Tara River Canyon

Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe and running a course of 150 km (93.75 miles), the truly spectacular Tara River Canyon is one of the longest gorges in Europe and at its deepest cuts more than 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) through the Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. Running northwards and feeding into the Drina River, which rises in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sutjeska National Park, the Tara is fed in its turn by five tributaries and its canyon is blessed with more than 40 cascading waterfalls bringing crystal-clear water from the Dinaric Alps.
Along the canyon’s limestone walls are numerous cave complexes; at the foot of its sheer cliffs are pebble-sized beaches, rocky viewpoints and vast boulders dumped by the force of the river; and at its highest point rises the peak of Ćurevac, which looms 1,625 meters (5,331 feet) over the river. Since plans to dam and flood the Tara river canyon were shelved in 2005, the river has become the most challenging and popular white-water rafting attraction in the country thanks to its bubbling rapids, emerald water and awesome canyon scenery, lined with lush, overhanging forest. A variety of river-borne adventures are available, dependent on experience, from one-day to four-day packages; rafting tours can also be combined with jeep safaris or several days’ hiking into the national parks.

Practical Info

Best reached by car from Zabljak. The canyon is free to access, but there are charges for white-water rafting expeditions.