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to enjoy the mountain and forest expanses covered by a carpet of white. Tara’s main assets are its forests, which cover 80 per cent of the park, while Pančić's spruce represents a global rarity. The best way to explore the beauty of this mountain is by following any of its 30 hiking trails, while Tara also encompasses sections of two international hiking corridors. Taramight not be the ideal destination for passionate skiers, but it’s certainly an excellent choice for familieswithchildrenandall thosewanting to use their holidays to breathe to their full capacity. DIVČIBARE Divčibare is a longway fromother ski centres inSerbia, due to the length and quality of itsmain ski run, but there arenonethelessmany reasonswhyDivčibare could be your best choice for a ski holiday. First and foremost is its proximity toBelgrade, given that it’s only a 40-minute drive from Belgrade airport. The “Crni Vrh” [Black Peak] ski trail is one kilometre long and will satisfy the average skier or snowboarder. At the same time, those wanting to try their hand at skiing for the first time certainly don't need breakneck ski runs. Divčibare has excellent hotels, sowhenyou get tired of skiingyoucanenjoy spa centres and indoor swimming pools, and this mountain can also be a good winter destination even if youdon’t ski.Many tourists visitingBelgrade spontaneously decide to take a trip to this mountain resort, have a few skiing lessons, shoot some good photos and head back to the capital. ZLATIBOR The story of Zlatibor tourism begins long ago, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the allure of this place succeeded in thrilling the members of both famous Serbian dynasties: first the Obrenovićs, and then the Karađorđevićs. Whether you’re a lover of extreme sports, a parent wanting to spend quality time with the family, or simply someone yearning to flee the big city, you are sure to find something for yourself on Zlatibor. And the perfect spot for lovers of winter sports and healthy lifestyles is to be found on Tornik, Zlatibor’s highest peak, which is around ten kilometres from Zlatibor town centre. The Tornik ski resort is equipped with a modern cable car and ski lifts, as well as an artificial snow system that ensures skiing isn’t dependent onweather conditions. It comprises five ski runs, while there is also the nine-kilometre aerial route of themost modernZlatibor gondola lift, connectingZlatibor’s central hub with Tornik, and along the way crossing Lake Ribnica, where the gondola lift’s intermediate station is located. This longest panoramic gondola ride in the worldwill provide youwith an impressive 25minutes of incredible views over Zlatibor’s picturesque landscapes. Interestingly, this mountain also represents a genuine air spa, with its clean air proving particularly beneficial to those suffering from respiratory diseases, but also the place where you can try the world’s most delicious bread bun and cured ham. snowsystem, but ski runs aren’t the only treasure of this jewel of Serbia. It was due specifically to its unique natural beauty that Kopaonik was declared a national park in 1981. This mountain was also visited multiple times by the famous Josif Pančić, a world-renowned botanist who is buried at the top of Kopaonik. STARAPLANINA (THE BALKANMOUNTAIN) Despiteonlya small part of StaraPlanina actuallybeing in Serbia (it is mostly in Bulgaria), it’s quite enough! Youwill be enchanted by thismountain’s natural attractions andwealthof facilities. It has a climate that’s ideally suitedtowinter sports,withsnowcover remaining forup tofivemonthsof theyear. Stunning landscapes, countless waterfalls, amodern ski resort – you are awaited by it all if you choose Stara Planina as your winter holiday destination.The ski centre boasts tailored ski runs covering a total distance of 15 kilometres, and the ski season lasts for almost half a year. And if spring arrives early, there’s also an artificial snow system and a gondola lift to carry you to BabinZub [Granny’s Tooth] peak. Landscaped ski slopes, pristine nature, crystal clear streams and numerous mountain springs represent a genuine surprise for all tourists who visit thismountain for the first time. It is also known as the roof of Serbia, because its highest peak, Midžor (2,169 m), is also one of the country’s highest mountain peaks. Lovers of extreme sports also have an off-piste trail at their disposal, where they can enjoy in the fairy-tale scenery of Stara Planina. While seeking respite between descents, warm yourself with mulled wine or hot rakija brandy, and sampling the local Eastern Serbian speciality of Belmuž, which is made from cheese and corn flour, is a must. TARA For fans of extreme skiing and similarwinter sports, Tara might not be included on the shortlist of destinations, but you’ll certainly enjoy skiing here, including at night, and you can warm yourself by the fireplace, with tea and local rakija. Tara is an excellent choice for those heading on their winter holiday with children. You can slide on your sledge at every step, allowing the children FOTO: Depositphotos R I TAM SRBI JE / RHYTHM OF SERBIA 102 | Srbija » Serbia

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