River

Montenegro River Paradise - Discover Rivers of Montenegro

When someone mentions the country of Montenegro, the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful Adriatic Sea that fascinates us with its remarkable beauty. However, the history of Montenegro and its culture have something more to boast about.

Did you know that Montenegro’s rivers are some of the cleanest rivers in the entire world. They are famous for their rich ecosystem of numerous fish species, beautiful nature, and extremely fun water activities that attract many tourists from all over the world, especially during the summer.

Here is the story of some of the most fascinating Montenegro’s rivers and reasons why saying ‘Montenegro river paradise’ is not only popular, but true.

Facts about Montenegro Rivers

Here are some interesting facts about Montenegro’s rivers:

  • There are around 25 named rivers in Montenegro
  • Many Montenegrin rivers are spring-fed and known for exceptional clarity and turquoise color.
  • Deep canyons – some of Europe’s most dramatic canyons are located in Montenegro, including one of the deepest in the world.
  • Short and fast – since Montenegro is mountainous, its rivers tend to be relatively short yet fast, often ideal for rafting, kayaking, and hydropower.
  • High biodiversity – their purity and varied environments support numerous endemic species of fish, plants, and aquatic life.
  • Adventure tourism hotspots – Montenegro’s rivers are central to rafting, canyoning, and eco-tourism, especially in Durmitor and Prokletije regions.

What are the Major Rivers of Montenegro?

Despite being small in size, Montenegro is geographically very diverse. Amid its stunning Adriatic coastline and dramatic mountains, it also boasts pristine rivers and deep canyons. If you’re wondering what river runs through Montenegro, the most internationally famous one is definitely the Tara River. It is one of the four major rivers of Montenegro, alongside the Piva River, Morača and Zeta.

Tara River – the Famous Freshwater Beauty

In Montenegro, the Tara River Canyon is known as one of the most popular and most visited places since it never fails to amaze people with its gorgeous, clear water and enchanting landscapes that surround it. This is the second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon, and the largest one in Europe.

Tara River is the natural border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is 146,4 kilometres long and 1,333 meters deep at its deepest part of the canyon. It springs from the foot of Mount Komovi in Montenegro, from two smaller rivers – ‘Opasnica River’ and ‘Verusa’. With the Piva river, Tara river makes the infamous Drina river.

This beautiful river in Montenegro is ideal for rafting, zip line, and kayaking, which became the most popular activities among the adventurous people who love to enjoy all the charms this river has to offer. It is also a fishing paradise since its ecosystem is extremely rich with freshwater fish species.

The famous ‘Djurdjevica bridge’ is an inevitable part of the visit, because it offers an incredible view of the river. It is also known as the “Tear of Europe” in Montenegro, and it was drinkable until recent years. Tara is under UNESCO protection as a part of the National Park of Durmitor, one of the most famous mountains in Montenegro.

Ibar River – A Wild and Beautiful Masterpiece of Nature

Ibar River is a 276 kilometres long river that flows in eastern Montenegro and southern Serbia. It springs from the foot of the mountain Hilaj in the eastern part of Montenegro and goes all the way to the Zapadna Morava river, near the Serbian city of Kraljevo.

This river is famous for its wild beauty that attracts many anglers who come to fish for some of the most delicious freshwater fish of the Ibar river. This is also the Montenegro river paradise for those who like to spend their time in a peaceful Montenegrin nature.

Blue river

Bojana River – the Oasis for Windsurfing and Paragliding

One of the most beautiful rivers in Montenegro is the famous Bojana River, 41 kilometres long. It springs from the Skadar Lake and flows into the Adriatic Sea. At the confluence of the river Bojana and the sea is the river island of Ada Bojana, a famous place for tourists.

River Bojana is known for its miraculous beauty, but also for the unbelievable fact that it flows simultaneously downstream and upstream. It is because, in its upper part, the bottom of the riverbed is approximately 36 kilometres above sea level. That makes this strange phenomenon where the freshwater and saltwater meet and mix.

The ecosystem of the river Bojana is rich with almost 140 fish and 300 bird species. It is also known as a true Montenegro river paradise for fun activities such as windsurfing, paragliding, and fairytale-like horseback riding on the coastline, during the wonderful sunsets. Next to Bojana river are the remains of the old Orthodox church of Saints Bacchus and Sergius.

Rive Lim – Great Rafting Utopia for All Adventures

The River Lim springs from the incredible Plav Lake in the Plav town in the northeast part of the country and flows into the Drina river. It is 220 kilometres long and it flows through three Balkan countries, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This beautiful river in Montenegro creates a so-called ‘composite valley’ with many interesting basins and gorges. Lim River is one of the most popular rivers in the Balkans for rafting.

One of the main reasons why many people come to visit the Lim river is because of the rich historical and cultural heritage on its coast. The most famous attractions you can visit are the monuments from the 12th century and Orthodox monasteries.

Morača River – The Remarkable Symbol of Podgorica

Morača river is a fast, mountain river, with a length of 99,5 kilometres which flows through the canyon, settled north of Montenegro’s capital. It springs from the foot of the mountains ‘Veliki Zebaoc’ and Lola and flows into the Skadar Lake. Cijevna river and Zeta river are Morača’s largest tributaries.

According to the fact that the river is shallow and small (only 100 meters wide), the Morača River has never changed its course. It is known for its incredible hydropower and it is considered to be one of the most famous symbols of Podgorica.

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Montenegro River Beauties – Gorgeous Nature of the Country

Besides these remarkable, clear rivers of Montenegro, it is worth mentioning the beautiful Piva River and Zeta River, considered to be a true, natural paradise for a phenomenal holiday away from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city.

There is also the Rijeka Crnojevica river, Cijevna river, Ljuta river, Skurda river, and many others known for their unreal, natural beauty. Wherever you go in Montenegro, you can enjoy some of the most exquisite and gorgeous freshwater sights.

Drifting on Montenegro Rivers from Porto Montenegro

To visit these remarkable rivers and fall in love with the country completely, you can stay in Porto Montenegro and organize your activities from this location. We also offer different sports activities and lessons, such as archery or powerboating. You can enjoy your stay in the Regent Hotel and Siro Hotel and get exceptional comfort, personalized service, and beautiful views of the luxurious marina in Montenegro.

From Tivat, Porto Montenegro to the rafting centre on the Tara River, for example, the distance is about 179 km, and the drive takes roughly 3.5 hours by car. Take a day or two to visit some of these beautiful rivers in Montenegro, and see for yourself why they are one of the most beautiful symbols of the Balkans!