Top 5 Spa Resorts in Serbia for Wellness and Thermal Healing

With a rich tradition in thermal tourism, Serbia’s spa resorts provide the perfect escape, whether you're looking for a wellness retreat, rehabilitation treatments, or a peaceful break in nature.

This guide explores five of the top spa resorts in Serbia, highlighting their unique healing properties and breathtaking landscapes.

A Brief History of Serbian Thermal Spas

Serbia’s spa culture dates back to Roman times, when hot springs were used for healing and relaxation.

Over the centuries, these mineral-rich thermal waters gained recognition for their ability to treat various ailments, leading to the development of modern spa centers that blend traditional therapies with contemporary wellness treatments.

Why Are Thermal Waters in Serbia So Special?

The secret behind Serbia’s spa resorts lies in their unique mineral composition. These waters contain calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and other essential minerals, offering therapeutic benefits for a range of conditions.

Serbia’s thermal waters offer numerous health benefits, such as:

• Pain relief – ideal for arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle recovery

• Respiratory health – beneficial for asthma, bronchitis, and sinus issues

• Skin rejuvenation – helps with psoriasis, eczema, and inflammation

• Digestive support – improves metabolism and gut health

If you're searching for the best spa resorts in Serbia, you'll love destinations like Vrnjačka Banja, Sokobanja, and Prolom Banja. These wellness retreats offer access to Serbia’s thermal waters, known for their natural healing properties.

Whether you’re seeking a luxury spa experience or a natural hot spring retreat, Serbia provides the perfect balance of relaxation and health benefits.

What Can Be Treated in Serbian Spas?

Thermal waters in Serbia have been scientifically proven to aid in the treatment of various medical conditions, making them a top choice for health and wellness tourism.

They are especially beneficial for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory issues and lung conditions, digestive disorders, and post-surgery rehabilitation.

Vrnjačka Banja

Known as the “Queen of Serbian Spas”, Vrnjačka Banja is a place where well-being, relaxation, and natural beauty come together. With seven mineral springs, four of which are used for medical treatments, it has long been a retreat for those seeking healing and rejuvenation.

But Vrnjačka Banja is more than just a health resort – it’s a destination where both body and mind find balance. Luxury spa hotels offer top wellness programs, while scenic walking paths and cycling trails invite visitors to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

The Japanese Garden provides a peaceful escape, the Bridge of Love tells countless romantic stories, and Belimarković Castle adds a touch of history and elegance. Throughout the year, the town comes alive with festivals and a vibrant nightlife, blending relaxation with entertainment.

Whether you visit for health, leisure, or adventure, Vrnjačka Banja welcomes you with open arms – and promises you’ll want to return.

Sokobanja

Located in eastern Serbia, Sokobanja is known for its pure air, thermal waters, and healing properties. As one of the oldest spa towns in the Balkans, it has long been a favorite destination for those seeking recovery and wellness.

Surrounded by breathtaking nature, Sokobanja offers stunning waterfalls, lush parks, and scenic hiking trails. Lepterija and Ripaljka captivate visitors with their beauty, while the Sokograd Fortress provides a glimpse into medieval history with spectacular views.

Mount Ozren and Rtanj are ideal for hiking, eco-tourism, and adventure, making this destination perfect for both relaxation and exploration.

Sokobanja’s therapeutic benefits have been recognized for centuries. Its sulfur-rich mineral water is widely used for skin and respiratory treatments, while thermal mud baths help relieve arthritis and joint pain.

A variety of spa and wellness facilities, suited to different budgets, ensure that every visitor can experience the town’s healing powers.

Whether you come for health, nature, or relaxation, Sokobanja offers a unique escape where well-being meets adventure.

The region is suitable especially for people who are fond of cycling, tourism and fishing. The magnificent landscape and the great variety of waterfalls offer you a unique experience and relation with nature.

There is also a variety of picnic places which are worth visiting. The most popular and visited is Lepterija which is situated 2 km from the centre.

You will be spoilt for accommodation choices, from luxurious hotels to traditional rural houses.

The prices start from 20 euro in a private house. A night in a villa with a pool and other entertaining services cost around 50 euro per a night. The price for a night at a hotel is around 100 euro and usually the price includes breakfast and using fitness and wellness centre.

The prices in the restaurants are also very attractive and the Serbian cuisine has unique quality and flavour.

The local populations hospitality contribute to the pleasant atmosphere and warmth which you will feel during your stay at the unique Serbian spa centre.

