[h1]Escape to the Countryside[/h1]
| 28 June 2010 |
By Laura Wolfs
Rural tourism is growing fast. This year why not unwind and relax surrounded by just the peace and quiet of the Serbian countryside. As the summer slowly takes hold of the city, many of us are longing for a change of scenery, to change the view from housing blocks and cars to forests and horses and a chance to enjoy the delicacies of rural Serbia,
fresh Kajmak, Prshut and of course,
home-made Rakija.
‘Eco’ tourism seems to be a bit of a thing in Serbia - and as more and more locals and international visitors seem to be taking the plunge, it is growing steadily. For the more adventurous, a ‘bed and breakfast’ stay may be just what you need to relax and commune with nature.
Like the rest of the country this particular niche has seen many changes in the past three decades. During the 80s, so the archives of tourism organizations and local administrations reveal, there were around 50 villages offering almost 3,000 beds in 800 households for rural tourism in Serbia. Efficient record keepers, if not necessarily supporters of small local businesses, the same sources reveal that the year 2000, however, just 154 households in 41 villages were offering such services.
“This data show the scale of the decline in rural tourism development in Serbia, especially because this kind of tourism is aimed primarily at domestic tourists” from the former Yugoslav Republics, the Rural Tourism Training Network, a regional development organisation says.
Today things have turned round again and at a presentation of rural tourism in Kostunici in May, the organisers claimed that 5,720 beds were waiting for tourists.
Rural tourism is regarded as one of the most promising sectors to attract tourists since officials claim that 90 per cent of the country can be regarded as a suitable location for these offers and indeed there are many beautiful places to be discovered for any pocket.
Last year 250,000 tourists took advantage of overnight stays in Serbia’s rural areas, and, according to Slavko Nedeljkovic, president of the Association for Rural Tourism some 19.9 per cent were foreign tourists. The Association stresses the stamp of quality conferred by membership of the European Association ‘Eurogites’ which certifies quality standards and notes that many of its members are in the process of obtaining certification.
Guests can choose from authentic old farms in Vojvodina, to mountain village households and ‘Ethno villages’ - more organised tourist complexes, Vladimir Ivanovic the President of the Tourism Organisation, Ljig, says. The website
ucitavanje... (soon to be available in English) has listings of hotels, apartments, farmsteads in Vojvodina known as ‘Salashi’ and houses across the country. In some you’ll stay with the family, in others your accommodation will be fully self-contained.
“Gone are the days when we offered just a comfortable bed, and quality local food, now we offer the total experience of nature, visiting historical and cultural sites, recreation - a complete holiday in the countryside”, Ivanovic says.
If you are ready to venture into the wild, we have picked out some gems for you.
Vila Albedo in Varna (Western Serbia near Sabac, around100 km from Belgrade) is run by the Kovacevic family, who started their family business in the 1980s The house is approximately 250m2 set in 3,000m2 of grounds.
The interior of the house is beautifully decorated with an eye for detail and the family have managed to maintain a balance between authenticity and modern comfort.
Strong advocates for the development of rural tourism in Serbia, Mica Kovacevic prepares food for guests according to her grandmother’s traditional recipes, and will glady put visitors in touch with their local suppliers of fruits and vegetables, homemade ajvar and cheeses.
If you want to take advantage of her cooking skills, you will have to schedule your meals in advance with her.
If you happen to be dragging some unwilling teenagers with you, you might like to dangle the prospect of an always-on wifi connection to seal the deal!
Full board at Vila Albedo costs 2,500 dinars per night. Contact:
Vila Albedo.
One or two travel agencies in Belgrade have included Rural Tourism into their offers. ‘Bora Kecic Travel’ recommend a stay with the Obradovic Family.
Pansion ‘Obradovic’, is in Katici (South-Eastern Serbia near Ivanjica, around 200 km from Belgrade)
The village of Katici is located on the slopes of the 1,500 metre peaks of the Mucanj Mountains which used to form the border between the Austro-Hungarian and Turkish empires.
The Obradovic’s have been working in the tourism business for over 30 years now and from the family home the view is one of forest, forest and more forest. The Mucanj Mountain overlooks the rivers Presjecka, Veliki Rzav and Grabovica river valleys which wind their ways through this beautiful untouched area of Serbia, making it perfect for a place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
The Obradovic’s will be happy to assist you in planning some walking trips and a well prepared 4.5km long path for walking is available in immediate proximity of the house.
The eleven ‘ethno-appartments’ were recently renovated and vary in size from 50 to 100m2.
As Katici is located in the municipality of Ivanjica, this might also just be the right time to venture to the Golija Nature Park. Golja is the highest mountain in South West Serbia and the area has been declared a biosphere reserve by the UNESCO. The park offers some great walking and hiking among virgin forests and mountain pastures, the website
Sajt op?tine Ivanjica provides detailed information on the area, maps and contact details.
You can contact the Obradvoic’s directly on 064 3210490 or book a full package with Bora Kecic Travel (
Bora Kečić - turistička agencija).
For those of you who want to have the rural experience but without missing out on first class comfort, there are one or two options available.
The ‘Ethno Resort’ of Vranesha near Kokin Brod (Southern Serbia) from Belgarde, which opened in October last year on the Zlatar mountain has views stretching out over Lake Radoina at an altitude of 943 metres. The management of the complex claim it was built “according to the highest ecological standards, but at the same time with respect of traditional architecture where stone, wood and shingle dominate.”
But irrespective of the beautiful landscape, all that walking can take its toll so the in-house Spa offers a range of treatments starting at 900 dinars for which you can spend 15 minutes in a Finish Sauna, but if you want to truly splash out perhaps you might rather a ‘Chocolate Massage’ at 2,800.
Facilities such as the playground with a seesaw and a swing and a swimming pool make the place a good destination for families with children and should you be lucky enough to own a private helicopter, there are safe landing facilities available, we understand.
Contact:
Etno Eko selo Vrane?a - Dobrodo?li
Escape to the Countryside :: BalkanInsight.com
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