Why rent a weekend house
Renting a cottage can be a great way to enjoy nature, relaxation, and quality time with friends or family. Here are a few reasons why renting a house is a good option:
- Escape from everyday life – Holiday cottage rentals can be the perfect way to escape the daily stress, noise, and hectic pace of the city, as they are located in quieter areas of cities and tourist destinations.
- Connecting with nature – Cottages for rent in Serbia are located in large numbers in natural environments such as mountains, lakes, forests, or the sea coast.
- Active vacations – The environment in which the cottages are located offers a unique opportunity for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery. If the cottages are located in destinations known for active vacations, the hosts often provide the equipment needed for the activities above.
- Family vacation and vacation with friends – The cottages have enough space for group activities, but they also provide the necessary privacy. Hence, they are an excellent option whether you want to spend a more extended vacation in them or when you have planned a shorter vacation.
- A cheaper option than a hotel – Renting a cottage is more affordable than staying in a hotel, especially if traveling with a group. Also, the house offers more flexibility in meal preparation, which can further reduce costs. Thus, accommodation in a cottage can be up to 50% cheaper than accommodation in a hotel in terms of more extended stays.
- Intimacy and privacy – A day house offers privacy that hotels or other accommodations cannot provide. There are no other guests, staff, or crowds, which allows greater freedom and privacy during your stay.
- Flexibility – A great advantage of cottages and houses is the possibility to organize your daily activities according to the pace that suits you. You are not bound by the reception or meal time. When, for example, you rent cottages with a pool, you adjust the activities in the pool to your wishes, which is not possible in the case of public pools or pools within the hotel due to working hours.
- Ability to work remotely – For those who can work remotely, the cottage provides an excellent opportunity to change the work environment. The cottages are equipped with all the necessary technology for smooth operation and all the necessary things for a long-term stay.
Weekend houses for daily rent - prices
The average price of a weekend house for daily rent in Serbia is around €70 per night, but the range for this type of accommodation is from €35 to almost €600.
The price of cottages per day varies depending on the capacity, location, and additional content available.
Some of the most popular cottages are Niki Hill in a quiet part of Sremski Karlovac, TC Lux modern villa located in the idyllic town of Nemenikuće, in the municipality of Sopot, Villa Dom Drina in the vicinity of Bajina Bašta, Cottage Una na Drini located in Loznica, Cottage Medena is located in in Alibegovac settlement only 6 km from the center of Novi Sad, Brvnara ispod Čigote on Zlatibor, house Bajka in New Belgrade, house Kleopatra in Ljubovija.
House prices per day during the weekend
If you want to rent a house or cottage for the weekend, you should be prepared to spend a little more money than renting it during the work week. Most often, the price is 10% higher than the one valid for working days.
Also, often, when renting a house for a day during the weekend, a condition is set that the house must be rented for at least two nights.
Houses for rent - the best places for rent
Mountains – For most tourists in Serbia, the hills will be the first association with cottages, and rightly so. The most significant number of houses and cottages for rent are located in the mountains. This type of accommodation is in demand for short-term and long-term stays during the summer and winter. Cottages can be found on all our mountains, and most of them are on:
- Fruška Gora – Fruška Gora is one of the most sought-after destinations for renting holiday homes for the day, especially in the summer. This mountain offers numerous facilities and opportunities for active tourism and family vacations. What is specific about Fruška Gora when it comes to accommodation? Unlike other mountains, here you can find a large number of cottages with swimming pools. Because of the possibility of using the swimming pool, the price of such cottages during the summer period is considerably higher.
- Zlatibor – Zlatibor is our most visited mountain and attracts visitors in equally large numbers both in summer and winter. In winter, it is attractive to skiers and fans of other activities in the snow, while in summer, it offers numerous opportunities for active tourism and excursions and various facilities for families with children. Due to the urbanization of Zlatibor, it is difficult to find a cottage in the center of this mountain, so the largest number of this type of accommodation is located on the edges of the mountain. Zlatibor records the largest number of visits around New Year, and houses and cottages are the most sought-after type of accommodation, so reservations must be made 3 to 4 months in advance. Also, the price of cottages in this period is 100% higher than during the rest of the season.
