Escape from the Urban Hustle and Stress: Serbian Spas Offer True Relaxation for Body and Soul

Author: Serbian Tourism Organization

Enjoying the charms of healing nature and everything else that provides relief from stressful situations in the daily life of a modern person has become one of the main motives for travelers when deciding on their journeys. The speed and hustle of urban environments can be so exhausting that you may wish to trade the city smog and landscape for clean air and greenery that will soothe the spirit and rest the eyes. Serbian spas are true ecological centers, rich in natural beauty, mineral waters, clean air, health, wellness, and spa centers – here you can find everything you need to relax your body and soul. Although they were once primarily places for rehabilitation, today Serbian spas are tourist centers adapted to the needs of all generations. In addition to enjoying the charms of thermal waters and treatments, there are various additional amenities that make them attractive all year round. Often located in valleys and river basins, as well as on the slopes of hills and mountains, they are always surrounded by greenery that invites guests to spend a few unforgettable days there.

Below we bring you 4 spas where you will surely find the peace and relaxation you crave!

Sokobanja

Located in the southeast of the country, Sokobanja boasts luxurious and unique nature – numerous mountains, dense forests, rivers, lakes, and caves. Air with a high concentration of oxygen, ozone, and negative ions has a beneficial effect on the lungs, so a stay in Sokobanja is recommended for asthmatics, as well as anyone looking to cleanse their body from polluted city air. A unique attraction of Sokobanja is the Turkish bath – a hammam from the 15th century. Built from stone and repeatedly restored, it still offers visitors an authentic bathing experience. Besides traditional baths, Sokobanja also offers a wealth of modern relaxation methods. Relaxing wellness and spa treatments guarantee perfect rest. During the summer months, visit the well-maintained swimming areas on the Moravica River and Bovansko Lake. Take the children to the exciting water park whose large pools and high slides are a constant source of fun for the whole family. Excursions to the mountains of Ozren, Devica, Rtanj, and Bukovik will delight guests who are recreational or professional hikers. If you want to try paragliding and see the beautiful landscape from above, you can start the adventure from the take-off points on the Ozren and Rtanj mountains.

Vrnjačka Banja

Vrnjačka Banja is located in the central part of Serbia, with medicinal resources used by the ancient Romans. The tradition of well-maintained spa complexes and welcoming guests has been going on for 150 years. Among the seven springs used for treatment and drinking delicious mineral water, one stands out as unique in Europe – with water at human body temperature. In Vrnjačka Banja, there is a well-equipped health center where you can do everything – from diagnostics, through rehabilitation, to treatment. Visitors can also enjoy various wellness programs, as well as different entertainment contents: museums and cultural-artistic events, film and music festivals, and the big Vrnjačka Carnival during which the whole town comes alive! Among other attractions, there is the nearby Goč mountain, an ideal place for skiing in the winter months, as well as for long walks and excursions in warmer weather. Lovers must not miss putting a lock on the Bridge of Love to preserve the memory of an old city love story that still lives in the memory of the inhabitants of Vrnjačka Banja.

Banja Koviljača

Banja Koviljača is located between the Drina River and the forested Gučevo mountain, in the western part of Serbia. It is rich in sources of thermal mineral water, as well as numerous cultural-historical monuments that will make your stay an extraordinary experience. The modern wellness center is housed in an old sulfur bath from 1908 and represents a perfect blend of traditional and modern. There you will learn how to regenerate and gather strength for new challenges – with sulfur baths, healing mud, massages, saunas, and many other relaxing treatments. The large spa park, a symbol of the spa, is designed based on Western European parks and captivates with its beauty and harmony. The symmetry of flower arrangements, the diversity of plant species, and the large fountain in the center will remind you of magnificent French gardens in front of royal palaces. A visit to the fairy-tale Kur-salon castle from 1932 will take you back to the time of grand court balls, waltzes, and luxurious gowns. The castle’s lavish halls are ideal for all kinds of celebrations as well as for congress tourism. If you are interested in religious and cultural history, be sure to visit the medieval Tronoša Monastery or the Tršić Ethno Park – the birthplace of the reformer of the Serbian language, Vuk Karadžić. Gučevo mountain is an ideal excursion spot for recreational walkers, while paragliding from this beautiful mountain will satisfy the needs of all extreme sports lovers.

Kuršumlijska Banja

In the valley of the Banjska River, 11 km from the town of Kuršumlija (southern Serbia), lies Kuršumlijska Banja. The large number of sources of thermal mineral water makes this spa one of the most attractive in Europe. The natural environment dominated by pines and linden trees on the spa promenade, the clear water of the Banjska River, healing waters combined with mineral mud, are a perfect refreshment for your spirit and body. Kuršumlijska Banja is also ideal for stress reduction therapies. Gymnastics in thermal water pools, saunas, cold caves, salt rooms, park walks, and health trails will turn your stay into a perfect escape from reality. Among other attractions, be sure to visit the “Hajdučka Česma”, a favorite picnic spot for spa guests where you can taste fresh and cold mountain water at 620 meters above sea level. Get to know the culture of the area and see for yourself the truth of the statement that Kuršumlijska Banja is a true treasury of religious objects and cultural-historical landmarks. For lovers of unusual natural phenomena, 40 kilometers from the spa is Devil’s Town – 202 earthen figures that represented Serbia in the selection of the 7 wonders of the world!

Read more about travel opportunities in Serbia on the Serbian Tourism Organization website.

 Cover photo - © Turistička organizacija Vrnjačke Banje