Things to do
Day trips around Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja makes an excellent base for day trips: within an hour and a half's drive are three major Serbian monasteries, Prince Lazar's Kruševac, Mount Goč, the vineyards of the Aleksandrovac Župa and the West Morava river. Here the trips are grouped by how much time they need.
Half a day: close to the spa
Mount Goč
The nearest and most popular trip. Half an hour's drive puts you in forest, on walking paths, by the artificial lake and among hosts selling cheese, kajmak (a rich clotted cream) and rakija. Swimming in the lake is not allowed, but the walk around it is one of the nicest in the area. Everything about the mountain and the ski slope is on our separate page about Goč.
Ljubostinja Monastery
Founded by Princess Milica at the end of the 14th century, in a valley near Trstenik about fifteen kilometres from the spa. A quiet community of nuns and one of the finest examples of the Morava style. It fits easily into a morning or an afternoon.
Podunavačke bare and the West Morava
About ten kilometres from the spa, on the West Morava, lie the Podunavačke bare ponds — a favourite with anglers and a venue for fishing competitions. If you don't fish, it is a peaceful riverside walk.
A full day: monasteries and towns
Žiča and Kraljevo
Žiča Monastery, from the early 13th century, was the first seat of the autocephalous Serbian Archbishopric and a coronation church. It is easy to recognise by its red façade. It is about half an hour away, and a visit combines easily with a stroll around Kraljevo.
Studenica
Founded by Stefan Nemanja in 1196, it is one of the most important medieval monuments in Serbia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road follows the Ibar valley, about an hour and a half each way, so allow a full day.
Kruševac
Prince Lazar's capital, with the Lazarica church and the remains of the fortress, under an hour's drive away. A good choice for a rainy day, since the museum and town centre are next to the fortress.
For wine lovers: Župa
The Aleksandrovac Župa is one of Serbia's oldest wine regions. Family wineries offer tastings of local wine and rakija, and at the end of September Aleksandrovac holds the Župa harvest festival (Župska berba). If you go tasting, arrange a driver — the road back to the spa is all bends.
| Destination | Driving time | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|
| Goč | about 30 min | half a day |
| Ljubostinja | about 20–30 min | 2–3 hours |
| Žiča | about 30 min | half a day with Kraljevo |
| Kruševac | about 45–60 min | half to a full day |
| Aleksandrovac (Župa) | about 1 hour | a full day |
| Studenica | about 1 h 30 min | a full day |
Tips
Plan monastery trips for the morning, before the heat and the coach groups. In summer the spa welcomes you back in the evening with something on along the promenade. The history you meet on these trips continues in the spa itself, where the oldest trace was left by the Romans — read about it on our page about the Roman spring.
Frequently asked questions
Which monastery is closest to Vrnjačka Banja?
Ljubostinja near Trstenik and Žiča near Kraljevo are the closest — both are about half an hour away by car. Studenica is further, about an hour and a half's drive.
Can I do these trips without a car?
Partly. There are bus services to Kraljevo, Trstenik and Kruševac, but the monasteries and wineries are much easier by car or on an organised trip. Some hosts and local agencies run group excursions in season.
What should I wear to visit a monastery?
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; women often wear a headscarf or skirt, and many monasteries lend them at the entrance. Photography inside the churches is usually not allowed, so ask before taking out your phone.