Arilje between the Rzav, culture and Klokoč

Arilje combines water-based experiences on the Rzav with Serbian cultural history and a variety of activities around Mount Klokoč. When planning your trip, the question is therefore less about choosing a single attraction and more about finding the right rhythm: Would you like to spend time at Gradska plaža, discover a historic fresco, cycle through the beech forest or plan a sporting challenge? A holiday apartment in Arilje can serve as a base for a wide range of holiday days, without every activity having to be the same kind of experience.

Water on the Rzav: Gradska plaža and the river landscape

Gradska plaža can be reached on foot from Arilje city centre via a path. Its shallow section has concrete steps and play equipment for children. A deeper section is suitable for swimming. This allows different interests to be combined in the same place: while children explore the shallower section and play equipment, the deeper section offers an opportunity for swimming. This division is a specific factor to consider if you are looking for accommodation with a connection to the city centre and want to take distances into account in your daily schedule.

The Rzav also shapes the character of Arilje. Several beaches are located along the river before the Rzav reaches Arilje. The river flows through Arilje and joins the Moravica there. Those who enjoy alternating between time by the water and exploring the town during their holiday will find two distinct sides to the landscape: beaches on the Rzav and the river course running through Arilje.

Cultural history in Arilje

The St Achillius Church dates back to the 13th century and was built as a foundation of the Serbian king Dragutin Nemanjić. Its best-known fresco depicts the Archangel Gabriel and is known as “The Blue Angel”. For visitors interested in medieval religious art, the church offers a distinct cultural focus alongside the activities by the water. The building’s historical identity and the single, widely known fresco give a stay in Arilje a specific cultural dimension.

Another place of interest is the Legat Dobrila Nenadića, which opened on 28 May 2022 at the Arilje Tourist Information Centre. It contains the writer’s living room, personal belongings and desk. The bequest also includes his archive and his correspondence with other important writers. The 2026 edition of ARLEMM was the festival’s 17th edition. Those who would like to combine their trip with literature, remembrance and cultural events can take these aspects into account when planning, alongside the river landscape.

Cycling route on Klokoč and sporting experiences

Above Arilje, Mount Klokoč is home to a 4 km cycling route. The circular hiking and cycling route runs through beech forest; clearings beside raspberry plantations feature benches for resting. This creates a different kind of excursion from Gradska plaža: instead of water and swimming, the focus is on exercise, forest and breaks along the route. The area around the Klokoč route is 4 km from Arilje city centre. This information is useful when choosing a holiday apartment if you want to weigh up activities in the centre against an excursion into the surrounding area.

Another sporting option is the Rzav Challenge. The course is 15 km long and includes 20 obstacles. The Rzav Challenge starts at Žuta stena beach. This gives Arilje a range of experiences, from spending time by the water and using the cycling and hiking route to tackling a clearly defined obstacle course.

More destinations for your trip planning

If you would like to combine Arilje with other places in your travel plans, you can also view Brdo, Prijepolje, Kaludjerske Bare, Rosići, Divcibare, Nova Varoš, Nikojevići and Užice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlatibor District.