1. Avala

Distance from Belgrade: about 15 km

Tourist attractions: Tower of Avala, Monument to the Unknown Hero, a medieval town Zrnov, lush flora and fauna

Avala is one of the most significant landmarks of Belgrade. You will thoroughly enjoy its prevalently low height As a protected natural area numerous plant and animal species are cossetted away there, Avala being one of the favorite resorts of Belgrade. Peace and tranquility and ubiquitous silence are its potent symbols so that I truly believe that you will soon return to this picture perfect place. The monument to the Unknown Hero is certainly one of the potent symbols of this mountain standing in silent testimony . It can be reached by following a large number of steps towards the top, and when you approach the gate, behind which there is a mausoleum dedicated to an unnamed soldier from the First World War , will provide you with a splendid view of Belgrade, part of Vojvodina and Šumadija. Not far away further down, at the lower summit of Avala there lies the Tower of Avala, built in 1965, regrettably demolished during the NATO bombing in 1999 but mercifully rebuilt and refurbished in 2010. Beautiful in all its glory , it will undoubtedly give you a splendid view from up there and a unique experience. There is a host of smallish local cafes and restaurants hat will serve great Serbian specialties as well as retail shops, stalls run by souvenir makers and handcrafts.

2. Novi Sad

Distance from Belgrade: 94 km

Attractions for tourist: Petrovaradin Fortress, Market Gallery, Spens and Karadjordje Stadium, Museum of Vojvodina, Novi Sad Synagogue, Lake of Ledine, Strand with quay

Novi Sad given its size and population is the second city and capital of the autonomous Serbian province of Vojvodina. Given the importance of this wonderful city, you will hear that it is a symbol of peace, love, friendship and arable land and fertile plains stretching miles on end. Almost everything that is beautiful, cultural, artistic and youthful, is here. The first thing you are bound to visit when you arrive in the Athens of Serbia ( which happens to be its term of endearment is the Petrovaradin Fortress. At times it is referred to as the Gibraltar on the Danube and what is characteristic of the particular history it is that the armed forces of any shape , form or origin have never managed to defeat and destroy its walls. Unbelievably beautiful architecture, intricately decorated facades and the largest military gallery are conveniently cossetted away in its four cities (Upper, Middle, Lower and Military) At the Square Gallery, you will see art in all its glory, and amid all that there is the Gallery of Matica Srpska . When you visit the place normally referred to as the green oasis in the city center - Dunavski park with a museum of Vojvodina complete with the Youth Theatre, you'll want to never go out of this corner of the world with its pristine nature

Reccomended tour: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci day tour

3. Sremski Karlovci

Distance from Belgrade: 79 km

Attractions for tourists: Peace Chapel, Karlovac Grammar School, The Palace, the Roman Catholic Church,The Tomb of Branko Radičević, the Hall, the Vantage point

This is a charming little castle, tucked away in the foothills of mountain Fruska Gora, a place of great historical and cultural significance for Serbia. In this city the first Serbian high school and seminary were founded. The belvedere offers a stunningly beautiful view –the town of Karlovci will surely lend itself to this experience as well , and from your vantage point, you will notice a small stage with an amphitheatre and a gold Christian cross on a pedestal and certainly the bronze statue of a distinguished Duško Trifunović. You are bound to leave this city behind you filled with fond memories , vivid impressions and picture perfect images , and you will be wined and dined till your palate is blissfully happy and your belly is full. One can’t seem to leave Karlovac if they do not taste their red and white wines (Bermet wine), as well as the kuglof. This is a most delicious dessert of Vojvodina, a recipe that was borrowed from the Hungarians but with the Serbian touch to it with the local ingredients added.

Reccomended tour: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci day tour

4. Fruska gora

Distance from Belgrade: 68 km

Attractions for tourists: monasteries, lakes (Besenovački lake), picnic sites (Stražilovo, Popović, Iriški Venac), caves (Grgurevačka and Pera Cave) and a number of pathways to go hiking along these.

Fruška Gora is an ‘island’ mountain and a national park in Srem. For the sake of precision, the biggest part of this green oasis is located in Vojvodina, whereas a small portion stretches into eastern Croatia. If you have set your sights on visiting Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci by any chance, make sure you visit this fantastic city just about 12 kilometres away from the ‘Athens of Serbia’ which happens to be its term of endearment. Tourist destinations such as Letenka and Brankovac provide families with a memorable experience. On Stražilovo, above the resort Sremski Karlovci there lies the tomb of the acclaimed poet and a novelist Branko Radičević. This excursion lends itself for a one-day stay in the forest, forests, valleys and meadows . For instance, the valley is home to about 700 species of herbal plants and numerous animal species. Due to this fact, Fruška Gora was declared the first national park in Serbia. Also, the harmony of the mountains lends itself to the peace and tranquility around the monasteries there , founded back in the day as the part of the endowments of Serbian royal families.

5. Nautical Village

Distance from Belgrade: 35 km

Attractions for tourists: tourist accommodations , resorts within the tourist complex, an artificial lake for swimming

Nautical village, photo source: http://duskoopacic.blogspot.rs

This charming little town can be reached in an hour, either by car or by a local coach. Anyone who has ever visited this place, can confirm that it seems ideal for picnics with family and relaxing weekend when you want to recharge your batteries before you get back to work on a Monday. Within the complex, there is a restaurant of local cuisine with a range of freshwater fish. To avoid having to look for accommodation any further, the hosts offer accommodation for tourists and/or travelers as well. Bed and breakfast costs about 3,000 dinars per day/night. On a related note, this place normally referred to as ''Pearl of the Sava River'' happens to be the first nautical village in Serbia.

