The Tara Canyon is the second-longest canyon in the world, second only to the Colorado canyon, and the longest canyon in Europe. The river Tara is often called “The Tear of Europe“, a name it definitely deserves. The river’s source is located under the Komovi mountain as a result of the merging of the Opasnica and the Veruša rivers. The Tara is 146,4 kilometers long, 40 km of which pass through the canyon that partly passes through Republika Srpska. In some spots, the river is an amazing 1333 meters deep.
The river and its accompanying canyon are the most popular rafting spot in the country, with a designated 25-kilometer rafting zone in the canyon. Rafting at this spot is a unique experience, most often organized in May and June, when the river is the quickest due the melting of snow. The water in the river is translucent, but very shallow. In addition to rafting, Tara is a popular fishing spot, and many passionate fishermen flock to the river to enjoy the unique experience. The Tara and its canyon are under the protection of UNESCO and are part of the Durmitor National Park. Tara got its name from the name of an Illyrian tribe, the Autariats, who inhabited the river basin in the 5th century AD. The Tara is the longest river in Montenegro, and the largest potable water source in the country, as well.
The river has a stone bed with no noticable vegetation. Even during summer, when the outside temperature can register up to 35°C, the Tara maintains a low temperature, even being unbareably cold in some regions, which doesn’t mean that bathing in the river is less of an enjoyable activity. The canyon is riddled with waterfalls, small forgotten and abandoned villages, as well as a truly unique image of nature at its purest. Every rafting tour of the river starts at Šćepan Polje, and the descent takes 3 hours to complete.
A 3-day rafting tour is also available, which will provide you with a slower and more detailed tour of the wonders and beauty that the river can afford you.
Rafting prices vary depending on the length of the tour, and whether guests stay at bungalows in Šćepan Polje or not. Prices range between €30 and €70 per person. Various tourist agencies at the seaside and in Žabljak organize rafting tours, as well as transportation, lodging and dinner.
Rafting on the Tara is a truly unique experience and an adventure that everyone should try embarking on.
Author of the text:
Marijana Niković licensed tourist guide for Montenegro.
If you are interested in guided tours in English, please contact me at:
(Viber) 00382 68 230 241
Photo credit: Jelena Vukčević - instagram profil
