Planning a summer holiday from Serbia often starts with the question: where to go to the sea – but also, how to get there most easily? Air travel seems like the fastest option, but it often doesn’t take you directly to your desired destination. Additional transfers from the airport to your hotel or apartment are needed, which means extra costs and organization. Moreover, flight prices rise significantly in summer, and the number and weight of suitcases you can bring are limited, so you often have to choose between comfort and luggage.
On the other hand, traveling by bus can be exhausting – long journeys, fixed schedules, frequent transfers, and crowds. There’s no flexibility, and every stop depends on the driver and timetable, which often means missing out on interesting places or staying longer where you want.
Because of these limitations, more and more travelers are choosing to rent a car. A rent a car gives you complete freedom to travel at your own pace – to explore secluded beaches, local villages, natural landmarks, and restaurants that aren’t on tourist maps. No worries about schedules, luggage, or extra transfers.
Why Choose Rent a Car for Your Vacation?
Renting a car in Belgrade or directly at Nikola Tesla Airport allows you to start your trip stress-free, choose your own driving pace, and take breaks wherever you like. When you choose a reliable rent a car agency, you can count on technically sound and comfortable vehicles, ready for long journeys and summer conditions.
Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, with family, or friends, rent a car agencies offer various models – from economical cars to spacious SUVs and vans.
Even if you own a car, renting often provides more safety and comfort – without worrying about servicing, tires, registration, or potential breakdowns. Compared to smaller city cars, a rented vehicle can be much more practical and pleasant for long-distance driving.
If you choose a reputable agency with a well-maintained fleet, rent a car is an excellent option for a carefree and comfortable summer holiday.
Free Beaches: A Question That Often Changes Your Destination
Besides choosing transportation, one of the key questions when planning a holiday is: does the destination offer beautiful, but also free beaches?
In practice, many travelers are bothered when almost every beach access requires payment – whether for entry, mandatory rental of sunbeds and umbrellas, or minimum bills in cafes that “control” the coast. These costs quickly add up and can easily disrupt your budget and the sense of freedom that a holiday should bring.
That’s why countries offering a wide selection of natural, non-commercialized beaches are becoming increasingly attractive. The ability to lay down your towel wherever and whenever you want, to enjoy without rules and obligations, is crucial for many in choosing a summer destination.
A holiday shouldn’t mean worrying about how much a day at the beach costs – but enjoying the sea, sun, and freedom of movement.
Where Are Beaches Free, and Where Are Sunbeds Charged?
Greece:
Greece remains the most popular destination for holidays from Serbia, and the variety of its beaches allows everyone to find the perfect spot for relaxation. Almost all beaches are legally public and free, but many are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Prices vary depending on location and popularity – on Halkidiki, a set of sunbeds and umbrella in the preseason can cost around €20, while during peak season, especially in the first rows by the sea, prices can reach €50–60 per set, with mandatory food or drink consumption. On Thassos, the situation is similar: on some beaches, sunbeds are free with a drink, while at more luxurious places like La Scala or Paradise Beach, a set can be €30–50, and up to €120 for the first row in exclusive areas. Still, on most Greek beaches, there is a section where you can place your own towel for free, especially if you arrive early in the morning. With a rented car, you can easily visit several beaches in one day and find those that suit you best.
Croatia:
Although all beaches in Croatia are legally public, in practice, much of the space is under concession and occupied by sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Prices have risen significantly in recent years – in popular destinations like Split, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, or Hvar, a set of sunbeds and umbrella can cost between €20 and €35 per day, and even more at luxury spots. New regulations further standardize and increase prices. However, with a rented car, you can easily explore lesser-known coves and hidden beaches where there are no crowds and you can enjoy without extra costs for sunbeds.
Italy:
Italian beaches are known for being largely privatized – most of the best parts of the coast belong to private clubs (“bagno”), where sunbeds and umbrellas rent for €25–40 per day, while at luxury destinations like Amalfi or Capri, prices can reach an incredible €250–350 per set. Free beaches (“spiaggia libera”) are rare and often lack any facilities, but are available to everyone and ideal for those seeking an authentic experience without extra costs. With a rented car, you can explore less touristy regions and find hidden, more affordable beaches.
Spain:
Spanish beaches are almost always public and free, but sunbeds at most popular locations are available for rent at €10–20 per day, and are often free with a purchase at a beach bar. City beaches, especially in Barcelona, Valencia, or Malaga, offer great infrastructure – showers, toilets, and access for people with disabilities. With a rented car, you can easily visit hidden coves in Catalonia or Andalusia that are not easily accessible by public transport, and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Montenegro:
The Montenegrin coast offers a mix of organized and free beaches. On the Budva Riviera, in Herceg Novi, or the Bay of Kotor, sunbed prices range from €6 to €20, depending on location and exclusivity. Umbrellas are often charged separately, so a full set can cost around €15. Still, most beaches have a section reserved for towels and your own gear. A rented car allows you to visit several different beaches in one day, from luxury beach bars to hidden coves on the Ulcinj Riviera where prices are much more affordable.
Bulgaria:
Bulgaria is known for its wide, sandy, and well-kept beaches on the Black Sea, such as Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, and Nessebar. Sunbeds here are among the cheapest in the region, usually €10–15 per set, while much of the coast remains free and accessible to all. Many beaches offer water sports, great facilities for families, and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. With a car from Avaco Rent a Car, you can easily visit multiple resorts and find the perfect combination of peace, fun, and affordable prices.
How to Choose a Car for Your Summer Vacation?
- For city destinations and narrow coastal towns:
If your priority is easy parking, low fuel consumption, and agility in city crowds or narrow coastal streets, we recommend mini-class models such as Fiat 500 or Toyota Yaris.
- For longer trips and more luggage:
For family trips or longer routes, we recommend more spacious models such as Opel Astra or Škoda Rapid.
- For adventurers and nature lovers:
If you plan trips on more demanding terrain or into nature, SUV models like Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson will provide extra safety and comfort.
- For larger groups or lots of luggage:
For group travel or transfers, VAN models like Renault Espace or Renault Traffic are practical.
Tips for Traveling with a Rental Car
- Book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak season.
- Check the rental conditions for driving (more about the terms).
- Plan your route and parking in advance, especially in popular resorts.
- Always have a valid driver’s license, passport, and insurance.
Conclusion
Traveling to the sea from Serbia has never been easier – with the right choice of car from the Avaco Rent a Car fleet, your holiday begins the moment you get behind the wheel. Whether you choose an economical model for two, a family SUV, or a luxury car, book your vehicle on time and enjoy the freedom that only a rent a car can provide.
