5 Reasons to Visit Tara Canyon This Summer

Quick answer: Tara Canyon in northern Montenegro is one of Europe’s great wild places: a turquoise river cutting through a canyon about 78 km long and 1.3 km deep, inside UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park. Visit Tara Canyon this summer for rafting, canyoning, history and landscapes that most trend-chasing tour agencies still overlook.

The real adventure begins where the familiar ends. Once you cross the line that separates you from the unknown, a trip becomes a thrill ride like no other, and Montenegro, a true hidden gem of the Adriatic, delivers exactly that. Here are five solid reasons to visit Tara Canyon this summer.

1. The Surroundings Are Unbelievable

Just like neighbouring Croatia, Montenegro is well known for its beautiful coastline, but that doesn’t mean the north of the country should be ignored. Steep mountain ranges that resemble gigantic white boulders cover 90% of this small state. Their vertical, rugged topography made the land so hard to control that, according to local history, even the Ottoman Empire could not fully conquer it in 500 years.

Among these twisting cliffs and mist-covered highlands (visit Žabljak if you get a chance) lies a turquoise river as old and tenacious as the rocks around it. Once you know a few facts about the Tara, you’ll wonder why it isn’t more widely known.

The Tara River at a glance

Total length	144 km (89 miles)
In Montenegro	104 km (64 miles)
In Bosnia and Herzegovina	The last 40 km (25 miles)
Where it ends	Meets the Piva River to form the Drina

Along most of its course, the Tara is surrounded by untamed flora and fauna, and wild animals are a common sight. If you want to leave civilisation behind for a while, this river is a perfect choice.

2. Tara Canyon Is Unique

Much of what makes the Tara special is the Tara River Canyon itself. At 78 km (48 miles) long and around 1.3 km (0.8 miles or 4,265 feet) deep, it is the longest canyon in Montenegro and is widely described as the deepest canyon in Europe, often ranked among the deepest in the world.

The canyon is part of Durmitor National Park, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. An Abundant Range of Activities in Tara Canyon

Canyoning

With so many activities on offer, it’s no surprise that canyoning is one of the most popular experiences on the Tara. It isn’t the most extreme canyoning in Europe (for that, look to the Italian canyons across the Adriatic), but it pairs some of the most picturesque scenery around with experiences you won’t forget.

• Skurda and Nevidio: perfect settings for adrenaline-filled adventuring.
• Rikavac: ideal for canyoning beginners who are just learning the ropes (pun intended).

Rafting

A rafting experience on the Tara river is always a good option. It is less demanding and more sightseeing-oriented than canyoning. One of the most popular rafting routes begins in Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the confluence of the Tara and Piva rivers.

History and bungee jumping

Near that confluence stand the ruins of the medieval fortress of Soko, an unmissable stop for history buffs. In fact, Montenegro is brimming with rich historical details that harken back to the distant past.

Don’t miss the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, an impressive landmark at the crossroads between Mojkovac, Žabljak and Pljevlja. Standing 564 feet above the river, it is one of the most iconic bungee jumping locations in this part of Europe.

4. Reconnect With Your Friends in New Surroundings

Pushing through the wilderness along the Tara with a group of friends is a great way to bond and reconnect. The canyoning and rafting here are not too daunting, striking a perfect balance between casual adventure and time in nature. That also makes the Tara a great option for team building.

5. Adventure Like No Other

Montenegro is a very small country, but don’t let that fool you. Its topography is incredibly rich, with jaw-dropping geographical variety and breathtaking landscapes.

Combine that with remarkable historical sites and you have a sandbox for adventure that feels ripped from a modern open-world RPG. The Tara River has flowed among the Durmitor mountains for thousands of years; many areas along it are untouched by civilisation, and those that have been touched are full of historical significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tara Canyon?

Tara Canyon is in northern Montenegro, within Durmitor National Park. The Tara River runs 104 km through Montenegro and its last 40 km through Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How deep is Tara Canyon?

It reaches about 1.3 km (4,265 feet) deep and runs 78 km (48 miles), making it Montenegro’s longest canyon and one widely described as the deepest in Europe.

What can you do in Tara Canyon?

Popular activities include rafting, canyoning (Skurda, Nevidio and the beginner-friendly Rikavac), visiting the Soko fortress ruins and bungee jumping from the Đurđevića Tara Bridge.

Is Tara Canyon good for beginners?

Yes. Rafting on the Tara is sightseeing-oriented, and Rikavac is suited to first-time canyoners, which also makes the area great for groups.

Conclusion

Tara Canyon combines a wild, turquoise river, one of Europe’s most dramatic canyons and a long list of summer adventures. Montenegro is on its way to becoming a trendy destination, so “claim” the country’s interior before others do. After all, that’s what adventuring is all about.

Roxana is a Sydney based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing and aesthetical. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife.

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