Tara River Rafting – Adrenaline Through Europe’s Deepest Canyon

The Tara River is synonymous with adventure in Montenegro. Also known as the “Tear of Europe” for its exceptionally clean water, the Tara has carved the deepest canyon in Europe (up to 1,330 meters) and the second deepest in the world. The canyon part of the river is within Durmitor National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. These impressive facts alone are enough to invite nature and thrill-seekers to come and explore the Tara Canyon.

Tara rafting is the pinnacle of adrenaline tourism here. While descending the foamy rapids, you’ll experience a blend of excitement and untouched nature. You’ll cruise past magnificent canyon cliffs, under the historic Đurđevića Tara Bridge, with sights of hidden beaches and crystal-clear waterfalls visible only from the water. What makes Tara rafting special is that it’s not just about speed and adrenaline – it’s also a kind of nature safari. As you conquer the rapids, you’ll enjoy views of the lush forests covering the canyon edges, the turquoise-green color of the Tara, and the rich flora and fauna of this globally significant ecosystem. The river is so clean that its water can be drunk during most of the descent.

Who is rafting for?

The Tara rafting adventure is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The standard route often covers the most attractive part of the canyon, about 18 km long, where rapids of varying difficulty alternate with calmer sections for a break. Professional guides provide equipment (neoprene suits, helmets, life jackets) and give instructions before departure, so families with teenagers or younger children (usually 6-7+ years, accompanied by parents) can participate. The best time for rafting is late spring and summer – in spring, you’ll encounter swollen waters for more adrenaline, while in summer, the water level is lower, making the descent more relaxed and suitable for sightseeing.

What else to expect?

After an exciting day on the river, many camps on the Tara’s banks offer traditional lunch (e.g., grilled trout or lamb cooked under a “sač” – a traditional baking lid), as well as the possibility of overnight stays in bungalows or tents. The starry sky above the canyon at night, with the distant roar of the river, provides a special atmosphere. Tara rafting is not just a sport – it’s an experience that connects man and nature in its most beautiful form and is one of the adventures remembered for a lifetime.

Zipline Adventure – Flight Over Canyons and Lakes

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly like a bird over dramatic landscapes, ziplining in Montenegro provides just that feeling. In recent years, ziplining has become a hit adrenaline attraction in several locations across the country. The most popular and impressive zipline is located above the Tara River canyon, near the famous Đurđevića Tara Bridge. There are actually two cables there – the “green” zipline, 1,050 m long, and the “yellow” zipline, 824 m long – offering slightly different perspectives of the canyon. As you ride the cable high above the emerald river, the view below encompasses the world’s second-deepest canyon and the magnificent arch of the concrete bridge, making this adventure truly special. No prior training is needed – after a brief safety briefing and strapping into the harness, you’re ready to fly. Adrenaline peaks as you rush at speeds up to ~80 km/h, with the wind whistling around you, but the panoramic view of untouched nature will leave you breathless.

Besides Tara, Montenegro boasts other zipline locations:

• Zipline on Piva Lake (Plužine) – The longest zipline in the country, with a total cable length of about 1,400 m, offers an incredible flight over the turquoise surface of Piva Lake in Piva Nature Park. The flight lasts about a minute, reaching speeds up to ~65 km/h, and ends near the shore where you can also take a dip in the refreshing lake water. The panorama of dense coniferous forests and mountains surrounding the lake makes this experience special.
• Zipline Njeguši – Kotor – In Lovćen National Park, on the road from the village of Njeguši to Kotor, there’s a shorter zipline of ~420 m. Although shorter, it’s extremely attractive as it takes place at an altitude of about 900 meters, offering a fantastic view of the entire Bay of Kotor. The flight lasts about 40-50 seconds but leaves a strong impression – you’ll see the Bay of Kotor as if on the palm of your hand, surrounded by steep mountains and the blue sea.
• Zipline Brajići (Budva Riviera) – Above Budva, in Brajići, there’s a zipline of about 1,200 m. This ride offers a unique view of the coast and the endless sea. The starting point is on the slopes above the Budva Riviera, and it ends near the coast. As you glide towards the finish, you can see Sveti Stefan in the distance and the foamy waves of the Adriatic.

Zipline adventures are relatively affordable – prices range from about 20 to 50 euros per ride, depending on the length and location. Most operators provide all equipment and instructor assistance, and you can often get a video recording of your flight to take home as a souvenir. Don’t forget to bring a camera (mounted on a helmet or with a strap), as the views from above will not leave you indifferent.

Hiking and National Parks – Explore “High” Adventures

Montenegro is a land of wild mountains that rise dramatically above the sea and vast plateaus, making it a paradise for hikers. With five national parks, each with its unique character, the possibilities for exploring hiking trails are endless. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or a recreational walker eager for a gentle stroll through pristine nature, Montenegro offers trails to suit everyone’s taste and fitness level.

