Why rent accommodation on the Drina River
Accommodation by the Drina River is increasingly popular among domestic and foreign tourists. The Drina and its surroundings are attractive to lovers of active vacations and those who like to spend their holidays in peace. The main reasons why you should rent accommodation next to the Drina are:
Visiting events on the Drina
- Ljubovijska Drinska Regatta – represents one of the biggest parties on the river in the entire old continent. It has been held since 2001 and is 40 kilometers long, from Rogačica to Ljubovija. Interestingly, the town of Rogačica, where the regatta starts, is located on the territory of the neighboring municipality of Bajine Bašte. This manifestation takes place on the second Saturday of July. In addition to the fun on the Drina itself, this manifestation is accompanied by concerts and performances by local music stars.
- Bajina Bašta – The starting point of the Drina Regatta is located near the Bajina Bašta Hydroelectric Power Station. During this event, open-air concerts are held in Bajina Bašta on Wednesdays, and Thursday is reserved for competitions in preparing fish soup by the river Vrelo while jumping from the bridge into the river Drina is held on Fridays. Bajina Bašta is also the host of the Xross Challenge, the region's largest and most demanding Enduro race. Bašta Fest is an international short feature film festival that takes place every first weekend in July and lasts from four to five days. Film screenings take place under a clear starry sky: in Borići Park, on the very shore of Lake Perućac, on Dušan Jerković Square, and in the Vlaja cinema. All screenings at Bašta Fest are free and open to everyone. One of the more recent events on the territory of the municipality of Bajina Bašta is the TRIBALION race. This obstacle race takes place on Tara every year in May. The race takes place on a nearly 20km long course of the most challenging mountain terrain, with 35 difficult obstacles through mud, water, dust, and 1150 meters of height difference! This is one of the most popular races of this kind in Serbia.
- Somovijada – The Somovijada event has been going on since 1998. In recent years, this competition has been organized as part of the Drina is the Meaning of Life event, which has been held in Mali Zvornik since the last weekend of July.
- The Drina is the Meaning of life – The tourist organization of Mali Zvornik organizes days of sports, recreational, and cultural tourism under the slogan the Drina is the Meaning of life (Drina je smisao života). This is the only lake regatta on calm waters (Zvorničko Lake) from Velika Reka to Sakar. In addition to the regatta, accompanying content includes exhibitions, concerts, a sales bazaar, folklore performances, a children's program, water scooter driving training, etc., and the beach on Zvornicki Lake in Sakar. The event is usually organized at the end of July.
Visiting nearby attractions
- The underground city of Karađorđević – The underground city is located in Mali Zvornik; it was built as a secret shelter for the army of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the king's wartime command post and an extended stay of a large number of people underground. Today, this city has been adapted and reconstructed to represent a museum. The Underground City of Karađorđević, there are has about 70 rooms and 1,500 meters of corridors. The museum exhibit covers half of the building's surface of 5,000 square meters. Less than a kilometer from the main entrance, there is an underground church in the rock made by the builders.
- Soko Grad – Soko Grad is a medieval town located near Ljubovia, on the eastern slopes of the Sokolska mountain in Serbia. Soko grad was first mentioned in the 14th century, and during the reign of King Stefan Dečanski, it was probably an important military fortification. Below the steep rock on which the city of Soko is located is the Monastery of St. Nicholas, located on the banks of the Sokol River. The turnoff for Soko grad is in the village of Ušće, which is located on the regional road Ljubovija - Mali Zvornik, at the 7th kilometer from Ljubovija and the 34th kilometer from Mali Zvornik.
- Rača Monastery – is one of the oldest and most important Serbian Orthodox monasteries. It is located near Bajina Bašta, next to the Drina river, at the foot of Tara mountain. The Serbian king Dragutin built the monastery (1276-1316) between 1276 and 1282. During the Second World War, the monastery was a hidden place for keeping Miroslav's Gospel, one of the most important monuments of Serbian literature. Rača Monastery is located only 6 km from Bajina Bašta.
