Zlatibor
Zlatibor is in the far southwest of Serbia, between the mountains of Tara and Zlatar. It covers an area of 30 km in length and 15 km in width, and administratively speaking belongs mostly to the municipality of Čajetina and to a lesser extent that of Nova Varoš.
It encompasses large swathes of picturesque mountain pastures and meadows, scattered with individual or small groups of old Scots pine and is made distinctive by its shallow winding brooks and streams. Around the boundary of the plateau there are impassable gorges, caves, potholes and mixed woodlands of Scots pine, European black pine, spruce, firs, beech, sessile oak and other species of tree.
The Zlatibor region is inhabited by 144 varieties of freshwater algae, 960 plant species, 256 insect species, 14 species of amphibian and reptile, 150 bird species and 54 species of mammal. Zlatibor has a number of endemic plant species, while its animal species include the dice snake, the Balkan stream frog, the Crested Tit, the Woodlark, the European Honey-buzzard, the White-throated Dipper, otters, wolves and foxes.
The region of Zlatibor is famous for its folk architecture, its characteristic culture and traditions, its rich and diverse ethnic heritage, its widely-renowned culinary specialities, its healthy food and the balmy climate which has earned Zlatibor a reputation for its healthy air and the status of one of the most popular tourist destinations in Serbia.
Moves are underway by the Serbian Institute for Nature Conservation to give Zlatibor protected status as a Nature Park and a natural resource of exceptional importance.