If you are looking for an idea for a May Day excursion that does not require a long journey, and offers everything – nature, wine, good food and light adventure – Vršac is a destination that stands out by itself. Belgrade is about 85 kilometers away, which means that in just over an hour’s drive you will already be in a completely different environment, far from the noise of the city.
The road to Vršac leads through the plain of southern Banat, but don’t worry – it’s not as monotonous as it sounds. If you go via Pancevo and Alibunar, one of the interesting stops can be the village of Ritishevo. Right here is the small Ritishevo Brewery, where you can take a short break and try craft beer, which is the perfect introduction to the hedonistic day ahead.
Entering Vršac reveals its most recognizable symbol – Vršac hill. This hill dominates the landscape and offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in Vojvodina. If you have the time and will, a leisurely walk or drive to the top will reward you with a sweeping view of the vineyards, the city and the plain that stretches endlessly. At the top is the Vršac Tower, a medieval remnant of fortifications that further enhances the impression that you have briefly escaped from everyday life.
Vršac, however, is much more than a beautiful view. This is one of the most famous wine regions of Serbia, so visiting local wineries is almost a mandatory part of the trip. Among the most famous are Vinarija Vršac and Vinarija Drašković, where you can taste local wines and learn more about the tradition of viticulture that has been going on here for centuries. A glass of good white wine in the sun, with a view of the vineyards, will easily convince you that you are in the right place.
When you get hungry – and you probably will – it’s time for Vojvodina cuisine. In this part of Serbia, the food is simple and uncomplicated: homemade soup, perkelt, goulash, sausages, strudels and indispensable pies. In Vršac and its surroundings, you will easily find restaurants that nurture this style of cooking, where the portions are generous and the flavors familiar and comforting. This is food that begs to be eaten slowly, with conversation and a glass of wine.
If you want to extend your trip, nearby is the Deliblatska peščara, a unique natural reserve known as the “European Sahara”. It is ideal for short walks, cycling or simply enjoying the silence of nature. On the other hand, water lovers can stop by the Karaš River, which flows through this area and provides a calmer, relaxed environment for a picnic or a break.
At the end of the day, the return to Belgrade can be just as pleasant as the arrival. If you time it right, you’ll catch the sunset over the plain – a sight that often lingers in your memory longer than the trip itself.
Vršac, in short, is the perfect combination of everything you want from a May Day getaway: close enough that you don’t waste time on the road, and different enough that you feel like you’ve traveled somewhere. And that, in the end, is the point of every good excursion.
