Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija is a former river island in the Čukarica municipality of Belgrade, Serbia, joined to the mainland by dams that created an artificial lake on the Sava. Locals call it the city's sea, and it is the main summer playground for the capital, with around 7 km of pebble and grass shoreline, cafes, sports pitches and cycling and running loops. Visitors can swim in the lake in season, rent a sun lounger, or hire a bicycle or rollerblades to circle the lake on a flat, shaded track. Other activities include a rope park, a bungee jump from a tall crane over the water, kayaking, wakeboarding, beach volleyball, basketball, golf and tennis. Most of the cafes and bars are strung along the main promenade and open from about 9:00 until late, while quieter picnic lawns and woodland corners lie toward the far end of the island. Entry is free, with small charges for loungers, bike hire and some activities. Lifeguards and beach services operate in summer. A visit is usually a half day or a full day, depending on the season. The best photo angles are from the lake shore at sunset, from the bridge approaches, and along the tree-lined cycling loop in early autumn. Crowds are heaviest on hot summer weekends, when the beaches are packed and queues form at the bus stops, while weekday mornings and September offer far more space. Winter is quiet, with joggers, walkers and anglers, and many seasonal facilities close. Reaching the island by city bus from the centre or Autokomanda takes about 25 to 30 minutes.