Flights to Serbia

Getting around

A high-speed railway links Belgrade and Novi Sad in around 40 minutes and continues north to Subotica. Elsewhere, buses are the main way to travel between towns. Driving is the easiest way to reach national parks and remote monasteries, with tolls on the motorways. Traffic drives on the right.

History

Belgrade began as the Roman town of Singidunum, and Emperor Constantine was born in Niš. The medieval Nemanjić kings built the monasteries that still dot the south-west. After centuries of Ottoman rule, uprisings in 1804 and 1815 led to self-government, and full independence was recognised in 1878. Serbia was the core of Yugoslavia for most of the 20th century and became a separate state again in 2006.

Rivers, mountains and monasteries

Novi Sad's Petrovaradin Fortress overlooks the Danube and hosts the EXIT music festival each summer. Further east, the Danube cuts through the Iron Gates gorge in Đerdap National Park, guarded by Golubac Fortress. In the west, Tara National Park has viewpoints over the Drina canyon, and griffon vultures circle above the meanders of the Uvac river. Studenica Monastery is UNESCO-listed for its 13th-century frescoes.

Entry, money and time

Serbia is not in the EU or the Schengen area. British visitors can usually stay for up to 90 days without a visa, and hotels register guests with the police on arrival. The currency is the Serbian dinar, and euros are not accepted everywhere. Serbia is one hour ahead of the UK. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

May, June and September are pleasant for both cities and mountains. July and August are hot, often above 30°C in Belgrade, while winters are cold, with skiing on Kopaonik.

Planning to add Novi Sad or Tara to a Belgrade break? Call 020 7871 4545 for help with flights.