Serbia has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Balkans. When you drive through the countryside, you get to see mountains, rivers, canyons, and villages. Each route shows a different side of Serbia, from wild nature to quiet farming life. Our guide lists the best road trips in Serbia, each with beautiful routes that highlight the country’s natural and cultural charm. If you plan to rent a car in Serbia, you’ll enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere and take in the scenic views along the way.
Serbia’s diverse landscape offers many roads perfect for scenic driving. Each route comes with unique terrain and road types, from river valleys to high mountain passes. Before you go, it’s important to check elevation, surface conditions, and seasonal hazards for a safe and enjoyable trip.
The Uvac Canyon Route is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in Serbia, taking you deep into the wild terrain of the southwest. It runs between Sjenica and Nova Varoš, cutting through the heart of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve. This is not a highway route. Instead, you’ll follow local roads like the 216 and regional roads marked as R-361, which are narrow and winding, with many tight bends and elevation changes.
The road surface is mostly asphalt, but some sections near the viewpoint become gravel or compact dirt, especially in dry seasons. These stretches can be uneven, so it’s best to drive a compact SUV or a car with good ground clearance. Certain parts may be muddy or slippery in winter or after heavy rain, so tyres with firm tread and working brakes are essential. No fuel stations are inside the protected area, so refuel in either Sjenica or Nova Varoš before starting your journey.
The route leads you past karst limestone cliffs, rolling plateaus, and wide open meadows. Elevation ranges from 900 to 1300 metres, and temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the early morning. You’ll find designated parking areas near the trailhead to the Molitva Viewpoint, the most famous panoramic spot. The hiking trail from the parking area to the viewpoint is well-marked, about 1.5 km each way, with a gradual incline.
This area is home to the largest colony of Griffon vultures in the Balkans, with wingspans reaching up to 2.8 metres. Spotting them requires patience, but they often soar over the canyon in the late morning. For the best photos, arrive before 10:00 AM when the light hits the canyon directly.
The Danube Road from Belgrade to Novi Sad is one of the most accessible and scenic roads in Serbia. While the E75 motorway gets you to Novi Sad in just over an hour, the river route via local roads offers a more visually rich experience. Start your journey in Zemun, a historical part of Belgrade, and take the State Road 119 northwards. From there, you’ll pass through towns like Batajnica, Stari Banovci, Slankamen, and Beočin before reaching Petrovaradin and crossing into Novi Sad.
This route stretches about 101 kilometres, and the drive takes 1 to 2 hours depending on stops. The road surface is mostly smooth asphalt. However, segments near Slankamen and Beočin can be narrow with occasional potholes or agricultural traffic. Speed limits range from 50 to 80 km/h, and local drivers often use these roads.
One of the highlights of this route is the proximity to the Danube River, with clear viewpoints and pull-off areas where you can enjoy river scenery, spot fishing boats, or take photos of passing barges. You’ll also drive alongside vineyard slopes near Sremski Karlovci, a wine-making region. The terrain here is low and rolling, and the microclimate is ideal for fruit and grape farming.
Continuing toward Petrovaradin, the road climbs slightly, offering a sweeping view of the Danube before you enter Novi Sad. As you approach Petrovaradin Fortress, consider parking and walking up to the fortress walls. The view over the river and Novi Sad’s city centre is one of the most iconic in Serbia.
The drive from Niš to Kopaonik is one of the most beautiful routes in Serbia. It takes you from the lowlands into the heart of Serbia’s most famous mountain resort. The total distance is around 120 to 130 kilometres, and the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. This journey blends urban exits, mountain highways, and forest roads, so be prepared for changing road types and conditions.
You’ll begin your trip in Niš by taking Route 34 (M25) toward Prokuplje. This part of the journey runs through the Toplica Valley, with gentle hills and small villages on either side. Traffic can be moderate, especially near Prokuplje. After passing Kuršumlija, the road narrows and begins to climb toward the Kopaonik plateau.
The most scenic and challenging section begins as you switch to State Road 218, heading deep into the Kopaonik National Park. Elevation climbs rapidly, from the valley to the resort. The road has many sharp curves and switchbacks, particularly between Blaževo and Brzeće. If you're driving in winter, snow chains or winter tyres are required by law, and fog is common during early morning or dusk. Always check weather forecasts before setting out. Along the way, you can stop at viewpoints overlooking the Golija and Jastrebac mountains. The region has natural springs and traditional ethno villages, where you can sample homemade cheese, honey, and rakija.