- Tara – Tara is one of the most visited mountains in our country in the summer, and the beautiful untouched nature, the famous viewpoints, and the nearby Drina attract visitors. Tara is not a ski center like Kopaonik or Zlatibor, so in winter, it attracts visitors who like to spend a quieter winter. Tara is also characterized by many authentic accommodation units, such as log cabins or mountain houses, often rented as holiday homes. As in the case of Zlatibor, Tara is the most visited during the New Year period. Accommodation needs to be reserved about three months in advance, and the prices will also be higher and up to 100% during the New Year period.
- Zlatar – Zlatar is another mountain besides Tara and Zlatibor, which belongs to the region of western Serbia, but it is the least touristically developed of them, although it has enormous tourist potential. We will only mention the Zlatar Lake, then the nearby canyon of the Uvac River, the Molitva viewpoint, Savina stories, Zlatar, numerous opportunities for active tourism, and ski trails. Because it is not as popular as Zlatibor or Tara, houses on this mountain are more affordable and can be found more easily. Also, Nova Varoš is located only 4 km from Zlatar, so you can also find accommodation in the form of cottages here.
Spas – Spas in Serbia have the most extended reputation as weekend destinations. Although cottages in the center of spas have been replaced by buildings and apartments as the dominant form of accommodation, you can still find houses for rent. Regarding spas, the most significant number of cottages are located on their outskirts or in the broader circle of the center. These are the spas with the most crucial number of holiday homes for rent:
- Sokobanja – In addition to the thermal springs themselves, as well as the wellness and spa centers, visitors to Sokobanja are also attracted by the fact that this spa is located at the foot of the Rtanj and Ozren mountains, so the conditions are ideal for hiking, and the bicycle paths are also popular, while the landscape perfect for active holidays in nature and excursions. Due to these characteristics, Sokobanja records the highest number of visits during the summer. Cottages in Sokobanja are located outside the urban zone of this spa. One of the most popular settlements where you can find holiday homes is Vrmdža.
- Vrnjačka Banja – Vrnjačka Banja has been the most honest spa in Serbia for many years. In addition to the rich offer characteristic of spas, such as wellness centers, thermal springs, swimming pools, Vrnjačka Banja, thanks to the nearby mountain Goč, significantly expands its tourist offer so that you can enjoy excursions, hiking tours, hiking and the like here. This spa records the most significant number of visits during the summer, especially during Lovefest (beginning of August) and Vrnjački Carnival (beginning of July). In this period, it is most difficult to find accommodation and the prices are significantly higher than usual. The most numerous apartments are in the central part of the spa, while the cottages and day houses are in the quieter surroundings.
- Koviljača Spa – Koviljača Spa is considered one of the most beautiful spas in Serbia and one of the main attractions of western Serbia. Located close to the Drina, this spa is also attractive for nature lovers, active tourism, and rafting. The spa is most visited during the summer, and the cottages themselves can be found in its surroundings, outside the urban area.
Cities – Houses for the day are not a common type of accommodation for cities, especially their urbanized zones. However, a certain number can be found near large cities, primarily Novi Sad and Belgrade, and then Niš and Kragujevac.
Belgrade – Villas in Belgrade mainly are concentrated in its peripheral municipalities, and most of them are in:
- Barajevo – 27 km from the center of Belgrade in the south-southwest direction is Barajevo. This municipality is outside the city area of Belgrade and is attractive to tourists because of its attractive hunting grounds, various types of game, preserved nature, and forests. Because of all the above, Barajevo is one of the most popular places for a trip for Belgraders. Tourists are also attracted by the Duboki Potok Lake, which is very attractive to fishermen thanks to its regular stockings.
- Surčin – Although best known for the Nikola Tesla Airport, Surčin is a municipality with numerous natural beauties, making it attractive to tourists outside of Belgrade as well. The main attraction is the river Sava, which can be navigated along its entire stretch (46 km), then the natural asset Bojčinska šuma as a picnic spot with trails for hiking, horseback riding, a summer stage, and an ethnic restaurant. The forests are also attractive, followed by the Zabran and Crni lug hunting grounds and the Bečmenska Bara and Živača ponds. Next to the nautical village in Boljevci is Stajko's ethnic house, which chronologically shows two and a half centuries of coexistence of Serbs and Slovaks in this area.