- Mačkov Kamen Tower – Mačkov Kamen is a topographical node on the Jagodnja mountain in western Serbia, where heavy fighting took place between the 1st Serbian and 6th Austro-Hungarian armies during the First World War from September 19 to 22, 1914. The Serbian army tried to prevent the penetration of the Austro-Hungarian army but was ultimately defeated. At the highest point of Mačkovi Kamen, at 924 meters, a memorial ossuary was erected for the heroes who fell in this color.
- Tršić – Tršić is a village in Loznica known as the birthplace of Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, the reformer of the Serbian language. Today, Tršić is an ethno-park and an open-air museum that includes numerous notable buildings, including the Vuk Karadžić Memorial Home, the Gallery, the Museum of Languages and Letters, the calligraphy workshop, and many other significant objects from the 19th century. Tršić is especially famous for the annual event Vukov sabor, held every year in September, attracting thousands of visitors.
- Tronoša – Tronoša is a monastery located in the municipality of Loznica, not far from Tršić. The monastery was founded in the 16th century and has a rich history and cultural heritage. This is the monastery where Vuk S. Karadžić began his education. Tronoša is known for its frescoes by Mihailo Konstantinović and Nikola Janković from 1834, as well as the iconostasis of the artist Nikola Janković from 1834.
Other reasons for renting accommodation on the Drina:
- Affordable prices – Private accommodation next to the Drina is the most cost-effective option when you want to spend a vacation by the river. This type of accommodation is cheaper on average by about 30%. In the case of a long-term stay, the owners often provide a more favorable price for such stays so that this accommodation can be up to 50% cheaper than hotel accommodation.
- An excellent choice for long-term stays – Apart from the price making private accommodation a good choice for long-term stays, it is also the equipment that favors private accommodation units by the Drina. Namely, the accommodation usually has a well-equipped kitchen, an apartment for maintaining personal hygiene, and hygiene of the space and wardrobe, all necessary for an independent life.
- Large selection of locations – A significant advantage is that private accommodation can be found along the entire length of the Drina River. It is present in the most attractive and visited locations and in quieter areas around the Drina. In addition, the destinations themselves are diverse, so accommodation is available in spas, cities, mountains, and villages.
- Barbecue – Barbecue equipment is generally available for guests to use when they rent cottages, houses, or log cabins near the Drina. With spacious yards, this type of accommodation is a great choice for organizing family and friendly gatherings outdoors.
- Fishing: There are about 30 species of fish in the Drina River, so because of its rich fish stock, the Drina is a paradise for fishermen. There are grayling, trout, sable, sturgeon, chub, and barbel present, but it is undoubtedly the most famous sapling that is most abundant in the vicinity of Bajina Bašta and Višegrad.
- Bicycling – Guests staying at the Drina are often able to rent a bicycle, given that the area is ideal for outdoor activities lovers.
- Boat ride – Getting to know the Drina from a boat is a special pleasure, so some owners make a boat available to their guests.
- Environmentally friendly options – The region of western Serbia, through which the Drina flows, is known for its large number of log cabins for rent. This type of accommodation uses acceptable natural materials for construction and energy and meets all ecological norms, which attracts tourists who care about ecology and harmful effects on their health and the health of the environment.
Accommodation prices on the Drina River
The average price of accommodation next to the Drina varies depending on the type of facility, the period for which the accommodation is requested, and the equipment.
However, prices for apartments range from €25 to €40 per night. Studio 17 is located in Banja Koviljača, apartment Triumf is located in Bajina Bašta, Corso Residence is located in the very center of Bajina Bašta, and apartment Banja Koviljača is located in the center of Banja Koviljača.
When it comes to accommodation that can accommodate a large number of people, primarily cottages, log cabins, and houses, the prices range from €60 to €150 per night. Examples of this type of accommodation are the Drina cottage, which is located along the riverbank in Velika Reka, the Zelinjski Vidikovac house, located on the hill above the Zvornik lake in Zelinje near Zvornik, the Obradović Drina cottage, which is located in Loznica, in the Lozničko polje settlement, the Una na Drini holiday home situated in Loznica.
A night in more luxurious facilities can cost over 200 euros per night.
