Reasons why guests rent apartments on Zlatibor
Zlatibor has long been among the top destinations in Serbia, with a notable 61% increase in visits in 2023 compared to the previous year. Overnight stays surpassed one million, with 100,823 visitors coming from abroad, predominantly from neighboring countries and Western Europe. Domestically, the majority of tourists came from Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and nearby towns in Western Serbia. The main reasons for their visits include:
- Active nature vacation: Zlatibor is the go-to destination for recharging and spending leisure time in fresh mountain air. Whether enjoying active or passive rest, visitors can explore hiking trails, and visit attractions like the Gostilje Waterfall, Stopića Cave, and the Monument on Šumatno Brdo.
- Adrenaline and Winter Activities: Regardless of whether you prefer Zlatibor in winter or summer, the mountain offers a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities. During ski season, visitors can enjoy three ski resorts - Tornik, Obudojevica, and Tić Polje. In spring and summer, guests can test their skills and bravery with paragliding from Čigota and Tornik, horseback riding, four zip lines, go-karting, quad rides, canyoning, archery, and tackling obstacles in the Adventure Park.
- Medical Tourism: The Čigota Special Hospital on Zlatibor is one of the leading centers for treating thyroid disorders, metabolic conditions, and obesity. In addition to appointments with specialists and procedures, it is renowned for its dietary-recreational program, helping individuals lose weight. While the hospital provides accommodation, patients often seek nearby apartments to house accompanying family members or caregivers, making this area a hub for medical tourism in Serbia.
- Hunting and Fishing: The Zlatibor Hunting Association organizes the Sabor lovaca Srbije (Serbian Hunters Gathering), attracting skilled hunters worldwide for three days of competitions and workshops. Zlatibor’s fishing areas also draw numerous local and international recreational anglers, who, with permits, can fish at Ribnica Lake. Surrounded by serene nature and pine forests, anglers can catch up to 11 fish species.
- Gastronomy: Western Serbia is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, and Zlatibor offers a blend of the region's best flavors. Dishes like komplet lepinja (a hearty flatbread dish), smoked ham (pršuta), aged meats, kajmak, and other dairy products are must-tries for every visitor. These specialties can be savored in traditional restaurants or purchased at the local farmers market. Smoked meat products also make for the perfect souvenirs!
- Rural Tourism: A short 20-kilometer drive from central Zlatibor to any direction leads to charming villages that offer unique tourist experiences. Sirogojno is one such village - a living museum showcasing 19th and 20th-century mountain life in authentic homes while preserving the craft of knitting. Other villages, such as Mačkat, Trnava, Dobroselica, Stublo, and Ljubiš, are perfect for day trips while exploring this part of Serbia.
Types of accommodation on Zlatibor
The variety of accommodation options on Zlatibor makes it a perfect choice for a mountain vacation, and it’s upgrading with every season. When planning your mountain getaway, you can choose from the following types of accommodation:
- Apartments: The surge in new construction on this mountain has led to an abundance of Zlatibor apartments, which are now more numerous, luxurious, and available even outside the center. Apartment accommodations on Zlatibor offer modern amenities like fully equipped kitchens, spacious bathrooms, and terraces with stunning views, and often include perks such as parking spots, breakfast, or access to wellness and spa facilities. Nightly rates for Zlatibor apartments range from €25 to €200, depending on location, size, and amenities.
- Log Cabins: Want to experience authentic mountain living? Log cabins on Zlatibor are perfect for you! Located outside Zlatibor’s center, these accommodations let you wake up to pristine views of nature, enjoy coffee by the fireplace, and often feature porches with cozy wooden chairs or barbecue equipment, ideal for family visits. Prices range from €35 to €150 per night.
- Houses and Villas: This type of accommodation can be found closer to the mountain center, although most are still surrounded by nature. You can rent an entire house, a portion of it, or just a room, depending on capacity and availability. Zlatibor offers rental houses tailored for tourists staying longer or coming in larger groups, thanks to their spaciousness, privacy, and cost-saving potential. If you're seeking a property with a pool, Zlatibor has many options to meet your needs. Expect to pay between €30 and €120 per night.
- Hotels: Zlatibor is a haven for hotel enthusiasts. Most hotels are concentrated around the mountain’s center, though they can also be found in almost every part of Zlatibor. Choose between budget-friendly hotels and luxury five-star hotels offering top-tier service. Some of the popular options include Palisad, President, Mona, Bor, Olimp, and Grand&Sky, with nightly rates ranging from €40 to over €200.
- Camping: A great choice for first-time campers and beloved by veteran campers alike, the camping site is located near hiking trails and the main road, about 2 km from the mountain center. It features 60 trailers, a communal area for socializing, ample space for additional tents, and a lodging section with 19 beds.
