RITAM SRBIJE / RHYTHM OF SERBIA
to enjoy the mountain and forest expanses covered by a carpet of white. Tara’s main assets are its forests, which cover 80 per cent of the park, while Pančić's spruce rep- resents a global rarity. The best way to explore the beau- ty of this mountain is by following any of its 30 hiking trails, while Tara also encompasses sections of two in- ternational hiking corridors. Tara might not be the ideal destination for passionate skiers, but it’s certainly an ex- cellent choice for families with children and all those want- ing to use their holidays to breathe to their full capacity. DIVČIBARE Divčibare is a long way from other ski centres in Ser- bia, due to the length and quality of its main ski run, but there are nonetheless many reasons why Divčibare could be your best choice for a ski holiday. First and foremost is its proximity to Belgrade, given that it’s only a 40-min- ute drive from Belgrade airport. The “Crni Vrh” [Black Peak] ski trail is one kilometre long and will satisfy the average skier or snowboarder. At the same time, those wanting to try their hand at skiing for the first time cer- tainly don't need breakneck ski runs. Divčibare has excellent hotels, so when you get tired of skiing you can enjoy spa centres and indoor swimming pools, and this mountain can also be a good winter des- tination even if you don’t ski. Many tourists visiting Bel- grade spontaneously decide to take a trip to this moun- tain resort, have a few skiing lessons, shoot some good photos and head back to the capital. ZLATIBOR The story of Zlatibor tourism begins long ago, dur- ing the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries, when the al- lure of this place succeeded in thrilling the members of both famous Serbian dynasties: first the Obrenovićs, and then the Karađorđevićs. Whether you’re a lover of extreme sports, a parent wanting to spend quality time with the family, or simply someone yearning to flee the big city, you are sure to find something for yourself on Zlatibor. And the perfect spot for lovers of winter sports and healthy lifestyles is to be found on Tornik, Zlati- bor’s highest peak, which is around ten kilometres from Zlatibor town centre. The Tornik ski resort is equipped with a modern cable car and ski lifts, as well as an arti- ficial snow system that ensures skiing isn’t dependent on weather conditions. It comprises five ski runs, while there is also the nine-kilometre aerial route of the most modern Zlatibor gondola lift, connecting Zlatibor’s cen- tral hub with Tornik, and along the way crossing Lake Ribnica, where the gondola lift’s intermediate station is located. This longest panoramic gondola ride in the world will provide you with an impressive 25 minutes of incredible views over Zlatibor’s picturesque landscapes. Interestingly, this mountain also represents a genuine air spa, with its clean air proving particularly beneficial to those suffering from respiratory diseases, but also the place where you can try the world’s most delicious bread bun and cured ham.
snow system, but ski runs aren’t the only treasure of this jewel of Serbia. It was due specifically to its unique nat- ural beauty that Kopaonik was declared a national park in 1981. This mountain was also visited multiple times by the famous Josif Pančić, a world-renowned botanist who is buried at the top of Kopaonik. STARA PLANINA (THE BALKAN MOUNTAIN) Despite only a small part of Stara Planina actually be- ing in Serbia (it is mostly in Bulgaria), it’s quite enough! You will be enchanted by this mountain’s natural attrac- tions and wealth of facilities. It has a climate that’s ideally suited to winter sports, with snow cover remaining for up to five months of the year. Stunning landscapes, countless waterfalls, a modern ski resort – you are awaited by it all if you choose Stara Planina as your winter holiday desti- nation. The ski centre boasts tailored ski runs covering a total distance of 15 kilometres, and the ski season lasts for almost half a year. And if spring arrives early, there’s also an artificial snow system and a gondola lift to car- ry you to Babin Zub [Granny’s Tooth] peak. Landscaped ski slopes, pristine nature, crystal clear streams and nu- merous mountain springs represent a genuine surprise for all tourists who visit this mountain for the first time. It is also known as the roof of Serbia, because its high- est peak, Midžor (2,169 m), is also one of the country’s highest mountain peaks. Lovers of extreme sports also have an off-piste trail at their disposal, where they can enjoy in the fairy-tale scenery of Stara Planina. While seeking respite between descents, warm yourself with mulled wine or hot rakija brandy, and sampling the lo- cal Eastern Serbian speciality of Belmuž, which is made from cheese and corn flour, is a must. TARA For fans of extreme skiing and similar winter sports, Tara might not be included on the shortlist of destina- tions, but you’ll certainly enjoy skiing here, including at night, and you can warm yourself by the fireplace, with tea and local rakija. Tara is an excellent choice for those heading on their winter holiday with children. You can slide on your sledge at every step, allowing the children
102 | Srbija » Serbia
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator