kilometers south of the town center and encompasses the area around the highest peak of Zlatibor, also named Tornik (1,496 meters). This ski resort has five slopes with a total length of about 10 kilometers, where skiing is possible throughout the winter, thanks to artificial snowmaking if needed, just like on much higher mountains. However, Tornik Ski Resort is equally interesting outside the ski season as it offers a wider range of activities such as mountain walks, cable car rides, mountain biking, zip line, and many other adventurous and adrenaline-filled activities. Of course, there is also a perfect view of the mountain landscapes of western Serbia.
Gostiljski Waterfall
About 23 kilometers from Zlatibor, in the southeast direction, you can find one of the highest natural waterfalls in Serbia - Gostiljski Waterfall. Unlike most waterfalls in Serbia that require some effort to reach, Gostiljski Waterfall is easily accessible as part of Zlatibor's tourist offer, and its immediate surroundings are beautifully arranged for visitors. This extremely attractive natural phenomenon manifests itself with the water of Gostiljski Creek cascading down a limestone cliff over 20 meters high, which soon ends up in the Katušnica River. Except during years of severe drought, Gostiljski Waterfall is active throughout the year, and during long freezes in winter months, it often completely freezes. The visit to the waterfall is priced at a symbolic amount of 200 dinars for adults and 100 dinars for children. In the immediate vicinity, there is also a beautiful inn with accommodation called Gostiljska Vrela, as well as the memorial house of Dimitrije Tucović (1881-1914), a socialist leader born in this village.
Stopića Cave
On the same path (towards the waterfall), at approximately 19 kilometers from Zlatibor, there is a turn-off for Stopića Cave. After 500 meters, you reach a spacious parking lot, from where you descend into the valley of the Prištavica River on a forest trail, on foot down long stairs, where one of the most beautiful developed caves in Serbia is located. Stopića Cave captures the attention of visitors with its grandiose entrance already at the approach, but the main attraction of this speleological object is located about a hundred meters deeper underground. It is an extraordinary and very rare form of cave formations - a system of grand and cascading travertine pools with depths of up to 7 meters. During the wetter part of the year, these pools are filled with dripping water and, in combination with the cave lighting, they represent an extremely attractive phenomenon deep underground. The attractiveness of the cave is further enhanced by the underground flow of the Trnavski Potok stream, as well as various other forms of cave formations, and the entire experience is available to visitors throughout the year at symbolic prices of 250 dinars for adults and 150 dinars for children.
Old Village of Sirogojno
Less than 5 kilometers from Stopića Cave and about 25 kilometers from Zlatibor, in the village of Sirogojno, there is an ethno village of the same name. Old Village of Sirogojno is one of the most significant and popular tourist attractions in the Zlatibor region and a unique monument of history and ethnography of the Zlatibor region. Covering an area of about 5 hectares, this open-air museum consists of around 40 authentic log cabins from the late 19th century, brought from all over Zlatibor to present the folk architecture and tradition of the Zlatibor people in this relatively small space. All the houses have been adapted and adjusted to the needs of tourists, and they very faithfully depict the former organization of family life in this part of Serbia. Thus, the ethno village of Sirogojno, in addition to several houses and yards, also has its church, tavern, and souvenir shop. The museum village is available to visitors throughout the year, and the prices are, as customary in this area, symbolic - the most expensive individual ticket costs only 150 dinars.
Ribničko Lake
Something less than 7 kilometers from the center of Zlatibor, in the direction of the Tornik Ski Center, lies the beautiful and exceptionally clean Ribnica Lake. Formed by the construction of a dam and the redirection of the Black Rzav River, this lake was primarily created for the purpose of water supply to Čajetina and Zlatibor. However, there is no doubt that it also represents an extremely beautiful environmental entity attractive to tourists. Due to its primary purpose, swimming and water sports are not allowed on the lake. Nevertheless, despite that, Ribnica Lake attracts a large number of visitors - walkers, nature lovers, fishermen, as well as passersby who often stop by this lake on their way to Tornik to stretch their legs, take a few photos, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings, clean air, and the view of the crystal-clear lake water.
