Planning to see Serbia this summer? You picked a great time to go. From big cities to small towns, you can enjoy mountains, rivers, and old castles. Renting a car in Serbia is easy. There are pick-up spots in major cities like Belgrade and Niš. With your own car, you can travel across the country without stress. Our guide will show you the best summer road trip destinations in Serbia. These places are perfect if you love nature, culture, and quiet towns. Let’s get started with your summer adventure.
Serbia allows you to enjoy a summer holiday filled with nature, culture, and comfort. It doesn’t have the heavy crowds you’ll find in other European destinations. Many of the country’s best places are still undiscovered by mass tourism, which means you can explore freely, take better photos, and enjoy quiet moments without waiting in long lines or overpaying for services. This makes it one of the most attractive vacation spots for international visitors.
If you're renting a car in Serbia, you’ll have the freedom to visit mountain villages, national parks, and lakes that are hard to reach by bus. Roads to Tara National Park, Vlasina Lake, and Stara Planina are in good condition, with clear signs and available fuel stations. This gives you more control over your trip and lets you explore Serbia at your own pace.
The country offers everything from river beaches and thermal spas, to historic towns and nightlife. You can swim in Zaovine Lake, hike to the top of Rtanj Mountain, take photos of Golubac Fortress, or enjoy a live band on a Belgrade splav.
Serbian summers are short but very intense. July is usually the hottest month, and cities feel warmer because of the concrete and traffic. Locals have developed their own ways to stay cool, and many of them head to nature, tree shade, or nearby rivers and lakes. If you're visiting during summer, follow the locals and discover these refreshing traditions.
In Serbia, shade from trees is called hladovina or debela hladovina if it is very thick. Locals place tables and chairs under trees for natural cooling, especially during the hottest part of the day. It is common to enjoy drinks or meals outside in the garden, especially in family homes or village houses.
Summer means roštilj, or grilled meat, in almost every Serbian neighborhood. On Sundays, you’ll smell grilled meat in the air. Watermelon is another favorite, often chilled in wells or rivers. Beer crates, or gajba piva, are kept cold using natural water. Some people enjoy rakija, but it’s important to drink water too. You’ll see these things in the countryside during the Serbian summer.
Many locals leave the cities during hot summer days and head to rivers, lakes, or nearby forests. These places offer cooler air and space for picnics, swimming, or relaxing in the shade. In Belgrade, Ada Ciganlija is a popular escape, with a beach, bars, and bike paths. If you're in the south, Vlasina Lake is a great choice, while those near Tara can enjoy a swim in Zaovine or Perućac Lake. These spots are ideal for quick, refreshing getaways.
One of the best places to visit in Serbia in summer is its lakes. These destinations offer cool air, fun on the water, and peaceful mountain views. Many locals and tourists use these places as stops on their summer road trips in Serbia, especially if they’re renting a car in Serbia for flexible travel.
Zaovine Lake sits inside Tara National Park, surrounded by deep pine forests and clear mountain air. The water stays cool, making it great for kayaking, swimming, or relaxing along the shore. This area boasts plant life, including rare trees like the Serbian spruce. You can hike nearby trails or explore the scenic Banjska Stena viewpoint.
Vlasina Lake is located in southeast Serbia, at about 1,200 meters above sea level, which makes it cooler than most lowland areas in summer. The floating peat islands are its most unique feature. They shift naturally with the wind and water currents. Visitors often enjoy hiking trails, especially toward the Čemernik Mountain, and kayaking across the lake’s clear surface. The region also supports a variety of bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching.
Palić Lake lies just 8 kilometers from Subotica, making it one of the most accessible summer day trips in northern Serbia. The lake features organized beaches, bike trails, and large green parks ideal for walking. Around the lake, you’ll find Art Nouveau buildings, including the Water Tower and Grand Terrace. Visitors can stay at nearby hotels or explore local restaurants such as Majkin Salaš. Events like the Palić European Film Festival are held here in summer, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Perućac Lake stretches along the Drina River and is formed by a hydroelectric dam near Bajina Bašta. It supports activities such as jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and scenic boat tours through the Drina Canyon. The surrounding forested slopes of Tara make this area popular for hiking and photography. Many visitors also come to see the Drina River House, a cabin built on a rock in the river. If you're driving your own vehicle, Perućac is a good base for exploring Tara National Park and nearby villages.
Silver Lake is an artificial lake located near Veliko Gradište, just off the Danube River. It offers sandy beaches, safe swimming zones, and a range of resorts and restaurants along its shores. The area is well developed for tourism, with a promenade and dedicated bike paths. Nearby attractions include Golubac Fortress, a medieval structure overlooking the Danube, and Đerdap National Park, which has marked hiking trails. The lake is easy to access by car, and its location makes it popular for weekend trips from Belgrade.
