Join our live online group lessons starting September 1! Sign up until August 22 here.
When thinking about traveling in Serbia, Belgrade’s nightclubs or Novi Sad’s festivals are typically the first to spring to mind. But if you’d rather see the less exciting yet more traditional side of the country, you’ve got to head where the Wi-Fi gets weak and the šljivovica gets strong: Serbian villages.
This list isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about slowing down, soaking up the quiet, and maybe learning how to make ajvar from someone’s baba. Here are the Serbian villages worth taking your sweet time with.
Why visit the countryside (selo) out of all places in Serbia, you ask? Well, for plenty of reasons.
First off, village food slaps. With fresh produce straight from the garden, eggs collected that morning, and time-tested recipes passed down by baba, it doesn’t get more real (or more delicious) than this.
You’ll find homemade bread still warm from the oven, stews that simmer for hours, and local cheese so good you’ll consider smuggling some home. Kajmak, čvarci, ajvar — they all make countryside tourism worthwhile even if you’re not big on all rural living.
Then there’s the kindness and generosity. In the village, hospitality isn’t a nice extra — it’s the rule. Refusing rakija at 10 am? Good luck with that. Saying I’m full after your second plate? Not happening. You’ll be gently (or not so gently) encouraged to eat more, drink more, and then take some for the road.
You might show up as a stranger, but you’ll leave with a full belly and probably an invitation to someone’s slava.
Also, villages are gold mines for anyone learning Serbian. After all, people there have the time to chat — and they will ask you where you’re from, how you ended up there, and if you’ve tried rakija.
And, don’t worry about making mistakes. No one’s grading you out here — they’ll just be happy you’re trying.
So, are you ready to slow down? Here are the top Serbian villages worth your time — and your appetite.
Welcome to Sirogojno, a quiet little village in Zlatibor where time doesn’t just slow down — it yawns, stretches, and pulls on a wool sweater.
This place is famous for its open-air museum with old wooden houses collected from various parts of the mountain. Some still have their original furniture, while others have been gently adapted to welcome visitors.
Aside from the museum, green pastures, and traditional cuisine, the true star of Sirogojno is the sweaters. And socks.
In fact, you can find various wool garments with ethnic motifs, knitted by local grannies. Snag any of these and you’ll not just have a one-of-a-kind souvenir, but you’ll have something to warm your body and heart on cold winter nights.
If you’re craving unspoilt nature, brimming with all shades of green, Zaovine is just what the doctor ordered.
As a part of the Tara National Park, this village has it all — meadows spreading as far as you can see, fields of flowers, and a refreshing shade under the thick conifer forests.
Speaking of trees, this is where a celebrated botanist, Josif Pančić, discovered a living fossil — Pančić’s spruce (Pančićeva omorika).
But don’t worry if you can’t tell one tree species from another. The true centerpiece of this area is Zaovinsko jezero — a lake so clear and blue you’ll think it’s a part of an oil painting.
In summer, you can take the most refreshing swim of your life, try your luck at fishing, or simply sit by the shore and let the silence do its thing.
Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure — it’s easy to lose track of time in Zaovine. And honestly, that might be the best part.
We’re still in the mountains, somewhere between Tara and Zlatibor, but this time we’re going to Mokra Gora — one of the most popular tourist spots in Serbia.
Conveniently, you can admire the incredible landscape without breaking a sweat thanks to the Šargan Eight (Šarganska osmica). Restored to its retro glory, a charming vintage train runs through the mountains in a scenic loop.
Another thing that makes the place special is Drvengrad — an enchanting ethno-village built by the legendary movie director Emir Kusturica.
So, cinephiles will have the best time there in winter, not only thanks to the cozy charm of the log cabins, but also because of a movie festival, Kustendorf, that takes place in January.
All in all, whether you’re into movies, mountains, or just magical vibes, Mokra Gora won’t let you down.
Language lovers appreciate Tršić village as the birthplace of Vuk Karadžić. For your reference, he’s the one who simplified Serbian spelling, making it easy to read and write. If you’re grateful every time you breeze through a sentence, you might want to swing by the museum dedicated to him.
Tršić also hosts Vukov Sabor, an annual festival that offers a taste of local traditions and folklore.
Finally, Tršić exudes a 19th-century vibe, with its wooden cottages and cobbled paths. So, the culture, the mood, plenty of rakija, and fantastic food — do you need any more reasons to head there?
Kremna looks peaceful, but it has secrets — prophetic ones. Birthplace of the famous Tarabić prophets, this village isn’t shy about its mystical side.
Between meadows and plum orchards, you’ll find stories of visions, visions of stories, and the best plum rakija around. It’s also a gateway to wild mountain trails and quiet village mornings.
Visit for the views, stay for the prophecies…and maybe learn how to predict the weather in Serbian, the old-fashioned way.
Finally, we’ve got an ideal spot for those who want a complete countryside experience all in the same place. Rajski Konaci isn’t a classic village, but an ethno-household created for tourists.
The perk of staying there is that you can have it all without needing to leave the complex — rustic guesthouses, traditional cuisine, and plenty of outdoor activities. Of course, the whole village is beautiful, and you should definitely explore the nearby forests, farms, and fields.
And if you’re traveling with kids, there’s no more relaxing way to teach them about nature, show them farm animals, and let them run, jump, and play while breathing fresh air.
In Serbian villages, time naps, meals last for hours, and someone always insists you try just one more spoonful. Resistance is useless. So go ahead! Pick a countryside spot in Serbia that speaks to your heart, and enjoy the rural side of the country — because Serbia is so much more than just Belgrade and wild nightlife.
Want to get even more out of your stay? Start with the language. Book a free trial lesson with us, and next time you visit, you won’t just be ordering coffee — you’ll be chatting, mingling, and making real connections, all in Serbian.
Planning to move to Serbia or experience Balkan life for a few months? Either way, get ready for decadent flavors, amazing coffee, and countless opportunities
Like the Brits, Serbians love talking about the weather — mostly complaining! And just because you’re not from around here, there’s no reason not to
