Tara Canyon is the world's second deepest canyon — after the Grand Canyon in the USA. Length 78 km, maximum depth 1300 m. Part of Durmitor National Park (UNESCO 1980). The emerald-green water of the Tara is the cleanest large river in Europe (drinkable directly).
🌊 The Tara River
The Tara rises in the northern Montenegrin mountains, flows 144 km to its confluence with the Piva (together they form the Drina on the border with Bosnia). Emerald colour due to carbonates, I and II category rapids (safe for amateur rafting). Fastest flow through the canyon — 50 km, with over 50 rapids.
🚣 Tara rafting
Most popular activity in Montenegro. Standard route:
- Start: Šćepan Polje (border with BiH).
- Length: 18 km (day rafting) or 80 km (3-day).
- Duration: 3–4 hours active rafting + breaks.
- Price: 50–70 EUR (including equipment, water, lunch, transport).
- Season: April–October. Fastest water in May (snowmelt).
- Safety: no prior experience needed, II–III category rapids.
Main operators: Tara Tour, Highlander Rafting, Camp Encian.
🌉 Đurđević Tara Bridge
Famous concrete arch bridge over the Tara, at a height of 172 m, length 365 m. Built in 1940 — was Europe's largest concrete arch bridge. From World War II: in May 1942 partisans partly demolished the bridge to stop the Italian offensive. Chief engineer Lazar Jauković, who designed the bridge, demolished his own work (later shot by the Italians).
Zipline across the bridge: 15 EUR, 60-second ride at 60 km/h over the canyon. Adrenaline hit. Two parallel ziplines — you can ride with a friend.
👁️ Viewpoints
- Ćurevac (1625 m) — most beautiful view of the canyon, by off-road vehicle or long walking access.
- Đurđević Tara Bridge — most photographed.
- Tepca — small mountain village above the canyon.
🏠 Accommodation
- Šćepan Polje — rafting camps and bungalows (from 25 EUR/night).
- Žabljak (40 km) — nearest real town, more options.
- Plužine — smaller town on the other side.
🚗 How to get there
Šćepan Polje is 100 km from Podgorica (2 hours by car), 250 km from Sarajevo (4 hours). Most rafting includes transport from hotels in Žabljak or from the coast.