- Zemun – Raised on the right bank of the Danube, Zemun has been an attractive settlement throughout its history. Today, it is best known for its cultural content, where the following stand out: the Madlenijanum opera, the Fortress and Tower on Gradoš, the Magistarski trg, Senjski trg, Veliki, Karađorđev, and Branka squares. Radicevic Square and Masarikov Square. Zemun is only 13 km from the center of Belgrade.
- Obrenovac – The rivers Kolubara, Sava, and Tamnava, the natural resource Obrenovac Zabran, the green oasis of Obrenovac, and the source of spa water Cevka are the main attractions of Obrenovac and the main reason for the demand for holiday homes in this settlement. Obrenovac is located about 32 km from the center of Belgrade, far from the noise and hustle and bustle, so it is an ideal choice for a peaceful vacation.
- Avala – About 16 km from the center of Belgrade in a southerly direction, Avala is one of the most popular picnic spots for the people of Belgrade. And on Avala, numerous bicycle and pedestrian paths with resting places, benches, and signposts to the most important attractions and nearby facilities await you. The most attractive is the Aval Tower, which offers an incredible view of Belgrade and Šumadija. Next to the tower is a children's playground. Avala also has artificial rocks, sports fields, a village of elves, and numerous cultural and historical monuments. The best evidence of nature at Avala is that 1936 it was declared a national park, and in 2007, it became a protected natural asset. Because of all those above, the Avala holiday homes are one of the most sought-after in Belgrade, especially in spring and summer.
Novi Sad – If you plan to rent a holiday home in Novi Sad, you can do so in the following areas of this city:
- Petrovaradin – On the right bank of the Danube and only 4 km from the center of Novi Sad, there is probably the most famous Novi Sad settlement, Petrovaradin, best known for the famous Petrovaradin Fortress. However, the entire Petrovaradin settlement exudes a unique charm, and the park completes the tourist offer and the famous Oficirac beach, one of the most visited places in Petrovaradin in the summer months.
- Ribnjak – Ribnjak is a city district belonging to Petrovaradin. It is located only 3.5 km from the center of Novi Sad, along the banks of the Danube. This city quarter is just far enough away to afford a quiet vacation, so cottages in Ribnjak are the most popular type of accommodation.
- Sremski Karlovci – Sremski Karlovci is located on the right bank of the Danube River, 12 km from Novi Sad and 9 km from Petrovaradin on the old road towards Belgrade. Although a separate municipality, Sremski Karlovci is often associated with Novi Sad and is one of the favorite weekend destinations for Novi Sad residents. What makes Sremske Karlovci attractive is the rich offer of cultural and historical monuments and many wineries.
- Fruška Gora – Fruška Gora is located near Sremski Karlovac (about 30 km) and about 40 km from Novi Sad. Due to the numerous facilities suitable for lovers of active vacations, family vacations, and excursions in nature, Fruška Gora attracts many tourists during the summer, mostly from nearby Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovac. Also, many tourists who want to visit Novi Sad or Sremske Karlovci and at the same time have a peaceful vacation find accommodation on Fruška Gora, most often in the form of a cottage or a house.
Other cities – Although the largest number of holiday homes are in Belgrade and Novi Sad, other cities in Serbia also offer many houses for rent. As in the case of Belgrade and Novi Sad and the case of other cities in Serbia, the largest number of holiday homes are located in their surroundings or on their outskirts. These are the other cities in Serbia where you can rent a house for the day:
- Niš – As the third largest city in Serbia, Niš offers many cottages in a quiet environment but close enough to the city that all the sights and activities of the urban area of Niš are easily accessible. The largest number of houses per day in Niš are available in the settlements of Pukovac and Sićevo, as well as in Niška Banja, which is only 8 km from Niš.
- Kragujevac – Cottages in the urban area of Kragujevac cannot be found, but they are, therefore, available in the surrounding settlements and villages. One of the most attractive destinations near Kragujevac for renting holiday homes is Gružansko Jezero, located about 20 km from this city. Cottages closer to Kragujevac can be found in Opornica, Velike Pčelice, Šumarice.
