Prolom Banja and Devil's Town – a mineral spa in Serbia

Prolom Banja is a small spa resort on the forested slopes of Mount Radan in southern Serbia. It’s known for its soft “Prolom voda” mineral water, which is bottled and sold throughout the country. The resort is peaceful, with a park, spa hotels and clean mountain air. About 15 km away is one of the strangest natural sights in the Balkans – Devil’s Town.

Prolom Banja

• Mineral water – lightly mineralised and recommended for the kidneys and digestion. Drink it straight from the springs.
• Spa and wellness – mineral pools, saunas, hot tubs and massages at the hotels.
• Walks through the Radan forests on marked trails.
• New Year – the resort is popular for holiday packages with dinner, live music and spa.

Devil’s Town (Đavolja Varoš)

Between two ravines at the foot of Radan stand about 200 earth pyramids, 2 to 15 m tall. Each wears a stone “cap” that protects it from erosion. Nearby are two unusual springs – “Devil’s Water”, very acidic and mineral-rich, and the Red Spring. Legend says the pyramids are wedding guests turned to stone by a witch. The trail takes about 1–2 hours.

Nearby

• Lukovska Banja – another spa with hot springs, about 30 km away.
• Niš – on the way. See Niš.

Two-day plan

1. Morning – drive from Sofia via Niš. Arrive for lunch, check in, spa in the afternoon.
2. Devil’s Town with a local guide (about 2 hours). A walk in the park and the spa in the afternoon. Head home that evening or the next day.

Practical tips

• Serbia is 1 hour behind Bulgaria, and the currency is the dinar.
• The road via Niš and Prokuplje is good; the last kilometres climb through the mountains.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the Devil’s Town trail.