Active Holidays and SPA – Destination Ideas in Serbia

Active holidays have become one of the most sought-after travel styles in Serbia. Work, fatigue, and crowded cities are the main reasons why people increasingly want to get physically active, spend time in nature on weekends, and then fully recharge in a warm pool, sauna, or jacuzzi.

From mountain trails and untouched forests to thermal waters and modern SPA centers, Serbia offers a wide range of destinations available year-round. Below are our recommended places that perfectly combine nature and adventure with high-quality hotels in Serbia and their SPA facilities.

Zlatibor

Although many say Zlatibor is becoming more urban each year, the mountain still offers fantastic nature, walking trails, and countless spots for relaxing outdoors in both warm and cold months. It remains one of Serbia’s most popular choices for an active holiday.

Besides strolling through the tourist center, must-do activities include hiking to Čigota and Tornik, cycling through pine forests, and taking day trips to Stopića Cave or Gostilje Waterfall.

Zlatibor is also known for its wide selection of hotels with pools, saunas, Turkish baths, and large SPA zones. From small intimate wellness areas to multi-thousand-square-meter complexes, Zlatibor has something for everyone.

Sokobanja

Sokobanja is ideal for travelers looking for clean nature, thermal waters, and fresh mountain air. Surrounded by the Ozren, Devica, and Rtanj mountains, it’s a perfect combination for an active break — and one of the few destinations that hasn’t been overtaken by mass tourism.

We recommend visiting Ozren and the Lepterija area, hiking Rtanj, and exploring Bovansko Lake.

Sokobanja has a long spa-tourism tradition, though the hotel offer isn’t large. Its main highlight is Hotel Sunce, famous for its spacious SPA center and outdoor pool. This destination is perfect for those seeking natural wellness — thermal water, inhalations, SPA treatments, and relaxation in a peaceful atmosphere.

Stara Planina

Stara Planina is one of the best choices for couples, families, and friends wanting an active weekend in near-wild nature. It’s a destination made for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys spending long hours outdoors. In winter, the mountain offers a solid ski resort with well-developed slopes and lifts.

We recommend hiking, visiting waterfalls such as Tri Kladenca and Tupavica, and afterward relaxing in the SPA center of Hotel Stara Planina — a regional favorite for years.

Compared to Zlatibor or Kopaonik, this area is far less commercial, making it perfect for travelers seeking privacy and fewer crowds.

Divčibare

Divčibare is a perfect 2–3-day getaway when you want to escape the city and spend time in nature. Gentle trails, clean meadows, and easy hikes make it one of the most pleasant destinations for recreational travelers.

The area has an increasing number of modern hotels with indoor pools and SPA facilities — popular among couples and families. While the hotel offer is not huge yet, several excellent options already feature spacious wellness zones.

Fruška Gora

Fruška Gora is probably the most popular nature-plus-SPA destination for people who love long walks, hiking, and the outdoors but don’t want to travel far from the city. The national park has more than 20 marked trails, making it one of Serbia’s top choices for active vacations.

Trails are well-maintained, the area has beautiful lakes, and you can also visit local wineries for wine tasting.

Couples especially love Fruška Gora for its tranquility, greenery, and perfect digital-detox atmosphere.

As for SPA options, one of Serbia’s largest hotel wellness complexes is located here — in Vrdnik. Hotel Fruške Terme has 11 thermal pools and a huge wellness zone. It’s an excellent pick for combining nature and relaxation.

Several other hotels in the area are available as well, including adults-only options.

Kuršumlijska Banja

Kuršumlijska Banja is less touristy but excellent for travelers seeking peace, isolation, and high-quality SPA facilities. The region is known for its thermal springs and natural healing properties.

Guests can enjoy walks through untouched — some would say rugged — nature, hike toward Radan mountain, and visit local attractions.

The tourist offer here revolves around Hotel Planinka, which we strongly recommend checking out.

Kopaonik

Kopaonik offers great opportunities for an active holiday throughout the entire year. In summer, it’s perfect for hiking on marked trails, cycling, zip-line adventures, and panoramic rides with stunning viewpoints.

In winter, it becomes Serbia’s main ski center, with skiing, snowboarding, and long snowy walks as the dominant activities. This year-round variety makes it one of the most complete destinations for an active and healthy vacation.

Kopaonik also has one of the most developed mountain SPA hotel scenes in Serbia, with large wellness areas that include pools, saunas, steam rooms, salt rooms, tepidariums, jacuzzis, and more.

Lesser-Known but Excellent Active + SPA Destinations

Beyond the most popular spots, several quieter destinations are perfect for a more relaxed active holiday:
• Palić – cycling routes around the lake
• Tara – forest walks and trips to Zaovine Lake
• Prolom Banja – thermal water and gentle trails
• Lukovska Banja – one of Serbia’s warmest thermal springs
• Drina River – rafting, nature, fresh air
• Borsko Lake & nearby lakes – walking, swimming, family picnics

Although most people associate SPA with spas or mountain resorts, Belgrade actually has a surprisingly strong wellness scene. Hotels and private SPA zones offer excellent options for short relaxation sessions — even if you only have a couple of hours, especially if you’re looking for quality SPA experiences in Belgrade.

Serbia offers an extensive variety of active-holiday destinations, from easy forest walks and lake routes to demanding mountain trails. Combined with numerous SPA centers, thermal waters, and modern wellness zones, it creates the perfect setup for a couples’ getaway, a weekend with friends, or a short family vacation.