Where on Zlatibor to rent accommodation?
Although getting around Zlatibor won’t be an issue, certain areas of the mountain come with distinct advantages. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, traveling alone or with children, you can find accommodation tailored to your preferences in the following areas:
- Zlatibor Center: In the heart of the mountain, you’ll find top-notch apartments, ideal for couples or family stays, with studio apartments being particularly popular. The center of Zlatibor is perfect if you want to step right from your accommodation into Zlatibor’s most vibrant area. Staying in neighborhoods like Jezero, Kraljevi Konaci, Đurkovac, or Golija puts you close to the well-known local market brimming with regional specialties, Kraljev Trg (King's Square), which hosts cultural and artistic events, and the lake, where walking is magical in both summer and winter. You’ll also be near Adventure and Dino Parks, markets, restaurants, a health center, pharmacies, and parking options.
- Obudojevica: Stay close to the ski slope all year round. The Gold Gondola will be practically next door, and from here, you can enjoy horseback riding, relax at the Velika Livada Park, and choose apartments, hotels, or villas tailored to your needs.
- Gajevi: Located slightly farther from the center but still well-equipped for tourists, Gajevi offers apartments, log cabins and villas. You’ll be near the monument on Šumatno Brdo and in an excellent starting spot for hiking trails like Sunset Trail.
- Čajetina: This small town near the mountain is a great choice, especially if you’re arriving by car and plan to explore all the natural beauty of this part of Serbia. Here, you’ll find all types of accommodations, from affordable apartments to log cabins and family-friendly villas, available in neighborhoods like Šišovići, Kaldrma, Šipovik, and Ćeten. Staying in Čajetina allows you to be close to scenic viewpoints like Gradina and Lađevac, the pedestrian zone Nedin Lug, and the sports hall.
Average accommodation prices on Zlatibor
When it comes to accommodation, Zlatibor offers a diverse range of options to suit every type of traveler, so you’ll have no trouble finding the right place within your desired price range. The majority of accommodations range from €35 to €50 per night, with the price depending on the type and size of the accommodation. Zlatibor apartments tend to be more expensive during peak tourist seasons, especially in winter when the ski resort is active and around holidays. Depending on the type of accommodation you need and the size of your group, you can expect the following prices:
- Zlatibor Apartments: On average, you’ll pay around €40-45 per night for two people in an apartment anywhere on the mountain. For accommodations with 4+ bedrooms for larger groups, prices range from €60 to €120 a night.
- Log Cabins on Zlatibor: The situation is similar to apartments, so well-equipped log cabins will generally cost around €40-50 per night for two people. In log cabins with 4 or more bedrooms, the average price rises to €130 per night.
- Houses on Zlatibor: When it comes to renting houses and weekend homes, the price on Zlatibor averages around €70 per night. For houses with two bedrooms, the average price is between €90 and €120, while for 5 or more bedrooms, you’ll need to pay an additional €20-30 per night.
Zlatibor Apartments - New Year and Orthodox Christmas affect prices
During this time of year, not only do apartment prices increase significantly, but the minimum number of nights in the accommodation required also rises in nearly all the units, which in turn raises the overall cost. Prices can be up to 50-100% higher, so to save as much as possible, it is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance.
Overnight stay on Zlatibor - Renting accommodation for a night
Make your one-night stay on Zlatibor as comfortable as possible by choosing from apartments that offer accommodation by the hour. In addition to being affordable, the great advantage is the variety of locations. Whether you're just passing through on your way to nearby countries or you're here for a day trip, securing an overnight stay is just a few steps away.
On the Bookaweb platform, you simply need to select the accommodation by the hour option within the filter that shows additional amenities of available accommodation units on Zlatibor, and you can easily find the one that suits you best. An overnight stay on Zlatibor can cost less than €10 per person, with prices ranging up to €40-50 per night. Among the more affordable apartments on Zlatibor offering overnight stay options are Marija, Ivona, Kalman Panorama, CoYco, and Demiri Villas.
On the Bookaweb platform, you simply need to select the accommodation by the hour option within the filter that shows additional amenities of available accommodation units on Zlatibor, and you can easily find the one that suits you best. An overnight stay on Zlatibor can cost less than €10 per person, with prices ranging up to €40-50 per night. Among the more affordable apartments on Zlatibor offering overnight stay options are Marija, Ivona, Kalman Panorama, CoYco, and Demiri Villas.
Where to stay on Zlatibor with kids?
Since Zlatibor is considered a family-friendly destination, the great advantage is that you can stay in any part of the mountain, and the enjoyment will be guaranteed for both you and your children.
- If you choose central areas for your accommodation, Zlatibor will delight children with activities like pedal boating on the lake, numerous food stalls and interesting souvenirs, mini electric car rides, and a large Ferris wheel. Nearby, you'll also find Dino Park and Adventure Park. A walk through Dino Park offers both education and fun, while Adventure Park features an obstacle course suitable for various age groups.
