Ritam grada / Rhythm of the city
ginative ways. The contrast between the peaceful exte- rior surrounding summer homes and the awareness that you’re a long way from civilisation while being just a stone’s throw away is exclusive to Ada Međica. Great War Island Great War Island, the most serious of Belgrade’s river islands, is protected as an official natural asset of Serbia and a nature reserve for 196 bird species, many of which are endangered. Here new arrivals feel as tho- ugh they’ve found themselves in some kind of deciduo- us jungle, provided they avoid the dirt lane that leads them around the entire area of 211.38 hectares. The thick undergrowth and tall vegetation block views of Kalemegdan to the south and the fa- iry-tale Zemun to the northwest, though su- ch views are not sought in such an atmosp- here of complete natural harmony. There’s also room for bathers here, on the sandy be- ach known as Lido. Here the Danube is fast- flowing and unpredictable, so be sure to stay as close to the shore as possible. There also ri- ver taxis carrying people to this island from a po- int near the Hotel Yugoslavia, or you can access it via the seasonal pontoon bridge. The reason is clear: to forget about the city as quickly as possible. Ada Huja Ada Huja offers you a four-kilometre-long prome- nade, but your thoughts will wander even then, as you approach the greatest attraction in the area: a karting circuit that’s the longest in Belgrade. Or as you head for a game of tennis on the nearby courts. Nowadays only rare experienced residents of Rospi Ćuprija, whi- ch is connected to the island, can reveal to you the se- crets of the ruins of an ancient Celtic necropolis and springs of sulphur-rich medicinal water. All of this ill- ustrates why you should tour all the green oases of Belgrade on the river islands of the Sava and Danu- be. They have something for everyone, and are everyt- hing for someone.
ddle of their tour, or at the far end of the lake, they are awaited by a special pleasure in the form of the Aqua ski cable system for water skiing and wakeboar- ding. Even more courage is required to leap from the “uzletišta” bungee jump platform, from a height of 55 metres. Although Ada also hosts competitive sai- ling events, the July offer is focused on swimming. It is also possible to rent pedal boats, water bikes and SUP (standup paddleboards). Children are able to try out the inflatable fort on the water, where all games are harmless and fun. Even those who don’t fancy paddling won’t find themselves lacking in activities, given that the he- tball terrain, a baseball diamond, badmin- ton courts etc. There is also the Adventu- re Park, catering for recreational visitors of all ages and fitness levels. The objective is, once again, similar for everyone: they need to overcome obstacles along an eleva- ted walkway positioned between platforms raised high on trees. Sports anglers also have their own little spot, on the banks of Ada safa- ri pond, nestled in the thick forest on the other side of the earthen isthmus connecting the former ri- ver island to the land. You can also travel to the main- land by river taxi, which carries you across the Sava to the New Belgrade side. Ada Međica art of the former island boasts a nine-hole golf course, rugby pitch, basketball courts, a pain- Water taxis also carry passengers from the New Belgrade side to Ada Međica, which is practically he- aven on earth. Free of electricity mains connections, with the only power available from solar panels, Ada Međica guarantees total peace and quiet. Here you can swim upstream. This discipline is also promoted throu- gh a race that’s held in August, while both old and yo- ung alike spend July preparing for it. The reward that comes in July is letting the Sava carry you downstre- am, all the way to the upper tip of the island, where you emerge from the water to enjoy another ambien- ce: observing the numerous river vessels that are anc- hored here at dusk. The stilt houses located across the island provide the inspiration for another type of competition: decorating homes and yards in the most ima-
Zbog guste šume zovu je zelenom oazom, a zbog jezera – beogradskim morem Due to it being densely forested it is dubbed a green oasis, and due to its Lake-the Belgrade Sea Ada Ciganlija
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