Ada Ciganlija
Ада Циганлија
A peninsula and artificial lake on the Sava River, known as “the Sea of Belgrade.” In summer, its 7-kilometer pebble beach fills with locals swimming, exercising, and sunbathing.
Ada Ciganlija was originally an island in the Sava River. In the 1960s, two dams separated it from a branch of the Sava, creating an artificial lake about 4.2 km long, and the island became a peninsula. The lakeshore has about 7 km of pebble beaches, with water quality tested regularly. It is a summer swimming destination, and during peak weekends it can draw hundreds of thousands of visitors a day, which is why it is nicknamed “the Sea of Belgrade” (Beogradsko more). The peninsula has dense forest, cycling and running paths (about 8 km around the lake), and a range of sports facilities, including golf, water-skiing cable, bungee jumping, climbing, and beach volleyball, as well as many cafés and restaurants. Lakeside bars get lively on summer evenings. You can rent bicycles or ride a small train around the lake. On the Sava side, dozens of floating restaurants and bars called splavs line the river. Getting there: take a bus from the city center for about 20 to 30 minutes, with extra buses in summer, or cycle along the Sava riverbank. Beach access is free, while some sports facilities and sun loungers charge fees.
Opening hours
Open all day; lifeguards on duty approx. 09:00–19:00 in summer
Nearby sights
- Museum of African Art
- Western City Gate (Genex Tower)
- Topčider Park & Prince Miloš's Residence
- Museum of Yugoslavia
- Belgrade Waterfront
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Royal Compound (Dedinje)
- Great War Island