Prolom Banja

Prolom Banja is best known for its alkaline mineral water, highly beneficial for kidney and digestive health. This peaceful retreat is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Prolom Banja is home to some of Serbia’s most unique natural landmarks. Đavolja Varoš (Devil’s Town), with its mysterious rock formations, is one of the country’s top natural wonders, while Prolom Church stands as a historical and architectural treasure.

This spa town is ideal for those seeking peace and solitude, as well as for visitors interested in natural healing therapies for kidney and urinary tract health.

With opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring untouched nature, Prolom Banja offers a perfect balance of wellness and adventure.

Banja Koviljača

Nestled near the Drina River, Banja Koviljača is one of the oldest and most elegant spa resorts in Serbia. Often called the “Royal Spa”, it was once a favorite retreat of Serbian royalty and remains a prestigious destination for wellness and relaxation.

What makes Banja Koviljača truly special is its rich sulfuric and mineral waters, known for their effectiveness in treating rheumatic and skin diseases.

The town is also home to luxurious spa and rehabilitation centers, offering top-quality treatments for those seeking both medical benefits and indulgence.

Surrounded by peaceful nature, clean air, and relaxing landscapes, Banja Koviljača is the perfect place to restore balance, improve health, and enjoy a royal spa experience.

Pačir Spa

Located near the border with Hungary in the small town of Pachir. The basic aspect that makes this spa centre more different from the rest is the unique pink lake.

The secret of the pink colour is in fact a result from the high concentration of iodine, lithium and bromine and the water has unusual taste. Unfortunately, however, the pink colour can be seen only during July and August.

The deepest point of the lake is 106 cm which makes it suitable for children and people who cannot swim.

The level bottom is covered with black and grey rounded stones and walking on them is very pleasant and functions as feet massage.

The hot water comes from depth of 1400 m and its salt content provides this spa centre visitors with unique pleasure.

The water is very beneficial for health because of its rich mineral content. You can find in the spa centre mainly old people because it is known that having bath in this water helps treat rheumatic conditions.

The temperature of the thermal water is 72 degrees and one should mix it so that it gets cool up to the pleasant 30 degrees.

In addition to the pink lake, the thermal centre of Pačir has two covered pools so that visitors can visit the place without any problems even during winter.

The lake is surrounded by a beautifully decorated beach with small pebbles above which chaise-longues with umbrellas are situated. A little more further under the shelter there are tables and chairs and behind them-a large green area suitable for those who prefer lying on the grass.

There is a coffee-restaurant in the spa centre, but the only thing that is served are nonalcoholic drinks, pancakes, chips and icecream.

The spa centre entrance costs 3 euro for adults and 1,80 euro for children. The working time is every day from 10 p.m. till 8 p.m. and if one comes after 5 p.m. he/ she will pay half of the entrance fee. (year 2004).

Some accommodation places are offered in Pačir starting from around 25 euro for a room. You can find some restaurants and shops in the city.

Tourism Statistics – Who Visits Serbian Spas?

Serbia’s thermal spa resorts are attracting more visitors each year, becoming increasingly popular among both domestic and international tourists.

The numbers speak for themselves. Vrnjačka Banja remains the most visited, welcoming 194,000 guests, with a steady rise in international visitors.

Sokobanja follows with 149,000 visitors, as more foreign tourists discover its clean air and therapeutic springs.

Prolom Banja and Lukovska Banja, with 30,000 and 33,500 visitors respectively, are gaining recognition for their healing properties, while

Banja Koviljača, despite having 23,750 visitors, recorded over 75,000 overnight stays by international guests, confirming its reputation as a premium wellness retreat.

How Do Serbian Spas Compare to European Thermal Resorts?

For those seeking a peaceful yet budget-friendly wellness retreat, Serbian spas provide a unique mix of tradition, nature, and modern comfort, making them a hidden gem among Europe's top thermal resorts.

When compared to other top European spa resorts, Serbia’s thermal spas are among the most affordable wellness retreats in Europe.

Unlike the crowded and expensive thermal resorts in Hungary, Slovenia, or the Czech Republic, spa resorts in Serbia offer the same high-quality treatments at a fraction of the price—often under $100 per night, while premium spa hotels rarely exceed $150 per night.

A visit to these top-rated spa resorts in Serbia is more than just a relaxing getaway—it’s a chance to heal, recharge, and experience the magic of Serbia’s natural thermal waters.

The currency in Serbia is the Serbian dinar, but almost everywhere you can pay with euro and in the larger shops- by a card.