Things to do in Zlatibor Serbia

Here are the top things to do in Zlatibor Serbia, as this mountain stands out as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country—and for good reason. However, some visitors never venture beyond the center of this lush mountain during their vacation, unaware of the breathtaking beauty and countless opportunities the entire area has to offer. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the mountain’s attractions that make Zlatibor truly special.

FROM BELGRADE: 230 kilometers

FROM NIŠ: 275 kilometers

For years, I didn’t stop by the mountain’s center. The surrounding villages and velvet-like hills always felt more inviting, especially coming from Belgrade, where I’m constantly surrounded by buildings and traffic. People often remark that the Zlatibor center has become “so very urban” over the years.

Zlatibor Serbia

The name Zlatibor is most likely derived from the rare pine tree native to the area, whose cone has a golden-like hue. (“Zlato” means gold in Serbian, and “bor” means pine tree—hence, Zlatibor, the golden pine tree.) The mountain massif spans approximately 1,000 square kilometers and, due to its strategic position, has held historical and political significance. At one point, it marked the border between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires.

Zlatibor is famous for its diverse wind currents, fresh mountain air, expansive pastures, rich flora, ski slopes, and exceptional gastronomy. The smoked delicacy known as pršuta is a must-try. Tourism officially began in August 1893, when King Aleksandar Obrenović visited. Since then, the local spring has been named King’s Water, and resorts have sprung up in the surrounding villages. Today, Zlatibor Serbia continues to attract visitors from around the world, in both summer and winter.

Finally, I decided to revisit the center. It’s true—there are plenty of cars, and you must be cautious when crossing the street near the Traditional Market. Yet, the center offers everything a tourist might need: banks, exchange offices, shops, and restaurants. Beyond the hustle and bustle, you’ll still find plenty of opportunities for long walks, or you can visit the Adventure Park and Dino Park.

If you’re curious about dinosaurs in their full-sized glory, Dino Park is the place to be! Nestled among the trees, you’ll encounter a long-necked giant and other prehistoric creatures. Children will love the park’s activities, including a zip line, 6D cinema, horse riding, quad biking, a playground, and mini tubing. Family discounts are available—two parents with one child can expect to pay a reduced ticket.

For those who enjoy hiking, the Trail of Health offers a delightful route that starts in the center and ascends into the hills. At the top, you’ll find a monument honoring wounded Partisans killed during WWII. Sunbeds are scattered across the hill, inviting visitors to relax and soak up the mountain sun. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. No further explanation is needed—just look at the accompanying photos!

Zlatibor is perfect for nature lovers. Its trails wind through serene meadows and forests, catering to various fitness levels. Don’t miss Tornik, the highest point of Zlatibor Serbia, located 9 kilometers from the tourist center. It’s bustling with activities year-round, including skiing, mountain biking, zip lining, and tubing. Equipment rentals are available, and the panoramic views from the cable car are unforgettable.

Riding the cable car to Tornik’s peak, I worried my flimsy summer shoes might slip off. Beneath me, mountain bikers sped along during a competition, their wheels spinning like mad. My destination was the viewpoint at 1,496 meters above sea level, where I was greeted by a surreal panorama of mountain peaks fading into the mist. It’s a sight worth savoring—a memory to hold onto when city life becomes overwhelming.

Below, you’ll find several photos taken by my colleague Biljana Mihajlović and me during the promotion of the book “Zlatibore, Ask Tara”, which I wrote and Biljana beautifully illustrated. We also had the chance to photograph our book at various tourist attractions across Zlatibor Serbia. (You can find more about the book promotion in Zlatibor at this link.)

 

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I must not forget to mention the Gold Gondola, another must-see attraction in Zlatibor. It is the longest panoramic gondola of its kind in Europe, stretching nine kilometers from the center of Zlatibor, across the Ribnica Lake (where the mid-station is located), all the way to the top of Tornik. Once there, you can choose to have lunch, take a walk, pose on the expansive panoramic terrace, or simply sit in the grass and marvel at the rolling hills below you.

This is how we spent our time in Užice, Zlatibor, and Prijepolje when I led a group of fellow bloggers on behalf of the Western Serbia Regional Tourism Organization, with whom I’ve collaborated for years. (Click the link for more details about West Serbia Tourist Attractions.)

