Uvac Canyon

The Uvac river winds through a limestone canyon in southwest Serbia in a series of meanders so tight that from the viewpoint on the ridge above, the water appears to double back on itself in a set of near-complete loops. That view is the reason most people come, and reaching it means a walk of an hour or so uphill from the boat landing. The canyon is also the main European stronghold of the griffon vulture, brought back from near-extinction here by a long-running feeding and protection programme, and birds circle at eye level from the ridge. Boat trips run along the reservoir into the Ice Cave, a limestone cave entered from the water, and the whole area is a special nature reserve.

What you actually see

• The meander viewpoint - the ridge overlook where the river loops back on itself.
• Griffon vultures - Europe's main population, circling from the cliffs.
• The Ice Cave - a limestone cave entered from the reservoir by boat.
• The reservoir boat trip - the standard way to reach the walking start and the cave.

When to go

May to October for boat trips and the ridge walk. Mist in the canyon on autumn mornings is spectacular from the viewpoint. Boats do not run in winter and the tracks in are difficult.

Honest expectations

Getting there involves rough roads and then a proper uphill walk to the viewpoint, which the boat trip does not include unless you have arranged it. Trips must usually be booked ahead through local operators and run to their schedule rather than yours. Vultures are wild and depend on feeding days; sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Nearby

Zlatibor and Mokra Gora lie north; Sjenica and the Pešter plateau are east.