Bajina Basta is a traditional Serbian village set on the border of Tara National Park. The village is a great base for outdoor adventures in the national park, which is known for its lush forests, jewel-toned lakes and rugged peaks. The compact town centre is well-equipped with cafes, shops and family-run guesthouses.
Things to do in Bajina Bašta
Bajina Basta is brimming with family-run restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine. Local specialties include “sarma” grape leaves stuffed with minced meat, “cevapi” grilled sausages and “gibanica” pastries filled with cottage cheese. Wash down your meal with a glass of sljivovica, a traditional plum brandy.
Bajina Basta is perched on the eastern edge of Tara National Park. Part of the Dinaric Alps, the park occupies a 220-square-kilometre footprint and offers some of the best hiking in Europe. Scenic trails wind through the park and take you past rugged mountain peaks, flower-filled meadows and rocky ravines.
The Drina River meanders through the park and has carved an impressive canyon surrounded by sheer cliffs. Whitewater rafting expeditions along the river will get your pulse racing. For a more relaxing experience, go kayaking on placid Lake Perućac or Lake Zaovine. Within the park, there’s a chance to spot endangered brown bears, as well as lynxes, foxes, otters and more than 100 species of birds.
Getting around Bajina Bašta
Bajina Basta is compact and easy to get around on foot. The village is located in Western Serbia, a three-hour drive from Belgrade. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Bajina Basta, Tara National Park and the surrounding region at your own pace.