Romance in Pomoravlje District

Couples will find Pomoravlje District in central Serbia understated rather than glamorous. There are rural stays, quiet countryside and a handful of unusual places to visit together, but no resort strip. A getaway here suits people who like unhurried days, a drive through hills and an off-the-beaten-track feel. Prices are in Serbian dinars (RSD).

Choosing a stay

Rural accommodation near Despotovac or Paraćin is the most atmospheric choice, since it puts the hills outside your door. Jagodina has more variety and sits on the Belgrade to Niš road. A car is a must for the countryside around Despotovac. Browse a booking site and read the location carefully, as the sights are spread across the district.

Day one idea: waterfall and cave

Start with the Veliki Buk waterfall at Lisine, about 20 m high, roughly 20 km east of Despotovac. The area is a protected natural monument, so keep to the paths. Then book a guided tour of Resava Cave, which is 21 km from Despotovac. The first tour leaves at 08:30, the last at 15:30, and tickets are 700 RSD for adults and 650 RSD for students. The company that runs the cave also runs a restaurant at Lisine, which makes a convenient place to pause between the two stops. The cave is cold and damp, so one jacket each and closed shoes make the visit more comfortable. The cave operator can confirm winter hours on 035/611-110.

In Jagodina, the Museum of Naive and Marginal Art is a gentle morning for two. It opens Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 18:00, on Saturday until 16:00 and on Sunday until 15:00. Its collection grew from the Gallery of Self-taught Artists that opened in 1960. Look at the museum site for current details.

Timing your weekend

Arrive on Friday evening in Jagodina, which is about 140 km from Belgrade, then spend Saturday in the Resava valley around Despotovac. Sunday can be kept for the gallery and a slow drive back. The gallery is open on Sunday only until 15:00, so go in the morning. Leave the cave for a day when you can start early, because tours leave every 45 minutes and the last begins at 15:30.

Scenery on the road

The east of the district rises into limestone hills around Despotovac, while the western plain follows the Velika Morava. Driving between the two is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Stop where you like, and remember that signs outside the towns are often written in Cyrillic only.

Monasteries

Manasija, Ravanica and Kalenić are working monasteries and are covered on the sightseeing page , including the customs visitors follow.

Read more: Activities in Pomoravlje District lists the main sights with prices.

Booking help

Check double rooms in Despotovac and Jagodina on Booking.com .