Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Serbia
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| | | Uncrowded paradise |  | Why go on holiday to Serbia?
Forged from the civil war that tore apart the former Yugoslavia, Serbia has now risen from the ashes to become a holiday destination boasting a rare quality in Europe – uncrowded. Visit now, before it all changes.
Belgrade is a dynamic city with lively nightlife and good-value restaurants. Elsewhere, the country provides a natural playground for skiers, rafters, hikes and sailors. If you're up for an adventure on the continent, this is the place to be.
How much will it cost?
Flight-only deals between London-Belgrade cost from around £140pp return. Double rooms in hotels typically cost from £14.
When should I go?
Visit between late spring and early autumn. July and August are the hottest months with average temperatures of around 21C. May and June are wet, while the winter months are cold, but not harsh.
Who is it for?
Culture buffs, travel trend-setters and tourists keen to discover a taste of the Balkans. Belgrade is worth lingering around for. Spend three or four days here, before exploring what else the country has to offer.
What are the must-sees?
Belgrade's bustling centre is the Kneza Mihaila, a café-lined pedestrian boulevard. Walk to Republic Square in the Old City (Stari Grad) and then wander towards Skadarlija, a Bohemian enclave, which comes alive in summer with diners and musicians.
The city's Kalemegdan Park is home to an 18th century fortress, museum, arts pavilion and zoo. Meanwhile, war junkies should visit Kneza Milosa to see the crumpled remnants of buildings from the 1999 NATO attacks. The 1990s Balkan conflict was the fourth endured by the city in the last century. Two monuments dedicated to the victims of the war overlook Tasmajdan Park, itself a pleasant, leafy area.
Within easy reach of the capital by bus and train is Novi Sad, dubbed the Serbian Athens for its focus on culture and learning. It's arguably more refined than Belgrade. The impressive Petrovaradin Fortress hosts numerous festivals throughout the year.
The country's natural treasures are worth exploring. Tara National Park, sliced by deep gorges, pine forests, mountain peaks and pitted with caves, is great for hikers and white water rafters. Walkers should also consider the forested splendours of flora-rich Kopanik or Zlatibor national parks. In the latter, the Uvac and Milesevka Griffon Vulture Sanctuary offers visitors the chance to observe these birds of prey at close quarters.
Serbia's hidden gems include a couple of sights on the Danube such as Golubac Castle. Ruined towers, crumbling ramparts and impressively thick walls make this 700-year-old castle look like something out of a fairytale book.
Nearby are the archaeological finds at Lepenski Vir where distinctive stone sculptures depicting life-sized heads date back 2,500 years and are considered to be the oldest Mesolithic remains in Europe.
Serbia's south eastern region offers off the beaten track delights from the monasteries of Manasija and Ravanica, to the city of Nis with its Turkish fortress and the Roman site of Mediana where you can see the foundations of a villa, baspistry, baths and a granary. The surrounding mountains are superb for hiking and biking.
What will I spend?
A pint of beer is around £1. A meal for two with wine will cost around £11. Take-away pastry snacks are around 55p. Taxi journeys should vary between 40-60p within the city.
Any festivals?
The annual Exit Festival is one of eastern Europe's biggest festivals. Taking place in the stunning surroundings of the ancient Petrovaradin Citadel in Novi Sad, the four day event attracts 250,000 revellers and big names from the world of music. It is slated to take place in July 2006.
The Belgrade Music Festival, Book Fair, and Honey Fair each take place in October. The city's beer festival is in its infancy but is due to take place in August.
Or you may visit to visit at Easter time as the country's Orthodox religious celebrations are a colourful affair. But bear in mind, finding accommodation may be tricker at this time.
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