Six barrels
„Sokobanya, Sokograd - dođeš mator, odeš mlad!” „Sokobanya, Sokograd, come here old and leave young”!
Sokobanya (literally translated: “A Falcon spa”) is a small, beautiful city and municipality, which lies 40 km from the city Aleksinac (a city near the exit of the highway E75). Sokobanya is one of Serbia’s first ecologically oriented municipalities. Tourism and agriculture comprise most of its economic activity.
The city of Sokobanya is located on the Moravitsa River bank, between Ozren and Rtanj Mountains, 400m above the sea level. The town was named after the Soko grad (Falco, Soko town) fortress, which is located 2 km from the center of Sokobanya, near the Moravitsa River. Built in the late Middle Ages on the site of ancient Roman remains, the fortress is perched on a spectacular cliff.
Today, Sokobanya is one of the most popular spas in Serbia. Its ideal climate, and restorative thermal and mineral springs are among some of the best in this part of Europe. Sokobanya has attracted visitors for over 150 years. The spa’s healing medicinal springs appeal to those who suffer from chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, psychoneurosis, high blood pressure, chronic rheumatism, exhaustion and a series of other ailments. Therefore there is a saying about Sokobanya: „Sokobanya, Sokograd - dođeš mator, odeš mlad!” „Sokobanya, Soko Grad, come here old and leave young!
But you can certainly come here if you are in perfect health! Visiting Sokobanya is the best way to relax, hike and discover secret and mystical places full of legends…
About this cache:
The Moravitsa River, approaching the Sokobanya city, penetrates and curves between rocks in a gorge with very steep slopes. However, its cold, crystal clear water attracts many swimmers and people loving sunbathing on its narrow banks. As a result of human efforts, few beaches were arranged on the banks of Moravitsa, named quite funny: Six barrels, or Gentleman, for example.
Zhupan beach
If you want to discover this side of Sokobanya, i.e. its “Saint Tropez”, embark toward the beautiful Park Banyitsa, which lies on the east side of the city. The park spreads along the Moravitsa River, south, to the Hotel Banjica. Few hotels and spa springs are settled around. At the end of the road lies a Restaurant "Čoka" (Choca) and next to it – the first beach, named after the unhappy lover Zhupan (see the legend about his tragic love with lady Lepteria in the listing for “Sokograd” cache). Upstream from this beach in a small canyon there few places – beaches to swim, which are suitable even for diving (depth about 4 meters).
Six barrels - view from above
A little bit upstream of Zhupan lies the beach “Tesnats" (Gorge). This is the beach where the river is narrowest, but very attractive for swimmers. Furthermore, further upstream lies the beach “Shest katse” (Six barrels) which, looking from above, really resemble on 6 barrels (view the photo). Then there are "Tri katse” (Three barrels), and even further - "Gentleman beach" - where sometimes gather nudists. The beaches are located within some 500 m upstream and are very visited.
WARNING!!! Because of cold water and deep whirlpools, poor swimmers are advised to be accompanied by experienced swimmers!!!
Swimmers in Six barrels
How to get there: From the highway E75 take the exit toward Aleksinac (and Sokobanja), drive about 40 km toward Sokobanja.
You can easily reach "Six barrels" (and other beaches) by walking, it is only about 1 km far from the R1 point. If you drive, at the eastern end of the city, at R1 turn right, drive along Moravitsa, i.e. the Banitsa Park, about 500 meters. At R2 - Restaurant "Čoka" (Choca) - you must park. Continue by walk, following the signs, up the hill and along the river bank. The trail on some places is very narrow, and when wet – quite slippery! However, a metal fence is placed for your protection.Next to the Restaurant is the "Zhupan" beach, other beaches are upstream the river.
Please, be aware of snakes, especially in summer! Check the cache place with a stick or some branch first!!!
Please, be very careful when getting out, logging and putting back the cache, in order to protect it of Muggles! In case of lost of the cache the owner can visit the location and restore it only once per year! Thanks.
Sources: Internet. Photos: Internet and original (by Galejnik)