7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Summer Experiences in Serbia

As July arrives, Serbia is buzzing with returning diaspora and international tourists discovering what locals have long known: summer here is magical. If you’re considering visiting—or even relocating—Serbia this year, skip the overused travel guides and dive into these 7 unforgettable, under-the-radar adventures.

Whether you're a digital nomad, retiree, or curious traveler, these unique summer experiences can help you connect more deeply with Serbia’s culture, history, and breathtaking nature.

Bordering Romania, the Đerdap Gorge (Iron Gates) is one of the longest and deepest river gorges in Europe—stretching over 100 km. Once home to treacherous rapids (before the Đerdap hydroelectric dam), this gorge is now a scenic haven for cyclists and boaters.

📌 Don’t miss:

• The 56-meter-tall rock sculpture of Dacian King Decebalus, carved into a Romanian cliff

• Panoramic river views

• Quiet roads perfect for long-distance cycling or motorbiking

Experience Belgrade through a true Yugoslav icon—the Yugo car. This vintage ride was manufactured from 1980 to 2008 and still cruises Serbia’s roads.

🎥 Your guided tour includes:

• Driving a retro Yugo around Novi Beograd’s brutalist architecture

• Visiting Tito’s mausoleum at the Museum of Yugoslavia

• Learning about the history of the former federation from behind the wheel
  
  

Perfect for: Nostalgic locals, history buffs, and Balkan culture explorers.

While Belgrade is vibrant and fast-paced, Novi Sad offers a slower, more soulful lifestyle—especially in its countless locally-owned cafes.

🪑 What to expect:

• Locals enjoying domaca kafa (Turkish-style coffee) for hours

• Rich desserts like krempita, plazma cheesecake, and baklava

• Little to no “coffee-to-go”—it’s all about sitting, talking, watching
  

  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Take the high-speed train from Belgrade and spend a full day soaking up Novi Sad’s relaxed charm.

High in the Mokra Gora mountains, you’ll find Drvengrad, a wooden ethno-village built by film director Emir Kusturica for his movie Life Is a Miracle. It’s now a cultural retreat and living museum.

Pair your visit with a trip on the Šargan Eight railway, a narrow-gauge steam train built in 1925 that spirals through mountain loops and tunnels.

🎟️ Best for: Families, photographers, architecture lovers, and anyone craving a fairy tale escape.

Each summer, EXIT Festival transforms the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad into one of Europe’s top music destinations. What started as a student protest in 2000 is now a legendary multi-day event.

🎤 Past performers include:

• The Cure

• Snoop Dogg

• Ziggy Marley

• Prodigy

• Nina Kraviz

• Nick Cave

 Typically held in early July, EXIT draws over 200,000 music fans from around the world.

Tucked into Old Town Belgrade, Skadarlija is a cobblestone street packed with charm. Once the hangout of poets and artists, this bohemian enclave still hums with creativity.

🍷 Must-do experiences:

• Enjoy live gypsy music and poetry at historic kafanas

• Visit artisan shops and galleries

• Explore the former home of poet Đura Jakšić
  
  

Skadarlija is perfect for those wanting to explore Belgrade’s softer, more artistic side.

Located in Western Serbia, Tara National Park is one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. It’s home to over 50 wild brown bears, and yes—you can safely see them.

🐾 What you’ll see:

• Guided bear-spotting tours

• Feeding grounds (best chance to see bears)

• The Pancic Spruce, a rare living fossil over 60 million years old
  
  

This is the perfect digital detox for nature lovers and hikers looking for serenity and fresh mountain air.

Many of our clients don’t just visit—they fall in love with Serbia and decide to stay. Whether you're returning to your roots or relocating from abroad, Relocation Serbia helps you every step of the way.

✔️ Temporary and permanent residency
✔️ Business and property setup
✔️ Tax optimization
✔️ Real estate and legal support

👉 Book a consultation to learn how to make Serbia your new home.