- Kraljevo – The surroundings of Kraljevo are extremely attractive for all lovers of active vacations and are suitable for excursions and weekend vacations. Thus, the most numerous cottages in the vicinity of Kraljevo are on Mount Goč (25 km from Kraljevo, on the way to Vrnjačka Banja), then in settlement of Retina, and a certain number of cottages and houses for rent are also available near the river Ibar.
- Čačak – Čačak, with the nearby Ovčar Spa, the Atomic Spa in Gornja Trepča, numerous monasteries along the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, and the surrounding mountains, has always been attractive to tourists. Those who want to stay in cottages in the vicinity of Čačak can mostly find them in the settlement, Slatina, then in the town of Pakovraće, at the foot of Mount Ovčar, then on and at the foot of Mount Jelica.
- Senta – The municipality of Senta is located 42 km south of the Serbian-Hungarian border, on the right bank of the Tisza River, which is one of its biggest tourist attractions. The largest number of cottages can be found in the Pana cottage settlement, about 2 km from the center of Senta. Many cottages and houses are located along the banks of the Tisza.
- Sombor – On the west side of Sombor flows the Danube, and on the east side is the Telečka plateau; the city is adorned with seven squares, four parks, and numerous beautiful buildings. The tourist offer is completed by the nature reserve of the Upper Danube River (also known as the European Amazon), suitable for fishing, sports, and recreational activities. Sombor is the city with the most greenery in Serbia, so it is an ideal destination for relaxation. The largest number of holiday cottages for rent is located in the weekend settlements of Vagoni and Opaljenik, then in the Gornje Podunavlje reserve, and along the Danube's banks.
- Subotica – Subotica is one of the most beautiful Serbian cities, thanks primarily to the buildings from the Art Nouveau period and the beautiful city parks. However, it is impossible to talk about Subotica without mentioning Lake Palić. It is precisely in the settlement of Palić that the largest number of cottages for rent is found. Many houses for rent are also available in the Ludaško jezero reserve, which includes only the lake and the coast along with the settlements of Ludaš/Šupljak, Hajdukovo, and Nosa.
- Zrenjanin – This town in Banat is best known for its attractions: Carska Bara, Lake Peskara, and the settlement of Ečka. In addition, Zrenjanin is known for its developed cultural institutions, events, and numerous localities. When it comes to locations that offer cottages, the Tiganjica settlement stands out, as does the Zablato weekend settlement.
Rivers: In summer, there is a huge demand for cottages by the river. Depending on the vacation and water activities you plan, the cottages can be rented in addition to:
- Drina River – In recent years, Drina has been one of the destinations where holiday homes and houses for rent are the most sought after. The Drina River became popular primarily because of its beautiful nature and attractive surroundings (Mountain Tara, Koviljača Spa, Lake Peruća, Lake Zaovina), as well as the events on this river. Cottages are most in demand during the summer, especially during the Drina regatta. The largest number of them are available in the vicinity of Bajina Bašta (Perućac, Bačevci, and Rača), the vicinity of Mali Zvornik (Velika Reka, Budišić, Amajić), the vicinity of Lozinica (Lipnički Šor and Jelav), as well as the surroundings of Loznica (Vrhpolje, Uzovnica, Crnča, Gornja Trešnjica), and a large number of cottages are also available in Tara.
- Danube – The Danube is the most attractive river in Serbia, on the banks of which many large cities and tourist destinations are located, so this river is adorned with a rich accommodation offer. Cottages can primarily be found in and around the large cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad (Kamenjar settlement). Kladovo, Golubac, Majdanpek, and Negotin have always been recognized as weekend destinations on the Danube, so you can find a large number of holiday homes in these small towns in the east of Serbia. At the very end, houses for the day are also available in Smederevo.
- Sava – The Sava, the right tributary of the Danube, flows through several cities in Serbia, the largest of which are Šabac, Belgrade, and Sremska Mitrovica. These are probably the places where you will find the largest number of cottages on the Sava, specifically in the settlements: Obrenovac, Ostružnica, Umka, and Novi Beograd if you are looking for cottages on the Sava in the municipality of Belgrade, then a large number of cottages are available in the vicinity of Šabac, Mačvanska Mitrovica and Sremska Mitrovica.