 

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Sirogojno

Located 26 kilometers from Zlatibor’s center, Sirogojno is an open-air museum that preserves the traditional cottages of the region. The museum showcases two complete households, illustrating how families lived at the turn of the 19th century. Up to 50 family members shared these homes, gathering in the “main building” for meals and celebrations. Other cottages served as workshops, storage, or living quarters.

The museum is open year-round, with seasonal hours. Visitors can also browse stalls selling traditional woolen goods or enjoy a meal at the rustic on-site restaurant, which offers local dishes like nettle pie and homemade sour milk.

The Old Village is easy to find since it’s not far from the settlement center and is dominated by the church. A few stalls next to the entrance offer wool products, sweaters, and socks, all knitted in traditional patterns and colors. The museum lies just on the other side of the church.

As I strolled among the old cottages and peeked inside, I noticed a woman in the “main building.”
“Oh, do come in, please,” she said warmly. “Look, this is what the old house was like. All the family members would gather around the fire. They worked in the fields, and there were so many children back then…”
It felt like stepping into another century. I could almost see the hosts welcoming guests for a Serbian slava or imagine them, right there by the fire, sifting flour and baking bread.

 

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Sirogojno seemed like the perfect place for a break. Exploring another part of the museum, I found several traditional cottages that had been redecorated as souvenir shops or transformed into charming rental facilities (although there are also beautiful wooden houses on the slopes of the hills in Sirogojno—check them out at this link). I also stumbled upon a rustic restaurant that exuded charm. The menu was filled with traditional dishes, from čvarci to proja. Among the offerings were the traditional nettle pie and homemade sour milk—how could anyone resist?

Gostilje

About 25 km from the center of Zlatibor Serbia lies the Gostilje Waterfall and the Tourist Association of Gostilje (TAG). Here, water cascades 20 meters down, creating a stunning waterfall surrounded by smaller cascades and slopes, eventually flowing into the Katušnica River in the valley. Near the entrance, there’s a swimming pool for visitors looking to escape the summer heat amidst the forest and greenery. A bit further into the complex, there’s a small park for children, and a trail runs alongside the tumbling water, leading down to the river.

The Gostilje complex is open year-round, offering lush greenery and fast-flowing streams in the summer or enchanting frozen vistas in the winter.

I was eager to visit again. Waterfalls and viewpoints always leave me speechless, and Serbia has an abundance of both. But Gostilje seemed to have a special traditional magic. Locals even tell tales of nature fairies who were once believed to inhabit the area—beautiful, powerful, and cunning beings who could enchant unsuspecting travelers.

“Women should keep an eye on their husbands here,” joked a TAG employee, “lest they fall under a fairy’s spell.”
“What about women? Could they become fairies themselves?” I asked, laughing.
“Well, if that happens, I’ll quit my job immediately!” he replied with a grin.

 

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Walking along the cascading water, it’s easy to understand why people believed in fairies here. The elegant streams flow down gracefully, reflecting sunlight and creating an almost otherworldly beauty. It’s not hard to imagine a fairy with a hypnotizing smile and flowing hair peeking from one of the crevices, luring you closer.

This is a place to linger. Wander down to the river, take a break, listen to the splashes, and—if you’re lucky—resist a fairy’s call.

Stopića Cave

Located 19 km from the tourist center, Stopića Cave lies beneath the Zlatibor-Sirogojno road. Named after the nearby settlement of Stopići, the cave was first explored by Jovan Cvijić, the father of speleology in Serbia. This river cave, 1,691 meters long, is home to the Trnavski Stream and is renowned for its cascading limestone tubs. These natural formations feature curved edges filled with water that overflows into the lower levels, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Visitors can tour the cave year-round with a local guide.

 

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When I first visited over a decade ago, the cave was not yet adapted for tourists. The gatekeeper would remove the chain and guide you inside with a simple lamp. Today, wide pathways and lighting highlight the high ceilings and enhance the shimmering limestone tubs. Standing beneath the cascading underground waterfall, I was awestruck by the sight of water roaring through the cave, echoing off the walls.

My journey began from the tourist center, passing through the Rudine village (where the famed green velvet-like Zlatibor hills come into view), then on to Stopića Cave, Sirogojno, and Gostilje, before circling back through Ljubiš to the main road. Each stop offered something unique, from natural swimming pools created by damming springs to rustic restaurants serving traditional fare.

