Reasons why guests rent apartments on Stara planina
Stara planina is located within the Carpathian-Balkan mountain range, which is partly located in the region of southeastern Serbia, and mostly in the territory of Bulgaria. Its highest peak is Midžor (2,169 m), and it is under the snow cover for almost five months. In 2023, the largest number of tourist visits to the Pirot district, and therefore to Stara Planina, was recorded (about 35,000 tourists), of which half are foreign and half domestic tourists. There are many reasons for visiting, and some of them are:
- Natural landmarks: In the area of Stara planina there are a large number of protected areas, natural assets and reserves. The mountain is full of waterfalls, the most famous of which are: Kopren waterfall, waterfall Tri kladenca, Piljski vodopad, waterfall Bigar, Čunguljski skok and Kaluđerski skok, which is also the highest waterfall in the Republic of Serbia. It is far better known for its natural landforms such as Rosomačke klisure i Vlaški do. Guests of Stara planina can visit the viewpoint Kozji kamen from which there is a wonderful view of lake Zavojsko.
- Cultural attractions: On Stara Planina there are architectural landmarks such as a village Gostuša, Pećinska crkva and Temska monastery. In addition, on Stara planina there are traditional sheflukas - stone houses with reed roofs - old mills and other monuments of folk architecture.
- Mountaineering: On Stara planina there are several peaks (Midžor, Dupljak, Kopren) about 2,000 m above sea level, which the planners are happy to conquer. During the summer season, a large number of hiking and hiking tours are organized around Stara planina, and visitors can choose a package that is in line with their wishes, requirements and possibilities. Tourists can try mountain running and hiking if that attracts them.
- Skiing and winter sports: Winters are long, cold and snowy and as such irresistible to fans of skiing and other winter sports in the colder months. Tourists most often visit the ski center Babin zub with marked and arranged trails, a gondola, as well as due to the fact that, in the absence of precipitation, skiers are provided with artificial snow. There are five ski lifts on Stara planina, three difficult and three medium difficult slopes. Some of the busier ones are ski slopes Konjarnik (medium difficulty) with cable car, Jabučko ravnište and of course Babin zub. Toboggan runs and ski schools are available for younger visitors.
- Improving health: Considering the untouched nature and fresh air, Stara planina appeals to younger and older visitors due to its beneficial effect on health during their stay.
- Gastronomic tourism: On Stara Planina, you can taste many authentic Serbian specialties - belmuž originating from this mountain, bean curd, honey from Stara Planina and Pirotski kačkavalj. As part of the event Đurđevdanski susreti - Molitva pod Midžorom, a competition is organized in the preparation of old dishes typical of this region, which is accompanied by a rich cultural and artistic program (performances of original songs and dances, shepherd's games, selection for the most beautiful shepherd's hut).
Types of accommodation on Stara planina
There are several types of accommodation on offer at Stara Planina, the most common of which are private apartments and entire private accommodation:
- Apartments: Apartments on Stara Planina are generally highly rated, comfortable and with the appropriate necessary equipment for guests. They are of different sizes and types, from smaller ones with one bedroom, to larger apartments with several bedrooms and additional units (kitchen, living room, bedroom, terrace). It is generally possible to cancel the accommodation free of charge and pay for it upon arrival. Most apartments are located in attractive locations near Stara planina, such as Pirot and Crni Vrh. Some apartments offer additional benefits for their guests, such as a garage, extra beds, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and parking.
- Cottages: They are of different sizes, number of rooms, capacities and are located in different locations. We offer small cottages with one to cottages with three rooms and more beds. Like the apartments, many cottages have additional rooms to make the guests comfortable and have everything they need for life during their stay on Stara Planina. They are located in a natural environment, near lakes and rural areas and tourist destinations.
- Log cabins: For an authentic experience of staying on the mountain, it is recommended to stay in the old mountain log cabins. They are spacious, comfortable and mostly well equipped, located in a natural environment with friendly hosts who will introduce you to local culture and traditions.
- Mountain lodges: Mountain lodge Midžor is located near the ski center, at the foot of the peak Babin zub, in untouched nature. It has an accommodation capacity of 65 beds, its own parking lot and a restaurant.
Where on Stara planina to rent accommodation?
You can easily rent apartments on Stara planina in many locations in its surroundings or on its slopes. On Stara planina itself, the most popular places where visitors rent apartments are:
- Crni Vrh: A popular destination for visitors to Stara Planina, especially for skiing enthusiasts. They offer different apartments and private accommodation, such as Staroplaninski apartmani, Stanković apartments, Nika villa, villa Stara vodenica, Apartment Pustolov and others.