Prices and rental conditions during the weekend
If you plan to look for accommodation on the Drina with a swimming pool for the weekend, be prepared that the prices may be slightly higher than when you rent accommodation on weekdays. Also, a two-night minimum rental is often set as a condition.
What are the best locations for renting accommodation next to the Drina?
Along the Drina, towns, mountains, and spas offer numerous private accommodation units. Each place provides opportunities for a different vacation and offers a different type of accommodation. Here are the best locations for accommodation by the Drina River and their characteristics
Bajina Bašta: Bajina Bašta is probably the most famous town by the Drina, and this is due to its proximity not only to the Drina but also to Mount Tara, Lake Zaovina (between 30 and 40 km from Bajina Bašta), Perućac (12 km from Bajina Bašta), and the river Vrelo (13 km distance). Many apartments for rent can be found in Bajina Bašta itself. The surroundings of Baja's garden offer a different type of accommodation, primarily cottages and log cabins. The most famous locations in the vicinity of Bajina Bašta where you can find this type of accommodation are:
- Perućac – a settlement that became widely known because of the lake of the same name, Perućac, near the Drina flows; it is located 12 km from Bajina Bašta. A certain number of rafts are also available on this lake as accommodation.
- Bačevci – represents a settlement about 30 km (about 20 minutes drive) from Bajina Bašta. This place lies on the bank of the Drina, and as accommodation, there are also log cabins and rural households.
- Rača – is about 6 km from Bajina Bašta; it is known for the beautiful Rača monastery. Rača is well connected to Baja Bašta by a well-marked asphalt road, so it is not difficult to get there.
Spa Koviljača – This spa is located along the right bank of the Drina and is an excellent location for accommodation for all those who would like to combine spa and river tourism. Banja Koviljača is an urbanized area so that you can find many apartments in this part of the Drina. In the surroundings of the spa, it is also possible to stay in ethnic villages, the most famous of which is the ethnic village of Sunčana Reka.
Tara – The Drina River is located mainly in the north and west of Tara Mountain, so taking accommodation on Tara is a unique opportunity to combine the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful mountains and one of the most beautiful rivers in Serbia. In this place, fans of active vacations most often take accommodation and somewhat more extreme sports, given that rafting, canyoning, and kayaking are available...During May, the Drina is at its fastest, so this is when it attracts many fans of extreme rafting. Many log cabins can be found on Tara, so this is an ideal destination for all lovers of authentic accommodation.
Mali Zvornik – Located on the right bank of the beautiful Drina and surrounded by mountains, Mali Zvornik is one of the unique places in Serbia that will offer you stunning landscapes and peaceful rest. Apart from the Drina, this small town also offers its visitors the beautiful Zvornička Lake, the Underground City of Karađorđević, Đurđev's City, as well as the former king's bridge.
- Velika Reka – This quiet neighborhood has a large number of accommodation units, mostly cottages and houses for rent. Velika is located about 25 km from Mali Zvornik.
- Budišić – The village of Budišić stretches north-south. To the north of this village are the mountains Bobija (662 m above sea level) and Boranja. The western border of the village is on the Drina, towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. From Mali Zvornik, the village is about 8 km away, and the road is new and well-marked with horizontal signage.
- Amajić – The village of Amajić borders on its northern side with the village of Budišić. The village is located about 12 km from Mali Zvornik, and like the village of Budišić, it is a mountainous region with beautiful landscapes. If you want to take some good photos or simply take a look at this part of the Drina, Lake Zvorničko, we recommend that you climb the Zbir rock.
- Culine – The village of Culine is about 17 km from Mali Zvornik. It is located south of the village of Amajić. Zvorničko Lake begins in this part of the Drina.
- Čitluk – is a small village located between Amajić and Culin. Authentic country accommodation can be found in this village.
Loznica – If you want your vacation near the Drina River to be a bit quieter, away from the crowds and noise, then Loznica is the right choice for you. Relaxation is safe and guaranteed here. In this city, you can find a number of different accommodation units. Of course, the accommodation prices depend on the location, equipment, and other more or less luxurious amenities.
- Lipnički Šor – This village is located at the sixth kilometer of the Loznica-Šabac road. It offers authentic country accommodation, cottages, and log cabins.
