Serbia is a country full of beautiful landscapes and historic cities waiting to be explored. For Italian travelers, Serbia may not be as famous as other European destinations, but it offers a myriad of cultural sights and natural wonders. Our road trip guide will take you through the best photo spots in Serbia, from medieval fortresses to breathtaking mountain views. To get started, rent a car in Serbia to discover the top places to photograph in this Balkan gem.
Italian travelers in Serbia can rent a car at Belgrade or Niš airports, the two main entry points with international flights. It's best to book online a few days before arrival to make sure your vehicle is ready when you land. The photo spots we have included below involve long drives. Some locations may take two to five hours to reach by car. Public transport won't get you to remote areas at the right time for good light. With a car, you control your timing and can explore each site at your own pace.
Choose your car type based on your travel needs. A compact car is fine if you're traveling alone and only have basic gear. However, a mid-size SUV is better if you carry camera equipment or go with friends. You’ll have more room for bags and better comfort on longer drives.
Below are the top places to photograph in Serbia. These destinations are spread across the country, so having a car will help you reach them all.
Belgrade’s most iconic landmark is the Belgrade Fortress, a massive stronghold in the city center that sits atop a ridge where two rivers meet. Visiting this fortress is free, and you can walk along its ancient walls to enjoy a fantastic view of the Danube River and the Sava River confluence. The surrounding Kalemegdan Park is a green oasis filled with statues, old gates, and shady paths perfect for strolls. You will love the fortress at sunset, when the sky turns orange over the rivers and the city lights twinkle. In the early morning, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the soft light is excellent for capturing the fortress’s stone walls. Don’t miss the “Pobednik” statue, the famous victor monument proudly overlooking the water.
Novi Sad’s jewel is the Petrovaradin Fortress, often nicknamed the “Gibraltar on the Danube.” This 17th-century fortress on the riverbank is a must-visit for photographers. One unique feature is its clock tower with reversed hands. It was designed so fishermen on the Danube could read the time from afar. Climb the ramparts daily for a sweeping view of Novi Sad’s old town and the broad Danube below.
The fortress offers many scenic viewpoints. At one spot, you’ll see the city’s red-tiled rooftops and church spires framed by the river. In the evening, the view becomes magical as city lights reflect on the water and the sky changes color. Under the fortress, winding tunnels and cobblestone paths add a sense of adventure. After capturing the panoramas, wander into Novi Sad’s center. The colorful old buildings on Freedom Square (Trg Slobode) and the neo-Gothic Name of Mary Church are photogenic.
Subotica is Serbia’s northernmost city that boasts unique architecture for photo lovers. The city is famed for its Art Nouveau buildings. The most notable is the Subotica City Hall,a grandiose, colorful, palace-like building that serves as the city’s symbol. Nearby, the Synagogue of Subotica is another stunning structure with intricate designs and vibrant stained glass.
When you walk through Subotica’s center, you’ll find elegant details on every corner, from ornate facades to charming cobblestone streets. About 8 kilometers from the city is Lake Palić, the largest natural lake in Serbia. This lake is a peaceful spot surrounded by parks and early 20th-century pavilions. You can capture the calm waters of Lake Palić at sunrise, when the surface often mirrors the sky, or at golden hour when local birdlife comes out. Don’t miss the water tower and old grand terrace by the lake, which were built in the same Art Nouveau stle.
If you love dramatic nature shots, the Uvac Canyon will be the highlight of your Serbian journey. The Uvac River winds through limestone gorges in a series of tight meanders that look incredible from above. There are twelve lookout points around the canyon where you can admire these snake-like curves. Hiking to a viewpoint such as Molitva (Prayer) point rewards you with one of the most Instagrammable views in Serbia – a green river bending back and forth between cliffs.
Try to use a zoom lens to capture a vulture in flight against the backdrop of Uvac’s emerald waters. Having a car is very useful for reaching the Uvac viewpoints. The area is remote, and you might need to drive on gravel roads and then hike a short distance. The best time for photos is early morning for soft light and possibly some mist in the valley or late afternoon when shadows add depth to the curving river.
Tara National Park is a forested mountain range, offering some of the best landscapes in Serbia. One spot you shouldn’t miss is the Banjska Stena viewpoint, often called Serbia’s most celebrated lookout. From here, you get sweeping panoramas over the Drina River Canyon far below. The Drina River’s deep green waters and the surrounding cliffs create a scene perfect for wide-angle shots. Photographers love Banjska Stena especially in autumn, when the forests turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s equally stunning in summer with lush greenery or winter when snow decorates the peaks.
Tara National Park has well-marked hiking trails. The walk to Banjska Stena, about 6 km from the nearest road at Mitrovac, is an enjoyable trek through pine and fir woods. Near Tara, in the town of Bajina Bašta, you will find Drina River House. It’s a small wooden cabin built on a rock in the middle of the river. You can drive by the Drina riverbank to photograph the little house on the water.
