PIO Canyon of Djetinja

The river of Djetinja is a left tributary of West Morava, it is created in the northern part of Kremna basin, on the south-western slopes of the mountain Tara from four smaller rivers.

Already on the third kilometer from the city center, the picturesque gorge of the Djetinja river begins, which builds an attractive canyon in its central part. The entire area is characterized by a very dynamic morphology with numerous caves, sinkholes, scrapes, rock formations… The gorge of Djetinja both in biological and biogeographical sense is an area with a series of environmental specificities. Its autochthonousness and wealth are reflected through presence of a large number of endemic, subendemic and relic plant species, and in terms of the animal world, in particular the fauna of diurnal butterflies stands out, which represents one of the richest in Serbia – 17 species is on the taxon list of the Red book of diurnal butterflies of Serbia.

Djetinja is a real mountain pearl on which there are alternating rapids, cascades and whirlpools that hide capital specimens of brown trout. There are also huchen and grayling, and there is a fly-fishing area 6 km from the city.

A rich monumental heritage is also registered in the wider area of the gorge: well preserved settlement from the Neolithic age ”Gradina” that is one of the most significant settlements of this period in the south-west Serbia as well as a medieval town and necropolis on the site of ”Mala gradina”.

A special area of a unique beauty is also the Beach on Djetinja under the Old town. It is both a promenade and a path of health. A landscaped promenade throught the gorge (7,5 kilometers) was declared a “European green path”. From the Great Dam, along a 900-meter-long path, the tourists can enjoy kayaking.