- Babin zub: This is one of the most famous ski resorts on Stara Planina, with a variety of accommodation facilities near the ski slopes. Hotel Stara planina, of contemporary design, is located in the immediate vicinity of the ski slopes and the gondola, providing a unique experience of active rest and relaxation.
- Balta Berilovac: This village is located at the foot of Stara planina and offers accommodation in houses, cottages and log cabins. Vila Babin zub is one of the available accommodation facilities in this area.
- Dojkinci: The village of Dojkinci is known for its untouched nature and its proximity to the Tupavica waterfall. In this village you can find accommodation in rural households.
The surroundings of Stara Planina are rich in accommodation facilities and often these places are a good choice if you want to stay in urban areas and from where you start exploring Stara Planina.
- Knjaževac: In Knjaževac, apartment-type accommodation is represented, with one to three bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and other necessary rooms. Most of the facilities are located near the center. Accommodation prices range from €22 to €80, depending on the location and equipment of the apartment.
- Pirot: A suitable location for a family holiday with children, given the availability of various facilities within the city itself: from holiday homes, apartments, private accommodation, villas, cottages - the choice is yours! Accommodation prices are affordable and depend on the type of accommodation you want to rent. The lowest price is around €9 per night in private accommodation up to villas that cost more than €135 per night.
- Bela Palanka: In Bela Palanka, you can mostly rent holiday homes and stay in nature and privacy. Prices are affordable.
- Svrljig: This place offers mostly single, double rooms and apartments. Prices are affordable and range from €19 per night to €40 for apartments. Most of the accommodation facilities have been moved from the center and allow guests to have quality rest in a quiet environment.
Average accommodation prices on Stara planina
Accommodation prices on Stara planina differ depending on the period in which you plan to spend your vacation:
- Apartments: The price is typical for private accommodation in this area. It ranges from €14 to €105 per night for more luxurious options.
- Cottages: Cottages with one bedroom range from €34 to €43 per night, and larger cottages reach prices from €85 to €120.
- Log cabins: The prices of log cabins depend on their location, season, capacity and additional facilities. Prices for one night generally range from €30 to €60, and for more luxurious log cabins, you need to "open up" your wallet and allocate from €70 to €150 per night.
Be prepared that during the winter season, apartment prices and the total cost of stay may be higher, due to the peak of tourists in this period.
Overnight stay on Stara planina - Renting accommodation for a night
In most of the apartments offered on Stara planina, it is possible to rent accommodation for one night. The minimum apartment rental is usually one night during weekdays, while during the weekend different conditions may apply.
In any case, it is recommended to visit the platform Bookaweb, filter your search looking for apartments on Stara planina, where you will find the necessary information on whether the accommodation facilities offer this option. You can get in touch with accommodation providers before booking to get adequate feedback.
In any case, it is recommended to visit the platform Bookaweb, filter your search looking for apartments on Stara planina, where you will find the necessary information on whether the accommodation facilities offer this option. You can get in touch with accommodation providers before booking to get adequate feedback.
Where to stay on Stara planina with kids?
Holidays with children can sometimes be more difficult to organize, and it is especially difficult to find activities that would be interesting for them according to their age. Places where you could stay and at the same time be interesting for both you and your children:
- Babin zub: It is popular among parents because of the large number of ski slopes. There is a location not far from Babin zub - Markova livada which has an organized kindergarten skiing school where children can start their skiing career and enjoy sledding. Within the hotel Stara planina visitors can take their children to the spacious playroom if they are up to twelve years old. You can also organize hiking tours with children through these areas, and mountain houses and apartments are suitable for families with children.
- Topli do: The village is part of the municipality of Pirot and is surrounded by numerous waterfalls, so visitors with children can visit new unique natural sights every day. It is a convenient area for walking and cycling. The village has only about a hundred inhabitants, so families can have a quality rest and sleep in this peaceful area.
- Temska: Also a settlement in the municipality of Pirot. It abounds with stećaks and monuments, the history of which can be interesting for older children as well as adults. It has its own natural swimming pool on the river Temštica, the fortress Temac and the monastery of St. George.
Accommodation near the best nightlife spots on Stara planina
The settlements on Stara Planina in its surroundings have a large number of catering establishments, mostly restaurants. However, in each of them you can treat yourself to a drink and enjoy good local and foreign music.