Travel back in time at Drvengrad, an ethno-village in the mountains of western Serbia. It was built for a movie set by film director Emir Kusturica. Drvengrad is a charming village made entirely of wood, from its Orthodox church to the cute timber houses. Walking through its main gate is like stepping into a rustic fairy tale. You’ll see wooden cottages with colorful shutters, a quaint wooden statue or two, and streets named after famous artists.
You will find countless details to capture, including old-fashioned street lamps, wooden fences with mountain backdrops, and villagers demonstrating traditional crafts. A few minutes away is the Šargan Eight Heritage Railway. This narrow-gauge steam train chugs through the hills of Mokra Gora. The train track is engineered in an unusual figure-eight shape, climbing through tunnels and bridges to overcome the steep altitude. If you ride the train, Ćira, be ready with your camera. The vintage train cars and green hills outside look great in photos, especially when the train goes around bends with steam in the air.
The Studenica Monastery is a haven of history and art tucked away in central Serbia's hills. Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja founded this Orthodox monastery complex in the 12th century. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible medieval frescoes. As you approach, you’ll see the monastery’s white marble church standing against the green hillside. It’s picture-perfect, especially in spring when wildflowers dot the grass.
Inside the main Church of the Holy Virgin, the walls are covered in vividly colored paintings of saints and biblical scenes. The Studenica Crucifixion fresco from around 1200 AD is famous. It is often considered one of the most beautiful frescoes in Serbia. Note that while the exterior and courtyard can be freely photographed, interior photography might be restricted or require permission due to the sensitivity of the art and worshippers present.
Outside, the monastery is encircled by sturdy stone walls, offering views of the surrounding mountains. This is part of the Golija-Studenica Biosphere Reserve. Early morning light here can be magical, with mist in the valley and soft illumination on the church facade. Even if you’re not deeply into history, you will feel a special peace at Studenica. It’s a working monastery so you might hear monks chanting.
Golubac Fortress is located on the banks of the Danube in eastern Serbia. This fortress, first recorded in the 14th century, guards the entrance to the Đerdap gorge (Iron Gates), the largest river gorge in Europe. Driving up, you’ll see Golubac’s ten tall towers rising beside the water. The fortress was recently restored, and you can walk on its paths to get various angles of the towers and the Danube. One of the best views is from the opposite side of the highway or the visitor center. You can frame the fortress against the wide Danube as boats pass. The Danube at this point is very wide (almost like a sea) just before it narrows into the Iron Gates gorge.
For a unique shot, take a boat tour on the Danube if available. From the water, you can get a front-and-center perspective of Golubac with the cliffs of the Iron Gates looming behind it. The surrounding Đerdap National Park also offers lookout points above the river. Here, you can appreciate the grandeur of the gorge, especially at places like Veliki Kazan, the narrowest part of the Danube.
If you’re looking for something unusual, head to Devil’s Town, locally known as Đavolja Varoš. This natural wonder consists of 202 strange rock formations that tower like giant stone mushrooms or spindles, each capped with a darker andesite rock. They range from a couple of meters up to 15 meters tall. Walk along the marked path to access viewing platforms and take photographs of these eerie pillars. It’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light that brings out the warm reds and browns of the earth.
The site also has two springs with extremely acidic water that are a deep red color due to high mineral content. You can capture the contrast of the rusty-red water against the green foliage around. Keep in mind there is an entry fee of 350 dinars, and you'll need to hike to reach the main viewpoint. The area is remote, so driving there is essential.
Kopaonik is Serbia’s largest mountain massif. It’s a national park famed for both winter skiing and summer hiking. As a photographer, you’ll find panoramic views in every direction from the high vantage points on this mountain range. The highest peak, Pančić’s Peak, rises to 2,017 meters and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of rolling ridges and valleys. On clear days, you will see far into neighboring countries. In summer, the mountain meadows of Kopaonik are dotted with wildflowers, and the skies are often filled with fluffy clouds. The national park has dense forests of beech and pine, which in autumn turn golden and in winter are coated with snow.
There are also picturesque spots like the Semeteško Lake, a small lake with floating peat islands, and old churches and monasteries in the foothills that add cultural interest to your photos. Driving up to Kopaonik is quite convenient, as roads lead to the ski resort area with hotels and facilities. Keep in mind that some mountain roads can be winding; in winter they can be snowy. Kopaonik National Park covers about 120 km² of protected area and includes 11 nature reserves, which means there’s a lot of unspoiled terrain to explore with your camera.
The best photo spots in Serbia show that one stop isn't enough to capture it all. Each location in this guide offers a different mood, light, and perspective. Rent a car in Serbia with Final Rentals to keep your trip smooth and flexible. You can reach remote sites from Belgrade or Nis, move between regions, and get the shots you came for.
