Elevate December 2023 | Air Serbia

Zlatibor je jedan od najpose enijih turističkih centara u Srbiji, prava vazdu na banja Zlatibor is one of the most popular tourist centres in Serbia, representing a genuine air spa

ZLATIBOR From cabins and chalets to apartments and residences, from the Rzava springs to Olympic swimming pools, from meadows to modern sta- diums and halls. The charms of this mountain once completely captivat- ed Serbian king Aleksandar Obreno- vić, who received his own spring in the centre of the resort town, known as the King’s Water. Zlatibor is to- day one of the most popular tour- ist centres in Serbia. Representing a genuine air spa, with clean air that’s particularly beneficial for those suf- fering from respiratory diseases, it is also a place where you can try the most delicious bread buns and pro- sciutto-style ham in the world. The mountain’s highest peak is Tornik, at an altitude of 1,496 metres above sea level, which also houses a ski resort of the same name that provides gen- uine enjoyment to passionate board- ers and skiers. DIVČIBARE Divčibare is situated a long way from other Serbian ski centres, but it is very close to Belgrade, and its Crni Vrh [Black Peak] ski run has a length of one kilometre and will satisfy both the average skier and all those novices wanting to try skiing for the first time. Here you can enjoy spa centres and indoor swimming pools when the skiing tires you out, while this mountain is also a good destination even if you aren’t into winter sports. Many

if on your hikes you encounter a chamois, a bald eagle or a brown bear. Tara also hides traces of pre- historic, ancient, Roman and Byz- antine culture in its forests and can- yons, while Rača monastery and the Stećci necropolises in Perućac and Rastište form part of Serbia’s me- dieval heritage. And while you’re already there, be sure to visit the famous Drvengrad on Mećavnik, aka Küstendorf, or Višegrad and Andrićgrad. Kopaonik You’ll get even more than you expected from a New Year visit to Kopaonik. There you can make de- scents on category one ski runs, try out Nordic skiing and snowmobil- ing, while the novices among you will be able to find the best ski in- structors. At midnight on 31 st De- cember, head outdoors to enjoy the huge fireworks display, while almost all restaurants and guesthouses or- ganise parties that last until dawn, with traditional Serbian food and drinks and performances by famous musicians. New Year’s on the sunny mountain, as Kopaonik is dubbed, provides a great opportunity to visit Pančić’s mausoleum or the medieval towns of Ras, Maglič and Brvenik. Also located nearby are the Studen- ica, Žiča and Đurđevi Stupovi mon- asteries, as well as the 10 th century St. Peter’s church near Novi Pazar, representing the oldest preserved Christian building in the Balkans.

tourists visiting Belgrade also spon- taneously decide to tour this moun- tain resort, take a few skiing les- sons, snap some good photos and return to the capital. STARA PLANINA If you decide to head to this gem of nature for the Christmas and New Year holidays, you will see just what untouched expans- es and extraordinary beauty really are, and you’ll find a good time on the craziest night of the year in the many bars and hotels that organ- ise celebrations. The Balkan Moun- tain is always the right choice for all those who like long hikes, but on this biggest mountain in eastern Serbia your adrenaline will pump and you’ll enjoy skiing, because you will have in front of you many kilo- metres of fantastically landscaped ski runs of varying degrees of dif- ficulty. If you aren’t a lover of ski- ing, take a hike up to Serbia’s high- est peak. The view from Midžor, at more than 2,000 metres, is said to be priceless, particularly during midwinter. Tara Fairytale-like nature, welcom- ing local hosts, hiking and skiing trails for both you and your little ones, a great time with live music on New Year’s Eve – this is all offered on this beautiful western Serbian mountain. The only home of the Pančić spruce, don’t be surprised

90 | Srbija » Serbia

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