Lake Perućac: an emerald in the Drina canyon

Published: 10/06/2026

Lake Perućac was formed by damming the Drina below Tara National Park, on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. With its emerald colour, set between steep canyon cliffs, it is one of the finest sights in western Serbia.

The highlight is a boat ride through the Drina canyon, with a popular stop at the Vrelo, the "river of years", just 365 metres long. Nearby is the famous little house on the rock near Bajina Bašta.

Accommodation includes apartments, villas and ethno homesteads in Perućac and Bajina Bašta, many with lake views. Perućac is about three hours from Belgrade via Valjevo.