- Zlatibor is also home to the longest gondola in the world, with stops at Adventure Park and Tornik.
- If you choose accommodation in the Palisad settlement, you and your children can enjoy the amusement park there. Another amusement park is located near the Kamalj settlement, which is also a great spot for a family holiday.
- Dobroselica village is a perfect choice for family accommodation - you’ll be surrounded by nature, and it is home to the popular El Paso City, a tourist attraction that transports you to the Wild West. It’s also close to the Vodice excursion site.
Accommodation near the best nightlife spots on Zlatibor
Across Zlatibor, you can find places for entertainment that suit your taste, whether you're looking for a club atmosphere, authentic taverns, or perhaps cafés for a quieter experience. However, it's best to look for accommodation in the central area of Zlatibor to have the widest selection.
- If you stay in the settlements of Kraljevi Konaci, Golija, or Rujno, you'll be close to popular spots like Shisharka, Vendome, Alibi, Irish Pub, Kafana Ljubiš, and Zlatiborska Pivnica.
- In the Obudojevica settlement, you'll find the well-known Koliba kod Milunke, as well as clubs Zlatan Bor, Satelit, and Zlatibor.
Best parts of Zlatibor for accommodation in nature
If you want to mark your visit to Zlatibor with nature and fresh air, away from the crowds in the central part of the mountain, it's best to choose accommodation in the outskirts of Zlatibor or the surrounding villages. These are also areas where rural tourism thrives, so in addition to comfortable accommodations and walks through miles of hiking trails, you'll find households offering a range of activities. For this type of vacation, we recommend:
- Ribnica: Staying in the pristine nature near Ribničko Lake and the proximity to the Tornik Ski Center are the main advantages of this part of Zlatibor. Although there are apartment accommodations, Ribnica is home to many houses, villas, and log cabins, making it an ideal choice when traveling with a larger group or if you enjoy the mountain lifestyle.
- Gostilje: Although it's a small place outside the central part of Zlatibor, it offers plenty of activities for nature lovers. It's a great choice if you want to experience accommodation in ethno households or log cabins. You'll be close to the Gostilje waterfall, the Baba Borkina House hiking trail, and the nearby paragliding zone. Recreation can also be found on the local football field, and don't miss visiting the house of Dimitrije Tucović.
- Zova: If you don't want to stray too far from central Zlatibor, find an apartment in the Zova settlement. You'll be surrounded by greenery from all sides, you can explore the forest, or perhaps rent a house with a pool and enjoy the view of the hills and sunset from the water.
- Šljivovica: Located about 15 kilometers from Zlatibor, so you'll need your vehicle to get there. The nature here will charm you, and if you enjoy a good rakija (traditional brandy), you're in the right place. See how rakija is distilled in the traditional way, and don't miss the Rakijada festival if you visit in the fall. For accommodation, choose from local rural households, houses, or log cabins. Attractions include the still-active Tijanića Watermill and the gallery of Miladin Lekić, where you can see exhibitions of his wooden art.
Best restaurants near accommodation on Zlatibor
When the culinary scene is as good as it is in Zlatibor, you’ll find restaurants at every turn! Whether you book accommodation in the center of Zlatibor or the surrounding areas, you'll be able to sample local specialties at a different place every day. The smaller settlements surrounding the mountain feature restaurants that exude tradition, so we recommend setting aside time to visit them as well. Some of the tourist favorites include:
- Restaurant Gozba: Located in the heart of the mountain, this restaurant will delight you with its grilled specialties, and it's said that their homemade lepinja (flatbread) is one of the best you can try.
- Rotation restaurant Tornik: If you stay in the Kamalj settlement, you'll be close to this unique restaurant. Situated at the top of the Grand&Sky Hotel, it's one of the largest restaurants of its kind. In addition to well-known local specialties, it also offers dishes from around the world, all while you enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills as the restaurant gently rotates.
- Restaurant Park: When you’re craving roasted lamb, head to Restoran Park in the Rujno settlement. With its distinctive wooden interior and forest surroundings, this restaurant is ideal for family visits. In addition to excellent roasts, the menu features a range of fish, game, and Italian-inspired dishes.
- Restaurant Ognjište: Head to Rudine for a taste of traditional dishes at this rural household restaurant. Treat your taste buds to traditional Western Serbian specialties, all with a postcard-worthy mountain view.
- Krčma Gaj: Experience Zlatibor through its most iconic specialties! In the traditional Gaj tavern, dishes are made exclusively with local ingredients, and the interior is authentically Zlatibor. If you visit during the warmer months, we recommend staying in this part of the mountain to enjoy breakfast on their terrace.