Durmitor National Park

The jewel of Montenegrin mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Durmitor is an unmissable destination. The park encompasses the Durmitor massif with 48 peaks over 2,000 meters (the highest being Bobotov Kuk, 2,523 m), 18 glacial lakes known as “mountain eyes” (the most famous being Crno Jezero – Black Lake), and the magnificent Tara Canyon. Hundreds of kilometers of marked trails lead through dense coniferous forests, across flowery meadows, and rocky peaks. Popular tours include climbing Bobotov Kuk, walking around Black Lake, or visiting the Ice Cave.

Prokletije National Park

Also known as the “Montenegrin Alps,” Prokletije is the youngest national park in the country, characterized by its sharp, jagged peaks, deep valleys, and rich biodiversity. This is an area for true adventurers and experienced hikers, with peaks like Zla Kolata (Montenegro’s highest peak, 2,534 m). The Grebaje and Ropojana valleys offer spectacular landscapes and are starting points for numerous climbs.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Home to one of the last three primeval forests in Europe, Biogradska Gora is an oasis of peace. The central part of the park is occupied by the beautiful Biogradsko Lake, surrounded by centuries-old trees. Educational trails around the lake are ideal for families and gentle walks, while more demanding trails lead to the peaks of Bjelasica (Crna Glava, 2,139 m) offering unforgettable views.

Lovćen National Park

Mount Lovćen is not only a natural monument but also a symbol of Montenegrin statehood and culture. At its peak, Jezerski Vrh (1,657 m), lies the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, reached by 461 steps. The view from the mausoleum of the Bay of Kotor, Skadar Lake, and distant mountains is spectacular. The park offers numerous hiking and biking trails.

Skadar Lake National Park

The largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, Skadar Lake is a paradise for bird lovers (home to the Dalmatian pelican) and calm waters. Although the lake itself is not mountainous, the surrounding mountains (Rumija, Sutorman) offer trails with beautiful views of the lake and its indented coastline, rich in historic monasteries and fishing villages.

Other Adrenaline Activities and Adventures

Besides rafting, ziplining, and hiking, Montenegro offers many other thrills for adrenaline junkies:

• Canyoning: Traversing narrow canyons like Nevidio or Međureč, combining swimming, jumping, climbing, and abseiling. A true adventure in untouched nature.
• Kayaking and Boating: Explore the calm waters of Skadar Lake, the turquoise Piva Lake, or venture into sea kayaking along the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic coast.
• Paragliding: Take off from the slopes above Budva (Brajići) or from Durmitor and experience Montenegro from a bird’s-eye view. Tandem flights are available for beginners.
• Mountain Biking: Numerous marked and unmarked trails lead through national parks and mountainous regions. The “Durmitor Ring” circular tour is popular.
• Diving: The Adriatic coast hides a rich underwater world, shipwrecks, and interesting caves, especially around Budva, Bar, and Ulcinj.
• Speleology (Caving): Explore Montenegro’s underground world. Lipska Cave near Cetinje is open for tourist visits, while numerous other caves await experienced cavers.

What to Visit in Montenegro – Most Beautiful Attractions and Sights

Montenegro is not just a land of adrenaline, but also of rich history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Here are some unmissable places:

Bay of Kotor

One of the most beautiful bays in the world, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. Be sure to visit:

• Kotor: A medieval walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get lost in its narrow streets, climb the San Giovanni fortress for an incredible view.
• Perast: A baroque town with two islands offshore – Our Lady of the Rocks (an artificial island with a church) and St. George (a natural island with a monastery).
• Herceg Novi: A city of fortresses and flowers at the entrance to the bay.
• Tivat: A modern town with the luxury marina Porto Montenegro.

Budva Riviera

The center of Montenegrin tourism, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

• Budva Old Town: A charming old town on a peninsula, with a citadel and narrow streets.
• Sveti Stefan: An iconic island-hotel, once a fishing village, now a luxury resort. Although access to the island itself is restricted, the view from the coast is unforgettable.
• Beaches: Mogren, Jaz, Bečići, Kamenovo – just some of the famous beaches.

Cetinje – Historical Capital

The heart of old Montenegro, Cetinje is a city of museums, embassies, and monasteries. Visit the Cetinje Monastery, Biljarda, King Nikola’s Palace.

Ostrog Monastery

An impressive monastery carved high into a rock face, one of the most important Orthodox shrines in the Balkans and a place of pilgrimage for believers of all faiths.

Ulcinj and Ada Bojana

The southernmost town in Montenegro, known for its long sandy Velika Plaža (Great Beach), ideal for kitesurfing, and Ada Bojana, a river island at the mouth of the Bojana River into the Adriatic Sea, a popular naturist center and a place with a specific atmosphere.

Gastronomy

Don’t miss trying local specialties: Njeguši prosciutto and cheese, lamb cooked under a “sač,” fresh seafood, kačamak, cicvara, and wash it all down with a glass of local Vranac or Krstač wine.

Montenegro is a destination that offers incredible diversity in a small area. Whether you are looking for adrenaline challenges, a peaceful nature retreat, cultural enrichment, or simply enjoying the beach, you will surely find something for yourself. Pack your bags, adventure awaits!