THE STORY OF THE THIRD ADA AND A SEA DAY ON THE UNA RIVER

Ines Kolundžija wrote an engaging story for our portal about the so-called "Third Ada" on the Una River, near Novi Grad. We are publishing the text in full, without edits.

PHOTO: Ines Kolundžija

Welcome to the Third Ada, an island where time stands still, worries disappear, and the only thing that flows is the Una.

Welcome to the Third Ada, an island where you'll feel like Robinson Crusoe—if only for half an hour, a day, two, maybe even three.

I first visited this place around 2010.

Back then, it wasn’t such a popular destination. It was just us—a group of friends and acquaintances.

We grilled a chicken over an open fire. What made it most memorable was how sweet it tasted after waiting so long, preparing it so carefully.

Well, to be honest, the chicken cooked itself while we enjoyed our break. And the silence.

I called it a sea day on the Una.

What struck me most was the complete absence of car and truck noise. Just the sound of the waves.

Years passed. People returned to the Third Ada. People who used to come here long ago.

My aunt told me that—and if you’re skeptical, just know she’s true Novi Grad city crowd.

You can reach the Third Ada by boat from the Novi Grad side, or by car from the Dvor side.

I went back last year. Not exactly to the island itself, but close enough.

Sand, shells, waves, travertine rock formations—what people now call a natural jacuzzi.

People have set up their own little spaces, but no one will scold you if you "trespass," unlike most other beaches.

The atmosphere is a bit hippie, and those lucky enough to camp right beside the Una are truly fortunate.

That’s something to be aware of—don’t come unprepared, like I did.

Okay, I managed for the beach part, somehow.

Funny that I thought I could write this text on the Third Ada, that it would be authentic—pen on paper.

How naïve of me. I didn’t expect a giant frog to leap beside me, probably annoyed I was disturbing its peace.

At least it wasn’t a snake.

I also didn’t consider all the bugs that would bite me.

Still, I managed to write a few lines.

To many, the Third Ada is a second home—literally.

There are old refrigerators, probably used as storage. Hanging kitchen cabinets. Wooden tables and benches.

At the Third Ada, both fish and worries are loved.

The best friends here are a dog and a wild duck.

The Third Ada is a unique gem of our region, and I truly hope it stays that way for years to come.