 

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In Ljubiš, you’ll find a fishpond and a restaurant specializing in local trout. For adventure enthusiasts, the village also boasts Serbia’s longest zipline, stretching 550 meters and standing 130 meters above ground. Uroš and Sanja, the friendly guides, told me their youngest participant was a four-year-old girl, while the oldest was a 75-year-old grandpa who exclaimed, “Oh, don’t ask… it was amazing!”

Čajetina

The administrative center of Zlatibor Serbia is the small town of Čajetina, with a population of around 3,300 (2011 census). First mentioned in 1815, the town is primarily focused on agriculture and tourism.

Driving through the nearby villages, I discovered hidden gems like Velimir Tošanić’s stained-glass gallery in Tripkova and Miladin Lekić’s wood-carving workshop in Šljivovica. These talented artists create unique pieces that reflect the heritage of Zlatibor.

Tripkova is located about 15 km from the center of Zlatibor Serbia. As you drive along the road, it feels like you might end up in the wilderness. However, after a few kilometers, a charming church appears on the right, and a school on the left. Right next to the school is the Velimir Tošanić Gallery. This stained-glass artist discovered his passion for the craft in 1988 while in Germany, where he learned the trade. He held his first exhibition in Serbia in 1993. Who would have thought that atop a Zlatibor hill lives a man responsible for extensive stained-glass works in Russia, including the ceiling of the St. Petersburg hotel where the famous meeting between George Bush and Vladimir Putin took place in 2003? Tošanić has also designed doors and windows for the former Serbian presidential residence.

“Just as I was forbidden to photograph my work in Putin’s villa in Russia,” he says, “I wasn’t allowed to take pictures of the pieces I created here.”

Velimir’s daughter Ana has inherited his artistic talent and creates unique pots, plates, ashtrays, and jewelry. You won’t find the Tošanić family’s work anywhere else but here, in the picturesque village of Tripkova.

Driving a few more kilometers toward Tara Mountain, you’ll find another fascinating gallery, located just off the main road. You may be familiar with the giant wooden statue of a local man, known as the Fast Train of Zlatibor, situated in the center of Zlatibor Serbia, near the lake. This iconic piece was created by Miladin Lekić, who carved it based on an old local photograph

Lekić began his artistic journey in 2001, specializing in carving oak and walnut. When I asked him if he ever imagined that his statue by the lake would become a symbol of Zlatibor and a favorite spot for photographs, he simply smiled modestly. Nevertheless, he now has his own gallery in the village of Šljivovica, where he welcomes organized tours and travelers alike. His work includes carvings of animals, peasants, furniture, and saints, making it an excellent place to purchase an authentic souvenir. Whether you opt for a 30 cm sculpture or place an order for a larger piece, this gallery is worth a visit.

If you enjoy exploring monasteries and churches, there’s one more thing to do in this area. The macadam road leading to the Uvac and Dubrava monasteries can be challenging after unstable weather, but the journey to the Jablanica traditional church is more accessible. The scenery along the road to the village of Jablanica, about 13 km from Tornik, is mesmerizing. The winding road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Built in 1838 in a secluded location, the church is renowned for its preserved sobrašice—cottage-like terraces constructed by locals as gathering places during holidays.

(The scenery became even more dramatic on my way back, with dark skies unleashing lightning and torrential rain—it felt like nature’s own theatrical performance!)

 

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Zlatibor Accommodation

In Zlatibor, you can choose between staying in luxurious hotels or traditional wooden cottages, closer to the mountain center or in the surrounding villages. If you prefer hotels, my top recommendation is the Hotel Palisad (click the link). In addition to comfortable rooms and excellent food, it boasts an impressive gallery of artworks by renowned artists from the region. (I couldn’t get enough of their amazing desserts!) It’s also worth mentioning the luxurious Hotel Tornik, the only one in Serbia with a rotating rooftop restaurant offering fantastic views of the surrounding hills. It is conveniently located near the starting station of the Gold Gondola.

For something a bit more rustic, consider the nearby village of Dobroselica, which is great for exploring Zlatibor Serbia. It offers a wide range of charming accommodations (click here to explore). Another traditional option is the Boškova Voda Ethno Village in the village of Ljubiš, known for its delicious preserves and rakija. Finally, check out Villa Natural Wood in Rudine, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in their pool during the summer months.

Next destination – TARA MOUNTAIN, THINGS TO DO

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