Tara Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Europe. It is located in the north of Montenegro and is part of the Durmitor National Park. The best way to reach this area is to rent a car, especially if you want to move freely and visit remote spots. Public transport does not go deep into the national park, and taxis can be expensive if you plan to visit many places. Driving allows you to see the canyon from above, reach rafting points, or stop at small local villages along the way.
Tara Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, reaching a depth of 1,300 metres. It stretches for around 80 kilometres, and much of it cannot be accessed by road. The Tara River is so clean that people call it the "Tear of Europe." It flows through wild forests, steep cliffs, and waterfalls, making this one of the best places for nature adventures in Montenegro. Tara Canyon is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many rare plants and animals. Visiting this canyon is not just about sightseeing. It is a real Tara Canyon adventure for outdoor lovers.
There are many exciting ways to explore Tara Canyon. Some activities are very active and adrenaline-filled, while others are calm and scenic. No matter what you choose, there are many activities that suit all ages.
Rafting is the one of the most popular activities in Tara Canyon. The rafting season runs from April to October, but the strongest rapids happen in April, May, and June. During this time, snowmelt makes the river wild and exciting. In summer, the water level goes down, but there are still enough rapids for a fun ride. The most popular starting point is Brstanovica, where you can join tours that last about 2 to 3 hours and include up to 21 rapids. Some rafting trips even stop at small waterfalls like Manita Vrela, where you can ride a raft under a natural shower.
There are longer rafting routes too, starting at Splaviste near the famous Đurđevića Tara Bridge and ending at Brstanovica. These trips can take up to 2 days and include an overnight stay at a camp inside Durmitor National Park. The rafting river class ranges between 3 and 5, depending on the time of year.
Packrafting is a newer activity in Montenegro. It is similar to kayaking but uses a light inflatable boat that fits in a backpack. You can carry it on a hike and inflate it near the river. Packrafting is perfect for people new to water sports. These boats are easy to handle, light to carry, and strong enough for rapids. The Tara River is ideal for this because it has clear water, small beaches, and quiet spots for wild camping. Some tours include overnight camping along the riverbanks.
Packrafting gives you a close connection to nature. You can see trout swimming below you and birds like herons and kingfishers above. Also, you won't need to carry heavy kayaks down wild paths. You can simply hike to the river and start your journey. This makes it a great way to enjoy a peaceful Tara Canyon adventure.
If you want to try something fast and thrilling, ziplining over Tara Canyon is a must. Near the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, there are several zipline companies. Some are cheaper than others, but all give amazing views. The zipline flies 172 metres above the canyon and reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h. It only takes a minute, but flying across the canyon is unforgettable. You can ride side by side with a friend or go solo. Children aged two and above can also try ziplining with an adult. The views from the bridge are great too, and it is a popular place to stop, even if you do not try the zipline. It is one of the best ways to enjoy your Tara Canyon adventure from above.
Curevac is the best viewpoint from which to see the whole canyon. It stands at 1,625 metres and gives a view deep into the Tara Gorge. To get there, drive from Zabljak north towards Panoramic Road 2 and follow the signs for Tepca. From there, small wooden signs marked vidikovac (viewpoint) will guide you. There is a grassy area where you can park, and then a short walk up a hill takes you to the top.
The trail is not very well marked, so bring good shoes and take your time. The views from Curevac are peaceful and dramatic. This is a perfect choice if you want a quiet activity, beautiful photos, and the feeling of standing on the edge of something great. It is not crowded here, so it is a good place to enjoy the natural silence of the canyon.
You do not need to be an expert hiker or adventurer to enjoy Tara Canyon. Families with kids can have a great time here, too. The area is safe for children and offers some fun and easy activities.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge is one of the best places for a short visit. You can walk across the bridge and enjoy the view. Just make sure to watch children closely, as the railings are climbable. Nearby, a cafe bar offers drinks and a cosy place to sit. Kids will love the hot chocolate there, especially in cold weather. There are also souvenir huts with snacks and crafts. This area is a good stop for anyone who wants to enjoy the canyon's beauty without doing intense activities. It is also a great photo spot.
Kids aged six and above can try rafting with a guide. There are family-friendly tours that focus more on fun and less on speed. Some zipline companies allow kids over 2 years old to ride with an adult. There are also short forest walks near Zabljak and the bridge. Staying in Zabljak is ideal for families. The town has restaurants, grocery shops, and warm places to stay.
Tara Canyon is one of the greenest places in Europe. The park covers over 39,000 hectares and includes lakes, rivers, mountains, and plateaus.
The Tara River is a major source of clean drinking water. You can drink straight from the river. The canyon contains over 1,300 types of plants, many of which are rare. The forests are filled with birch, beech, oak, lime, and black pine trees. The Crna Poda forest includes trees over 50 metres tall and over 450 years old. Wildlife is everywhere. You may see eagles, owls, deer, foxes, and even wolves or bears. You can spot trout, grayling, and other fish in the water. The karst limestone creates caves, cliffs, and strange rock shapes. It is one of the most beautiful geological sites in the Balkans.
One of the most special places in the canyon is the Ljutica River, the shortest river in Europe at only 130 metres long. It shines like silver and flows into the Tara. Another spot is Bailovica Sige, where a cave lake pours water over rocks into the river below. In the lower part of the canyon, you will find waterfalls like Manita Vrela. When the river is high, you can even ride under the falls by raft. The Sipcanica River is one of the most beautiful places in the canyon. It has natural pools, waterfalls, and a sandy beach. Many tours stop here for photos and a quick swim.
Tara Canyon is not easy to reach without a car. You can rent a car from cities like Podgorica. The drive to Tara Canyon includes mountain roads, unlit tunnels, and stunning views. Take your time and drive carefully. The road follows the river and goes through rock tunnels and past high cliffs. There is little traffic, so you can stop to enjoy the view.
Zabljak is the best base for hiking, rafting, and exploring. It has everything you need: hotels, cabins, restaurants, and shops. You can also stay in Sćepan Polje or near a rafting centre for rafting trips. These places offer bungalows and packages with food, rafting, and guides.
Book a rafting camp if you want to stay in nature. These camps have wooden houses, local food, and guides who know the river well. You can join multi-day rafting trips with wild camping, waterfalls, and bonfires.
Tara Canyon is a great part of a longer Montenegro road trip. You can combine it with visits to lakes, mountains, and the Adriatic coast. One popular route takes about 8 days from Zabljak to Perast. It also includes visits to the Komarnica Plateau, Susica Canyon, and Lake Skadar. The trip ends at Kotor Bay, where you can see historic towns like Perast and explore the Adriatic Sea. This trip combines wild nature and old coastal villages. You can also visit Dobrilovina Monastery, an old stone church in a quiet green valley. It is peaceful, with beehives, wild mushrooms, and local farmers nearby.
Tara Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. You can raft on clear water, fly over cliffs on a zipline, hike to quiet viewpoints, or relax in a cosy mountain town. Wild forests, rare animals, deep silence, clean rivers, and friendly people will surround you. Rent a car in Montenegro with Final Rentals to start your trip through the Balkans. You can book online, choose from a wide range of vehicles, and pick up your car at Podgorica Airport when you arrive.
