FORESTED AVALA With its TV tower rising high above the city and the Monument to the Unknown Hero, as well as for- ests covering more than 70 per cent of its surface area, Mount Avala is among the traditional symbols of Bel- grade. Even the most relaxed hike over Avala becomes an unpredictable adventure if you are aware that it is home to many medicinal and rare plant species; that it has eight mountain springs providing pure, clean wa- ter; that the unique blue-green avalite mineral was dis- covered on Avala; that its trees preserve the truth of numerous legends, one of which claims that the Argo- nauts even visited Avala during their quest to find the Golden Fleece. You are awaited at the top by a view of Belgrade that you’ll always remember, but also a picnic in an area of unforgettable beauty. GREEN ISLETS Along its course, the River Sava embraces the is- lands of Ada Ciganlija and Ada Međica, both located virtually in the centre of the city, while the Danube has Great War Island and the eyots of Grocka and Višnjica. Their shared ward is Little War Island, located at the confluence, while the Serbian capital also has a pen- insula: Ada Huja. Still, the most popular of them all is Ada Ciganlija, a beloved destination for all those want- ing to feel as though they’ve wandered into an area of pristine nature without leaving the city. Thanks to its dense forest, mostly comprising oaks, elms and pop- lars, it is referred to as a green oasis, while the lake is often called the Belgrade Sea. This “sea” also has its own geyser, which in truth is man made, as well as its own park of stone sculptures, numerous café-bars and restaurants, the natural Ada Safari pond and count- less other contents. It is the ideal spot to enjoy the spring holidays.
days marking the first half of one of the most beautiful spring months. Belgrade won’t disappoint you thanks to its excursion spots, forests, islands, rivers etc. Picnicking with family and friends, coming together in the fresh air, doesn’t require a big budget or complicat- ed organisation – all you actually need is nice weather! You don’t even need to travel far to find an idyllic out- door area – you can have a picnic in a city park, provid- ed it’s permitted, or in areas designated for that purpose. POPULAR KOŠUTNJAK Košutnjak extends over an area of 330 hectares, at 250 metres above sea level. Once a closed royal hunt- ing grounds, it is allegedly named after female red deer [košuta means hind]. There are unfortunately no hinds there today, but you can recognise around 30 species of bird among its treetops. Protected as a monument of nature, it is a favourite daytrip spot among Belgraders. At the foot of this forested hill is the legendary Hajduk’s drinking fountain, which dates back to the 18 th century and is among the oldest surviving spring water fountains. ENCHANTED FORESTS Belgrade is home to many forests, and here we will suggest just one for the May holidays. Banjica Forest was once known as Tito’s Grove, while it today carries the name Byford’s Forest, because it was declared a nat- ural asset and placed under state protection as a natural monument thanks to British Belgrader Timothy John Byford, a screenwriter, director and ornithologist. Home to around 70 species of birds, info signs have been in- stalled along its walkways to help you recognise some of those that you will encounter. Some of its pathways lead to the magical Banjica stream, while this is a favour- ite spot for all those really wanting to escape the city’s crowds, café-bars, sports fields...
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