Uvac Monastery
The medieval Serbian monastery, which was renovated in the mid-1990s after three centuries of neglect, is located in a fairly picturesque but difficult-to-reach place, in the Uvac River Canyon, after which it is named. With a church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a konak (residence), this monastery was restored on the ruins of an older one dating back to the early 17th century, as evidenced by numerous church artifacts with symbols of the Nemanjić dynasty found at this site in the early 1990s. The Uvac Monastery is located in the area of the village of Stublo, on the border between the municipalities of Priboj and Čajetina. It is about 5 kilometers away from the asphalt road and "civilization," and the monastery is accessible on foot or by off-road vehicles. For true pilgrims and nature lovers, it is an excellent and unique destination where an indescribable peace prevails even during the tourist season on Zlatibor.
Theme Parks
AVANTURA PARK is just one of the many theme parks intended for children (older than 3 years), but also for adults, especially adventure game enthusiasts. There are 6 levels of obstacles of varying difficulty that adventurers need to overcome on their way to the final goal - from the easiest and easily surmountable ones to those that require "Tarzan" skills. Accompanied by professional instructors and coordinators, this pleasure can cost between 600 and 1700 dinars per person, depending on the chosen levels.
DINO PARK is a themed park of an educational nature designed for children to acquaint them with the world of dinosaurs, which are presented in this park through extremely realistic and interactive replicas. Along with a multitude of additional activities for children, this park is a true oasis of extraordinary play and enjoyment for kids. Ticket prices for Dino Park range from 500 dinars for children (3-15 years old) to 750 dinars for adults, with the possibility of discounts for groups and privileged categories of the population.
EL PASO PARK is a unique themed park in Serbia, located in the area of the village of Dobroselica, 14 kilometers from Zlatibor, along the main road towards Nova Varoš. This park is named after the American town of El Paso, which is reflected in all the symbolism of this place. El Paso Park represents a faithful architectural replica of recognizable American Wild West towns, with all the accompanying buildings - a bank, a post office, a famous saloon, a sheriff's office, and more. And not only that, in the immediate vicinity of the cowboy town, there is also an Indian village with recognizable tipis or wigwams. Each of these buildings actually has a tourist and hospitality function, which makes this destination, along with its excellent location, an unmissable stopover during a stay in Zlatibor or on the way to Montenegro.
Monument on Šumato Hill
A multi-day stay in Zlatibor usually cannot go without a walk to the famous monument, namely the Monument Obelisk to the Executed Partisan Wounded at Kraljeve Vode in 1941. The monumental stone obelisk, about 10 meters high, and the touristically arranged area in its immediate surroundings are one of the favorite destinations for a leisurely walk from the center of Zlatibor. The well-maintained and illuminated path leads to the monument on Šumato Hill, which offers a magnificent view of the Zlatibor plateau.
Zlatibor Bathing Areas
Swimming and sunbathing are certainly not the first association with Zlatibor. However, in addition to mountain walks and activities in nature, swimming pools and bathing areas have become an integral part of Zlatibor's summer tourist offer over the past decade. In addition to pools located within luxury hotel complexes, Zlatibor offers several destinations where visitors can enjoy bathing in the clean and clear waters of mountain rivers and streams. Most of them are adapted to tourism and hospitality needs, so there are restaurants with traditional Zlatibor specialties near these bathing areas. Some of the most popular bathing areas include Jokino Vrelo (in Branešci), Boškova Voda (in Ljubiš), Zlatibor Lakes and Trčinoga (in Semegnjevo), the bathing area Kod Komša (on the way to Semegnjevo), and others.
Gold Gondola
The latest tourist attraction of Zlatibor, opened to tourists in January 2021, is the so-called Gold Gondola - the longest panoramic gondola in the world. With a route of about 9 kilometers, which takes less than half an hour one way, this modern cable car connects the center of Zlatibor with the Tornik Ski Resort. Reaching heights of up to 30 meters above the ground in some segments, passing over Ribnica Lake and other attractive landscapes, the gondola ride provides a "million-dollar view". This unique experience can be enjoyed at a price of 1000 dinars for adults and 550 dinars for children. The gondola route, with a stop at Ribnica Lake, can be seen on the map below.