Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Serbia, a Balkan nation with a rich sporting heritage, offers numerous opportunities for expatriates eager to practice their favorite sports or discover new disciplines. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual enthusiast, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for in this country where sports hold a prominent place in the local culture.
Serbian Sports Essentials: Passion on Every Field
Serbia stands out for its passion for team sports, which are an integral part of the national identity. Here’s a list of the main popular sports to practice in this country:
- Basketball: A true institution in Serbia, basketball is considered the king of sports. Serbians excel in this discipline, as evidenced by the national team’s numerous successes on the international stage.
- Soccer: Although less dominant than basketball, soccer remains very popular in Serbia, with a competitive national league and historic clubs like Red Star Belgrade.
- Volleyball: Serbia is a world powerhouse in this sport, both for men and women. The national teams have won numerous European and world titles.
- Water Polo: The quintessential water sport, water polo is particularly appreciated in Serbia, a country ranked among the world’s best nations in this discipline.
- Tennis: Thanks in particular to Novak Djokovic’s success, tennis has gained popularity in recent years and attracts many players.
- Handball: A highly popular team sport, handball enjoys a strong tradition in Serbia, with national teams regularly present in major international competitions.
Where to Practice Your Favorite Sport: Quality Facilities for Every Taste
Serbia boasts excellent sports facilities, allowing expatriates to practice their sports under optimal conditions:
- Gyms: Major cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, or Niš have numerous modern, well-equipped gyms. Some are open 24/7, offering great flexibility for expatriates.
- Stadiums and Sports Complexes: The country has several international-level soccer and basketball stadiums, such as the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade (home of Red Star) or the Štark Arena for basketball.
- Swimming Pools and Aquatic Centers: For swimming and water polo enthusiasts, many public and private pools are available in major cities.
- Tennis Courts: The growing popularity of tennis has led to an increase in courts, both indoor and outdoor, throughout the country.
- Parks and Green Spaces: Serbian cities have numerous parks where you can practice running, cycling, or other outdoor activities.
The Sports Center of the Football Association of Serbia, located in Stara Pazova, is a perfect example of high-level sports infrastructure. This 12-hectare complex offers facilities for various sports, including six FIFA-standard soccer fields, a 1500m² multi-sports hall, and a modern fitness center.
Sports Budget in Serbia: Affordable Rates for Every Wallet
One of the advantages of practicing sports in Serbia is the relatively affordable cost of sports activities compared to other European countries. Here’s an overview of the prices you can expect as an expatriate:
- Monthly gym membership: Between 20 and 40 euros per month, depending on the quality of facilities and services offered.
- Tennis court rental: Approximately 10 to 15 euros per hour.
- Pool admission: Between 2 and 5 euros per session.
- Group classes (yoga, fitness, etc.): Between 5 and 10 euros per session.
- Sports equipment: Prices are generally lower than in Western Europe, with many international brands available.
For a monthly sports budget, an expatriate can expect to spend between 50 and 100 euros, depending on the frequency and type of activities practiced. This amount typically includes a gym membership and a few complementary activities.
Good to Know:
Many sports clubs offer preferential rates for students and seniors, so don’t hesitate to inquire about these special offers.
Serbia thus offers an ideal environment for sports-loving expatriates, combining quality infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, and affordable prices. Whether you’re a fan of basketball, soccer, tennis, or any other sport, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for in this country where passion for sports is omnipresent.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