- Beach pub: It is located in the village of Crni Vrh and is one of the few pubs where you can drink quality espresso. The selection of drinks is standard, and gastronomic specialties are also offered at prices up to €8. It is open from eight in the morning to ten in the evening.
- Dukat tavern: It is the best-rated restaurant on the platform Tripadvisor. It is located in Pirot, in Vuka Pantelića street and is open from one in the afternoon until dessert in the evening from Monday to Thursday, on Fridays until half past eleven and on Saturdays until half past one at night. The bar is closed on Sundays. Be sure to try their burgers!
- Rekord: The facility is also located in Pirot, at Dobrice Milutinovića street 6. In addition to good coffee, visitors praise the ice cream, which you can eat at any time of the year.
- Kafana 3: Maybe this tavern doesn't look particularly inviting from the outside, but you will be delighted with the old, traditional interior as soon as you step inside. It is located in Pirot, in Lava Tolstoja bb. It is currently temporarily closed for renovations, but we recommend that you visit it as soon as the works are finished.
Best areas on Stara planina for business travel
Babin zub is the most suitable place for business meetings, because it has the best business infrastructure. It is the most developed part of Stara planina, it has a good Wi-Fi signal and modern traffic infrastructure.
In the hotel Stara planina halls are available where seminars, conferences and other business events can be held in five conference halls (two of which are multimedia), two combined auxiliary halls and a deluxe meeting room.
Also, in this location you can find a large number of restaurants, ski slopes and wellness centers that can be an accompanying program for team-building activities.
In the hotel Stara planina halls are available where seminars, conferences and other business events can be held in five conference halls (two of which are multimedia), two combined auxiliary halls and a deluxe meeting room.
Also, in this location you can find a large number of restaurants, ski slopes and wellness centers that can be an accompanying program for team-building activities.
Best parts of Stara planina for accommodation in nature
Stara planina is an area with well-preserved nature, and you won't go wrong if you rent accommodation in smaller places, far from the hustle and bustle of the city:
- Arbinje: Arbinje is one of the most beautiful places on Stara planina. It belongs to the area of a strictly protected reserve and is located about 8 km from village Dojkinci. It is considered one of the most beautiful river valleys in Serbia. With a permit, visitors can camp in this area, as there are no other types of accommodation in it due to the high level of protection. Of course, if you are not afraid of bears. If you still want to stay in apartments near the reserve, we recommend accommodation in Temska, Gostuša or Dojkinci.
- Jabučko ravnište: It is one of the main ski centers on Stara planina with the first ski gondola built in Serbia. Although for this reason the location is highly visited and is well connected to the main roads, there are parts of it where you can stay in the silence of nature. If you want to walk in peace, ride a bike or simply breathe clean air, this is the place for you.
- Dojkinci: The village, located less than 40 km from Pirot, is far from crowds and traffic. The village is of traditional type, and ethnic accommodation can be found in it in rural households, log cabins and cottages. Tourists can hike to Rosomački lonci, visit Tupavica waterfall and taste local specialties.
Best restaurants near accommodation on Stara planina
As we mentioned, there are many restaurants on Stara planina, and we suggest some of them that the visitors were particularly satisfied with:
- Šumski: Restaurant-pizzeria located in the village of Crni Vrh, 600 m from the mountain lodge Šum, it is open every day of the week from three in the afternoon to eleven in the evening (the kitchen is open until half past nine). In this comfortable, tucked away place, you will pay for a meal from 8.5 to 13 €.
- Konak Ždrma: It is also located in Crni Vrh, and next to the restaurant, there are apartments with swimming pools where visitors to Stara Planina can spend the night. Visitors praise the traditional mountain breakfast, which is a must-try, and the food prices range as in a restaurant Šumski.
- Restaurant Bajka: It is located six kilometers from the Konjarnik trail, at the address Crni Vrh bb within the municipality of Knjaževac. It serves specialties of local cuisine.
- Restaurant Planinsko sunce: Stores local, national specialties, and is located inside the building Apartments Sunce. The price range is the same as in the above-mentioned establishments, and the restaurant is open from eight in the morning to ten in the evening.
- Restaurant Rosulja and restaurant Balkan: They are located within the hotel Stara planina. Guests and other visitors can order meals a la carte or choose the buffet option and eat specialties from domestic and foreign cuisine.
- Restaurant Romansa: It is located in Kalna (Vidovdanska bb) and is open from seven in the morning until midnight. The price of a meal for one person is around €10. Many traditional dishes are served in a homely atmosphere on checkered tablecloths.