The drive through the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is one of the most spiritually rich and best road trips in Serbia. Located between the towns of Čačak and Požega, this gorge follows the course of the West Morava River as it winds tightly between and Mount Kablar. The road is a two-lane asphalt route with smooth tarmac, frequent bends, and occasional narrow shoulders. Elevation ranges between 270 and 400 metres, with several stretches running directly beside the river. There are guardrails along most of the route, but drivers should remain alert, especially during fog or heavy rain. These are common in spring and autumn due to the gorge’s humid microclimate.
The gorge is famous for its “Serbian Mount Athos” nickname because of the 10 medieval monasteries in the cliffs and forest slopes. Many of these monasteries, such as Blagoveštenje and Nikolje, are visible from the road or can be reached via short marked detours. Parking is usually available at the entrance to each site.
The area also has well-marked hiking trails. One of the most popular is the hike to the Kablar Viewpoint, which offers a high-angle view of the river meanders. You can park near the spa complex in Ovčar Banja and follow a 3 km uphill trail, which takes 60 to 90 minutes on foot. Wear proper hiking shoes as you pass through loose gravel and exposed sections. The nearby thermal spa is a great stop for refreshments or overnight stays. The village has small shops, restaurants, and a petrol station. Mobile signal is generally stable along the route, and there are no tolls on this section of the road.
The Jerma Canyon, often called the “Balcony Road”, is one of the most thrilling drives in Serbia. Located in the far southeast, near the Bulgarian border, this route follows the Jerma River as it cuts through high limestone cliffs between the villages of Vlasi and Sukovo.
The road is technically part of regional road 221. The surface is narrow, partly asphalted, and some sections are reduced to gravel or rough concrete slabs. The width allows just one car at a time in some places, so be prepared to reverse or use passing bays if there’s oncoming traffic. A compact SUV or crossover vehicle is ideal here, as low-clearance cars may struggle with uneven patches and loose rocks. Use low gears on the descents to reduce brake strain, especially after rain when the road surface can become slick.
You’ll be driving at elevations between 500 and 900 metres, often right above the Jerma River gorge, which creates the famous “balcony” effect. The road clings to the cliffside with sharp drop-offs and minimal guardrails, so drive slowly and carefully. The tightest bends are near the St. John the Theologian Monastery, a small spiritual site perched in a forest clearing. You can park near the entrance and explore the grounds, which offer peaceful views of the surrounding canyon.
The area is geologically active, with karst rock formations, narrow ravines, and high vertical cliffs that rise directly from the riverbanks. This makes it a hotspot for rock climbers and geology enthusiasts. Mobile signal is weak or unavailable throughout most of the canyon, so download your route in advance. Once you leave Pirot, there are no petrol stations or shops, and wild animals such as foxes or wild boars may cross the road in the early morning or late afternoon.
The Zlatibor Highway, officially known as State Road 23 (E763), is one of western Serbia's most scenic drives. This major regional route runs from Užice through Zlatibor, continuing southward to Nova Varoš and connecting further to Sjenica. The stretch between Užice and Nova Varoš spans 64 kilometres, and the drive takes about 1 hour.
The road is fully paved and well-maintained, with regular road markings, wide lanes, and several passing zones. Elevation changes gradually as you climb into the Zlatibor mountain region, reaching 1,000 to 1,200 metres above sea level. The route offers gentle curves and long straight sections, which are ideal for all types of vehicles.
You’ll pass open meadows, pine forests, and traditional villages along this route. The hills are green and dotted with grazing sheep in spring and summer. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland. Zlatibor is the region's main hub, known for its tourist-friendly atmosphere, mountain air, and locally made cheeses and meats.
If you plan to stop, consider visiting the Stopića Cave just off the main route or the open-air Sirogojno Museum, which showcases traditional wooden architecture. Signposts for these attractions are visible from the highway. The road also easily connects with smaller scenic routes leading toward Tara National Park or Uvac Canyon, making it a great base road for multiple-day trips. Driving conditions are generally safe year-round, though winter tyres are required between November and April due to snow at higher elevations.
Driving in Serbia opens the door to landscapes far from the crowds. From deep canyons to riverside towns, forest trails to cliffside roads, these scenic drives show you the country’s hidden natural beauty. Rent a car in Serbia with Final Rentals to make the most of these routes. Book online in advance and pick up your vehicle when you arrive at Belgrade or Nis Airport. Final Rentals offers a wide range of cars for every route, from mountain drives to riverside roads.