6. Smederevo Fortress

Distance from Belgrade: 83 km

This fortress was given the name ‘the water fortress’ because it is literally surrounded by water. There is also the town of Smederevo there . It was built in the 15th century by the Despot Djuradj Branković. The fortress fell into the hands of the Ottoman Turks, which is also a grim symbol of the beginning of the centuries long enslavement of the Serbian people of the day by the invading Ottoman Turks . There is a distinctive tower there surrounded by high stone walls. According to the popular belief the most enchanting concerts and balls thrown by the nobility and the retinue used to be held inside the tower walls. Given that this fortress is one of the main tourist amenities, it offers a variety of cultural events to its visitors. You will surely not regret visiting it. On top of that, the local fishermen who make the most mouthwatering fish soup in store for you waiting to be wolfed down in one gulp or perhaps savored for a longer time with every slurp.

7. Bojcin Forest

Distance from Belgrade: 18 km

Tourist attractions: jogging tracks and hiking trails, horse riding schools, horse-drawn carriages, farms, fish ponds and the monastery Fenek

Bojcinska forest, photo source: Turisticki klub Srbije

This oasis of peace and tranquility , located not far from the capital, lies in between the eponymous village Boljevci, Progar and Asanje, in the municipality of Surčin. By its characteristics, this is the freshwater swamp forest type, under the government protection for decades now , it being a cultural heritage. Guests can run along the jogging tracks, go horseback riding, take a ride in an old time carriage. The cultural festive season of Bojčin summer lasts for 5 months (May - September), where you can enjoy a number of of culture, literature, visual arts and music events. Theatrical performances are held daily, and music concerts can live up to the expectations of hopefully every visitor, whether they like folk music, jazz, rock, pop or classical music. In the plains of Srem you can enjoy the peculiarities of local places . For instance, the beauty of the Fenek monastery will leave you breathless.

8. Lakes of Bela Crkva

Distance from Belgrade: 96 km

Attractions for tourists: hunting and fishing, sailing club, a beach for children, with programmes catering for children only, five lakes within the complex

You may have heard of a lovely little town in the southeast of Banat, Bela Crkva, standing tall and proud of its eponymous lakes that lend itself for a proper well deserved rest for the body and the mind . It is extremely popular among the younger generations. These artificial lakes were formed as a result of gravel excavations. There is also the pier where the main beach is complete with the showers, a beach for children, a well-lit swimming pool with diving boards, a sailing club and and a number of related facilities. During the summer season (June, July and August), swimming , sailing and diving instructions are organized for the novices. Lakes of Bela Crkva are: Main, Šaransko, Vračevgajsko and Šljunkara lake. It is possible to go game hunting in the Deliblatska Peščara near the lake, as well as excursions to the local monasteries. The tourist offer would not be complete if there wasn’t for the stunningly beautiful lake.

9. The Deliblato Sands

Distance from Belgrade: 65 km

Attractions for tourists: the bird habitat of huge importance in the whole of Europe, nautical and ecological tourism, abundant wildlife 4

Photo: Stefan Lukić

You may have heard or read so far that there used to be the Panonian Sea here back in the day centuries ago. Due to the elements, the ‘then’ sea has dried up completely, but a unique sand texture in Europe had formed here , in the southeastern region of Vojvodina. Because of its great importance and the fact that it represents geological and bio-geographical phenomenon, it was declared a special nature reserve, which is under the protection of UNESCO. Because of its specific soil texture and natural beauty, certain species of flora and fauna are so unique which can’t be found in other parts of the world. The Sands is suitable for recreation, tours and school trips which can provide instructions and training in biology, tourism and /or ecology. Also, hunting and fishing are among the favorite pastimes of the local population and so is beekeeping which is becoming increasingly popular too.

10. Oplenac - Topola

Distance from Belgrade: 70 km

Attractions for tourists: Mausoleum of the Karadjordjevices Family, the Church of the Holy Virgin, a large number of wineries and wine cellars etc

The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of Šumadija, as one of the most beautiful parts of Serbia is Orašac, the center of cultural and historical life at the time of the First Serbian Uprising. Not far from Arandjelovac and Orašac are Topola and Oplenac, a potent symbol of the time during which the Serbian people fought for their freedom, making a history which will make the future generations proud of their ancestors. These places are ideal for trips in autumn when you can enjoy walking in the woods breathing in fresh air. The well known Karadjordje castle suffered extensive damage during the war but the indelible mark of those times are still here with us hovering in midair. What's left of it is Konak of Karadjordje, Mausoleum of the Karadjordjevic family, an impressive Church of the Holy Virgin with ravishing architecture and its intricate design that will hold you spell bound for quite a while, then, the church of St. George attracts the visitors from all over the world to this day. Oplenac is also synonymous of high quality wines and wine cellars to boot.

If you want to do something to appeal to your palate , make sure you visit the wineries of this region ; you will not regret your choice

These are some of our suggestions, of course, but you are welcome to share your "one hour drive from Belgrade" places with us. And if you have visited some of places above tell us about it. We'd love to hear from you!

#Avala #NoviSad #SremskiKarlovci #FruskaGora #BelaCrkvaLake #SmederevoFortress #nauticalvillage #deliblatosends

adapted and submitted by Natasha from Angloland

www.angloland.rs

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