Southern Serbia’s terrain is dominated by mountainous roads and highland areas, and a self-drive journey is the most efficient way to explore this region. Many hill towns lie off the main highways, but you can easily rent a car in Serbia in cities like Belgrade or Niš to wander off route and stop wherever the scenery beckons. Distances may not be huge, but the hilly terrain means journeys can take longer than expected. With some preparation, you’ll be set to hit the road through the hills of Southern Serbia.
On your road trip, you’ll find that the best places to see in southern Serbia are tucked among its hills and mountain valleys. Every destination offers natural landmarks, historic monasteries, and mountaintops with views of neighbouring nations.
In southern Serbia, close to the town of Prokuplje, lies Arbanaško Hill (Arbanaško Brdo). This area is not as well-known as the country’s big mountains, yet it offers a unique look at Serbia’s rural charm. The hill rises above the surrounding fields, giving open views across the Toplica Valley, a region shaped by farms, orchards, and small rivers. The drive from Nis to Arbanaško Hill takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Roads wind through traditional villages with stone houses, small gardens, and vineyards. The hill's trails are not demanding, so even casual walkers can enjoy the climb.
Locals come here for picnics, village celebrations, and quiet moments outdoors. It is also near Prokuplje’s landmarks, such as the Church of St. Procopius and Hisar Fortress, which you can combine with a stop at the hill. For road trippers, Arbanaško Hill works as a relaxing pause on the way to bigger attractions like Niš Fortress or the spa town of Prolom.
Pasjača Hill (Pasjača Brdo) is a natural landmark near the town of Žitorađa. Above the fertile Toplica Valley, the hill is surrounded by farmland, small rivers, and scattered villages, creating a peaceful countryside. It is not a high peak, but the open vistas make it a rewarding stop for travellers who enjoy nature without long climbs. The drive to Pasjača Hill takes you through quiet rural roads, passing orchards, vineyards, and traditional Serbian homesteads. When you climb to the summit, you can see across the valley to the Jastrebac Mountain range in the distance and the patchwork of fields and meadows below.
Šljivovik is a lesser-known hill that captures the quiet beauty of southeastern Serbia. Unlike the country’s large mountain parks, Šljivovik has a softer landscape of meadows, rolling slopes, and forest patches. Driving to Šljivovik is part of the experience. The roads lead you through the Lužnica Valley, known for small farms, orchards, and stone houses. You will see broad views of the valley from the top, with the Stara Planina Mountains rising far in the distance. You can also combine a visit to Šljivovik with nearby attractions such as the Jerma River canyon, the village of Zvonačka Banja, or trips toward Pirot, a town famous for its carpets and cheese.
You will find Rgajska Planina near the Bulgarian border, a quiet mountain close to Dimitrovgrad. Rgajska Planina is not among Serbia’s highest peaks but offers a mix of forests, meadows, and scenic ridges. Driving to Rgajska Planina takes you along rural roads that pass through the Ponišavlje villages. You will notice small stone houses, farm plots, and grazing animals along the way.
Hiking trails on the mountain are moderate and pass through oak and beech forests before opening onto grassy slopes. You can look across the valley toward the larger Stara Planina range, which dominates the region from higher points. You can combine a visit here with trips to Dimitrovgrad’s churches, or drive about 1 hour and 40 minutes towards Stara Planina National Park for more challenging hikes.
In the deep south of Serbia, close to the border with North Macedonia, the hills of the Pčinja Valley stretch. This area is centred around Vranje and the winding Pčinja River. The hills are not high but frame the valley with green slopes, rocky outcrops, and scattered forests. Reaching the Pčinja Valley is a 2-hour drive from Nis. From the main road, small local routes branch into villages tucked along the hillsides. These drives take you past tobacco fields, orchards, and vineyards, which the region is known for.
Hiking trails in the area are less formal than in national parks, but the hills are gentle and ideal for walking. From elevated points, you can see far across the valley and into neighbouring North Macedonia. The 11th-century Pčinja Monastery sits on the banks of the river. Nearby, Vranje offers Ottoman-era architecture and traditional Serbian music heritage.
Besna Kobila Mountain is one of the highest peaks in southern Serbia, at 1,923 metres tall. It is near the town of Vranje and close to the borders with Bulgaria and North Macedonia. It is called the “roof of southeastern Serbia” because it rises above all nearby hills. The drive to Besna Kobila is from Vranje. At the top, there is a ski centre. In winter, it is suitable for skiing. In summer, it is good for hiking. You can see Stara Planina and the Šar Mountains as well as Bulgaria and North Macedonia on clear days.
Radan Mountain lies between Kuršumlija, Prokuplje, and Lebane in southern Serbia. The mountain stretches across a large area with forests, streams, and wide meadows. Villages rest on its slopes, where people live from farming, orchards, and livestock. The most famous part of Radan is Đavolja Varoš (Devil’s Town). This natural wonder has more than 200 stone pillars shaped by erosion. Some stand as high as 15 metres. They change colour with the light, giving the place an unusual and almost magical look. Legends say the pillars are people turned to stone, which makes the site even more mysterious. Devil’s Town is protected as a natural monument and is often called one of Serbia’s most unique attractions.
Šar Mountain forms a long mountain chain in the far south of Serbia and extends across the border into Kosovo and North Macedonia. The highest peak on the Serbian side is Peskovi (2,651 metres), while the tallest summit of the range is Titov Vrv (2,747 metres) in North Macedonia. The mountain is famous for its wide alpine pastures, which have been used for centuries by shepherds. They are considered one of the most important grazing areas in the Balkans.
Access to the mountain is usually through Preševo or Bujanovac, both on the E75 highway. From there, smaller local roads climb into the foothills. The drive takes you through mountain villages where livestock farming and cheese production are the main activities. Hiking on Šar Mountain is demanding but rewarding. Trails often start in villages and rise steeply through mixed oak and beech forests before reaching alpine meadows.
These tips will help make your Southern Serbia road trip smooth and memorable. Traveling through this region is a chance to experience authentic Serbian culture amid natural beauty, so it’s good to be prepared:
Exploring southern Serbia takes you from gentle hills around Prokuplje and Žitorađa to rugged peaks on the borders with Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Along the way, you will encounter forests, rivers, and valleys shaped by history and tradition. To plan your trip easily, rent a car in Serbia with Final Rentals. Choose from a wide range of vehicles, book online with affordable deals, and pick up your car at major airports in Nis or Belgrade.
