Tara River Gorge – Meet the Turquoise Treasure of Montenegro

Yes, the Tara Canyon is absolutely worth visiting thanks to its breathtaking depth and untouched natural beauty. It is one of the most memorable places you can experience in Montenegro, often called “The Tear of Europe,” offering some of the clearest and cleanest waters on the continent.

Adventure lovers can enjoy rafting, zip-lining, hiking and other outdoor activities that make the canyon one of Montenegro’s top adrenaline destinations. The iconic Đurđevića Tara Bridge provides spectacular views and is a highlight for photographers. It’s also great for families and casual visitors who simply want a peaceful escape in a UNESCO-protected environment.

The Tara River Gorge is located in the northern part of Montenegro, within Durmitor one of the most famous national parks of Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It stretches from the Komovi and Durmitor mountains all the way to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, forming the natural boundary between the two countries along its lower section.

Some of the most famous Tara Canyon viewpoints, including the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, are near the town of Žabljak.

The crystal clear Tara River Gorge extends between lush green and snow-covered mountain peaks, emerging in all its unparalleled glory.

The Tara River is created by two separate rivers of Montenegro that rise in the Komovi Mountains – Opasanica and Veruša. As previously mentioned, the Tara River Gorge walls are around 1300 m deep, making it the second largest canyon in the world, but also the first one when it comes to its remarkable beauty.

The Tara river is 158 km long and has a whopping 14 rivers flowing into it, with 69 rapids, so it is no wonder why it is such a popular rafting destination in Montenegro. Another feature that adds to its wild character are the cascades – there are more than 40 of them, with the most prominent of them being Crna Vrela, Bijela Vrela, Djavolje Lazi, Sokolovina and Bijeli Kamen.

Aside from being one of the most beautiful sites you’ll ever see in Montenegro, the beauty of Tara river gorge was also recognized by UNESCO.

In 1977 it became a part of the “Man and Biosphere” program for its diverse flora and fauna species.

Fish like trout, huchen and grayling, and animals such as eagles, vultures, bears, wolves and foxes, all find refuge in the wilderness surrounding the gorge. Forests are filled with oaks, black pine trees and ashes, and the water from the river is clean throughout the entire stream.

The last 40 km of the Tara River serve as natural border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this lower part of the river is also the one most packed with rapids, thereby the most popular for organizing Tara canyon rafting and kayaking activities, as the rapids speed up the river flow and make the rides faster and the entire experience more adventurous.

We’ve written about the countless adventures in Montenegro that await all adrenaline junkies and nature lovers once they start exploring the country.

Engaging in such trips is not only healthy, but also fun, and helps you create more profound memories, filled with pumped up adrenaline, laughter, as well as eye-pleasing natural and historical sites everywhere you turn.

If you’re wondering what to do in the Tara River Gorge you can choose among the activities such as horseback riding, hiking, jeep safari, ziplining on the Đurđevića bridge, canyoning – you name it, the possibilities are endless! But, there are always some activities that are more popular than others, and one of them is definitely Tara canyon rafting.

When it comes to rafting, this famous location is as good as it gets in Montenegro.

Rafting is an adrenaline activity exclusively done on fast rivers with lots of rapids. When it comes to Tara River rafting, you can raft from the upper or the lower part of the river, with each raft carrying up to 9 people.

The most exciting part of rafting in the Tara Canyon is the lower part of the river, filled with more rapids and a faster stream. The rafting season starts in April, but since the water is still cold from the winter, this is something we recommend to die-hard, already experienced adventurers, while the peak of the summer is perfect for families with young children.

Depending on the water level, the Tara canyon rafting can take up to 5 hours, while earlier in the season it is much faster to cross the same distance – the higher the water level, the less time it takes to cross from the start to the end point.

Yes, you can swim in the Tara River in Montenegro, but it’s important to know that the water is extremely cold year-round because it comes from mountain springs and snowmelt. And even though summer in Montenegro might be the best season to visit if you’re interested in swimming, you should know that the water in the Tara River stays extremely cold even in July and August, usually between 7°C and 12°C.

Many rafting camps have calm, shallow areas where visitors safely take quick dips. However, the river inside the canyon is fast, deep, and not suitable for casual swimming.

So, yes, swimming is possible, but only briefly, carefully, and in designated safe spots.

The easiest access point to the Tara River Canyon is the area around Đurđevića Tara Bridge. So, if you’re wondering if you can drive to the Tara Canyon directly, the answer is yes. You can park near the bridge, and explore viewpoints on foot.

Most viewpoints, zipline stations, and rafting meeting points are accessible by car, making it an easy day trip. Some deeper canyon viewpoints require short hikes or guided tours, but the main attractions are all reachable by road.

If you’re starting your journey in Porto Montenegro, Tivat, or other parts of the Montenegrin coast, you can reach the Tara River Canyon by driving through Nikšić and Žabljak (about 3–4 hours).

If you’re coming from Podgorica, the route through Mojkovac and Žabljak takes around 2.5 hours. The roads are paved and scenic, but mountainous, so expect curves and slower driving.

You might have already realized the pattern, but the harsh truth is that the most magical routes are the toughest to overcome. Most of the time, these routes lead to the most striking viewpoints – ones that will certainly stay in your memory if you decide to persevere.

Hiking in Montenegro is accessible to everyone, from the youngest to the most experienced, from the ones that see it as an enjoyable walk, to the ones who see it as a challenge – all you need to do is pick the pace that suits you best, and bring your hiking shoes.

If you happen to be staying at Porto Montenegro residences and plan on taking a road trip and discover our country, or you just happen to be passing by on a cruise with our marina as one of your stops – make sure that your desire for adventure stays intact by exploring our beautiful country with the Tara River Gorge, along with its’ magnificent natural world.