- Jelav – A little further from Loznica, more precisely 11 km from this city, is the town of Jelav, which borders Lipnički Šor. In this settlement, you can find many holiday homes for rent.
Ljubovija – The famous manifestation of the Drina regatta occurs here in Ljubovija. The event takes place every second Saturday of July, and this is the period when the accommodation facilities in Ljubovia are the most full. The accommodation needs to be reserved two months before this event. In addition to the Drina, the most significant natural tourist potential of this city is the mountain Bobija. Besides Ljubovia itself, the places where you can find accommodation are:
- Vrhpolje – At 8 km from Ljubovija, there is probably the most famous tourist settlement and the richest in accommodation—Vrhpolje. In this settlement, you can find a large number of log cabins and authentic country houses, but in addition to them, there are also a large number of modern and luxuriously equipped cottages and houses.
- Uzovnica – Uzovnica is another village near the Drina, where you can find authentic rural accommodation and cottages. This village is about 10 km from Ljubovija.
- Crnča – About 15-20 km from Ljubovija is the village of Crnča. The Drina River and Jagodnja Mountain are the perfect combination for different vacations and adventure trips. And 10 km from Crnča, there is the Mačkov Kamen monument. The route Crnča - Mačkov Kamen is a popular cycling route.
- Gornja Trešnjica – Gornja Trešnjica can be reached via Ljubovi—Bajina Bašta. The turnoff is at the Trešnjica River, about 16 km from Ljubovija. In addition to the Drina itself, tourists in this village are attracted by the unique nature reserve Klisura Trešnjica River.
- Drlače – The village of Drlače is located on the 12th kilometer from Ljubovija towards Bajina Bašta and halfway to the Ljubovija Regatta, i.e., half an hour's drive from Tara National Park. Such an attractive geographical position has made this village a very popular tourist attraction, and in it, you can find a large number of ethnic households, as well as cottages and log cabins.
What is the best time of year to rent accommodation by the Drina River?
The most favorable period for renting accommodation by the Drina River is:
- Summer – Summer is the best time of year to rent accommodation by the Drina. This is also an excellent period for exercising additional activities such as rafting, swimming, kayaking, cruising, walking, cycling, fishing... It is important to note, however, that this is the period when accommodation along the Drina is most in demand, so the prices are slightly higher, and the accommodation itself is best booked one to two months in advance.
- Other seasons – The late spring and early autumn periods can be more attractive when temperatures are still high and close to summer, so water activities near the Drina or a lake on the Drina are still available. Autumn and spring are periods when fishing on the Drina is very active, so this is the reason for the popularity of accommodation on the Drina in this period. Also, this is when accommodation can be more affordable than during the summer months.
Additional benefits when renting accommodation by the Drina River
Accommodation on the Drina, besides the standard amenities expected from private accommodation, also offers some additional ones. Here are the most popular ones that offer private accommodation next to the Drina:
- Additional content – Accommodation by the Drina River is equipped with additional content that will make your stay in the accommodation comfortable and help you make your vacation as fun as possible. Bicycles, electric bicycles, boats or sports equipment, and barbecues are often available.
- Discount for long-term stays – If you decide to stay longer, the host will usually grant you a discount. The discount usually ranges from 10 to 20% and is usually granted for a stay of a week or more.
- Pet-friendly accommodation – Pets are mostly allowed to stay in accommodation on the Drina, so your pet can spend the holiday with you.
- Organizing celebrations – Next to the Drina, you can find a large number of cottages and cottages with swimming pools, which is an excellent type of accommodation for organizing celebrations. Thus, these units are equipped with all the facilities needed for a quality celebration, such as a barbecue, sound system, garden furniture, covered terraces, etc.
- Organizing tours – Individual hosts, mostly in rural households and ethnic accommodations, organize tours for their guests, which include visiting nearby attractions, walks, bicycle tours, and the like.
- Facilities for family stay – If you decide to spend your vacation near the Drina with your family, numerous accommodation units offer some family facilities. They offer lower prices for children or even free stays for the youngest. In addition, the hosts provide their guests with cots for babies and props for playing.