Lakes – Just like rivers, lakes are very popular in summer. Serbia is rich in lakes located in different parts of the country and different environments, and each offers a different experience and different possibilities for vacation. The most popular lakes in Serbia where you can rent a cottage are:
- Palić Lake – Palić Lake is located in the very north of Serbia, only 8 km from Subotica in the Palić settlement. The activities that interest tourists the most are photo safaris, tours of nature reserves, fishing, and visits to the nearby zoo. The Palić settlement and the lake shore are the places where you can find the largest number of houses.
- Silver Lake – It is located in the very east of Serbia, on the border with Romania and only 2 km from Veliki Gradište. This lake on the right bank of the Danube is considered one of the most beautiful artificial lakes. Besides the beauty of the lake, tourists are also attracted to activities such as lake cruises, swimming in the lake, renting pedal boats, beach sports, and camping by the lake. Srebrno jezero, as a popular weekend destination, has many cottages, and probably the largest number of them are located in the Kalinovac settlement, where the campsite is also located.
- Perućac Lake – Perućac Lake is located 2.5 km from the Perućac settlement, while Bajina Bašta is the closest of the large towns, about 12 km away. The lake itself has an organized beach, cafes and restaurants, and a beach with pools for children. In addition to swimming, it is also possible to rent a boat, canoe, pedal boat, or boat ride on Lake Perućac. Perucac Lake is also characteristic of the fact that it offers rafts on the lake for accommodation in addition to many houses and cottages.
- Zlatarsko Lake – Zlatarsko Jezero is located only 12 km from Nova Varoša, so this town is often the place to stay when visiting this lake. The largest number of cottages can be found in the small town of Kokin Brod, not far from which there is also a landscaped part of the beach.
- Zaovina Lake – Zaovina Lake is another lake in the region of Western Serbia. It is located on Tara, near the town of Zaovina. In almost all villages of Zaovina, you can find cottages and houses for the day, but the village of Spajići attracts the most attention, where there is a small beach.
What is the best time of year to rent a weekend house?
Winter and summer can be suitable times to stay in weekend houses, but the final choice comes down to the visitors' personal preferences. Here are the benefits of staying in cottages both in winter and summer:
- Winter – Winter is the ideal period for daily renting houses in the mountains of Serbia. In this period, the hills offered numerous activities for tourists and cottages for accommodation made of natural materials characteristic of mountain regions, contributing to a different and authentic experience of vacation and winter on the mountain. The disadvantage of staying in cottages on the mountain in winter is the slightly higher accommodation price.
- Summer – Summer is ideal for staying in weekend houses for daily rent near rivers and lakes. Then, all the summer content is available; you can seek refreshments from the high temperatures in the nearby waters. In addition to all this, the hosts often provide their guests with a barbecue, sports equipment, boats, and bicycles so that they can complement their vacation with outdoor activities. Also, among the cottages on offer, you can find many with a swimming pool, which is the ideal type of accommodation for the summer.
Additional benefits when renting weekend houses
When renting weekend houses for daily rent in Serbia, in addition to the basic accommodation conditions, many owners offer additional benefits that make the stay even more pleasant and comfortable. These extra services and facilities not only improve the quality of the vacation but can often be a key factor in choosing the ideal holiday home. Here are the most popular additional benefits:
- Discount for long-term stays – Although they are also known as houses for the day, rental houses are very suitable for long-term stays thanks to their capacities and equipment. In addition, a discount is usually provided for long-term stays. Thus, the price can be 10 to 20% cheaper for stays of seven days or longer.
- Pet-friendly accommodation – Weekend houses for daily rent usually allow pets to stay, and they also have spacious yards, which is an ideal environment for your pet to stay.
- Amenities for family stays – Vacation homes often offer amenities for family stays. These benefits are usually related to lower prices for children or even a free stay for the youngest. In addition, the hosts provide their guests with a cot for babies and props for playing.
- Additional content – Weekend houses for daily rent in Serbia are often equipped with additional content that will make your stay in the accommodation itself comfortable and help you make your vacation as fun as possible. Bicycles, electric bicycles, boats, sports equipment, barbecues, sun umbrellas, sunbeds if the cottage has a swimming pool and similar items are available.