Bovansko Lake is located just outside Sokobanja, a well-known spa town in eastern Serbia. The lake is artificial and used for both recreation and water management, offering calm conditions for kayaking and fishing. The hills around the lake provide good views and shaded picnic areas. Sokobanja’s spa center offers traditional treatments using thermal waters. From here, travelers can also reach Rtanj Mountain and visit Sokograd, the ruins of a medieval fortress. It is a convenient stop for those driving toward the Carpathian range.
Mountain areas are often 10 to 15°C cooler than cities. These places are excellent options for Turkish tourists in Serbia, who are used to summer heat. Most are easy to reach if you drive and plan a countryside escape.
Tara is one of the coldest places in Serbia during summer. It offers hiking, wildlife, rivers, and beautiful viewpoints like Banjska Stena. The park has a strong mobile signal, making it suitable for remote workers who want a cool place to focus. Key highlights include the Banjska Stena viewpoint, which overlooks the Drina River Canyon. You can spot brown bears, enjoy well-marked trails, and explore nearby attractions like Zaovine Lake or the village of Mitrovac, which has family-run guesthouses and local food options.
Zlatar Mountain is located in southwestern Serbia, near Nova Varoš, and stands at an elevation of about 1,625 meters. It is known for its fresh air, large coniferous forests, and wide green meadows. A significant highlight is the nearby Uvac Canyon, where you can take guided boat tours through the meanders or ride a zipline over the cliffs. The area is home to the endangered griffon vulture, which nests in the canyon walls.
Stara Planina, also called the Balkan Mountain, stretches along the Serbia-Bulgaria border in the east. It is one of the most remote and wild regions in the country, known for its dense forests, high plateaus, and deep river valleys. The area includes Midžor, Serbia’s highest peak at 2,169 meters, which can be reached by marked hiking routes. Popular natural sites include Tupavica and Pilj Waterfalls, which flow strongest in early summer. Many visitors stay in traditional village houses in places like Babin Zub, where mobile signal is weak, offering a full digital detox experience.
Rtanj Mountain is located in eastern Serbia, near the town of Boljevac, and reaches a height of 1,565 meters at its peak called Šiljak. The mountain is known for its pyramid-like shape, which has inspired many local legends. If you hike the trails to the summit, you will be rewarded with wide views and clear night skies ideal for stargazing. The lower slopes are covered with herbal meadows, including wild thyme and mint for local teas and remedies.
Divčibare Plateau is located on Maljen Mountain in central Serbia, around 115 kilometers south of Belgrade. The area is around 980 meters above sea level. It’s a cooler break from the city heat during summer. You can follow well-marked trails, walk through open meadows, and enjoy shade from pine forests. A ski lift runs year-round and offers wide views of the hills.
Belgrade stays active in summer, especially near the rivers and parks. Even when it's hot, the city offers great attractions. Many visitors use Belgrade as the starting point for summer road trips in Serbia. Spend a few days here before heading to the lakes or mountains.
These palaces, located in Dedinje, are open from April to October and show the history of the Serbian royal family. They offer great views of Avala Mountain, and gardens and pavilions surround the buildings.
This old Bohemian quarter is full of cobblestone streets, art galleries, and traditional restaurants. Visit Dva Jelena or Tri Šešira for classic Serbian food. It’s a great place to walk, eat, and listen to live music in the evening.
This train is kept in its original 20th-century stle. It was used by Tito and famous guests like Queen Elizabeth II. You can visit the interior luxury details, including the dining room and private sleeping areas.
This small museum is full of interactive science exhibits. There’s a short film about Tesla’s life, followed by real experiments showing how his inventions work. It’s a favorite stop for kids, families, and technology fans.
Belgrade’s floating nightclubs are famous all over Europe. These clubs are found along the River Sava and play electronic, house, and local music. In summer, they are full almost every night, and it’s best to reserve in advance.
Serbia in summer gives you many ways to cool down, explore, and enjoy. You can swim in quiet lakes, hike through green mountains, visit royal palaces, or eat grilled food in village gardens. Whether you want a peaceful trip or a fun city break, there’s something for you here.
Final Rentals is a reliable car rental platform with pick-up spots at major airports like Belgrade and Niš. You can choose from compact cars to SUVs, all with unlimited mileage, free cancellation, and no hidden charges. Booking is fast, and prices are clear. All vehicles are well-maintained for road trips to Serbia’s lakes, mountains, and historic towns.
