Montenegro, a small country in the Balkans, charms tourists not only with its beautiful Adriatic beaches but also with picturesque mountain landscapes and unique canyons. Two of the most beautiful canyons in this region are the Moraca Canyon and the Tara Canyon, which provide unforgettable tourist attractions for nature lovers, travelers, and seekers of incredible views.
Moraca Canyon
The Moraca Canyon is located in central Montenegro, near the main road that connects the capital, Podgorica, with the southern part of the country. The Morača River flows through a narrow, impressive canyon, which is one of the most important natural landmarks in the region. Its steep, rocky walls rise up to 1000 meters high, creating a breathtaking view.
The Morača River, 113 km long, originates in the Prokletije Mountains and flows through the eastern part of the country, creating deep gorges and picturesque cascades. In the lower part of the canyon, especially near the Moraca Bridge, there is one of the most famous spots in the region, attracting tourists and photographers from all over the world.
Around the canyon, you can admire unique flora and fauna, including rare plant species and wild animals such as deer, wild boars, and numerous birds of prey. Although the river itself is relatively shallow, in some places, it forms deep pools where you can bathe in the crystal-clear water.
Tara Canyon
The Tara Canyon is one of the deepest and most beautiful canyons in Europe and simultaneously one of the most important tourist attractions of Montenegro. It is located southeast of the Moraca Canyon, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Tara River, 144 km long, creates a canyon that, in some places, has a depth of up to 1300 meters, making it one of the deepest in Europe.
This is a breathtaking place, offering tourists stunning views of steep slopes covered with lush vegetation and the blue waters of the river winding along the canyon’s bottom. Tara is also known as the “Blue River,” whose water takes on an intense turquoise color, making it one of the most photographed spots in Montenegro.
In the area around the Tara Canyon is the Tara National Park, which covers nearly 80 km of the river and canyon. This protected area offers numerous hiking and biking trails. It is also a paradise for extreme sports enthusiasts, such as rafting. The Tara River is one of the best places for rafting in Europe, and its wild, mountain waters provide unforgettable experiences.
How to get to the canyons?
Both canyons are easily accessible from Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, where international airports are located. From Podgorica, you can reach the Moraca Canyon by car in about an hour, while the Tara Canyon can be reached in less than two hours.
How to get to the canyons from Budva?
From Budva, a popular seaside resort, it is also easy to get to both the Moraca and Tara Canyons. Budva is located about 65 km southwest of the capital, Podgorica, and serves as a convenient base for visiting these natural wonders.
To Moraca Canyon: From Budva to the Moraca Canyon, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. The route follows a scenic road along the coast and then leads inland. It is worth making a few stops to enjoy the breathtaking views. It is best to rent a car or use local transport services.
To Tara Canyon: The drive from Budva to the Tara Canyon takes about 2–2.5 hours by car. The route passes through the mountainous part of Montenegro, offering tourists unforgettable views of the wild nature. It is a longer journey, but the road through the picturesque mountain ranges makes up for all the travel difficulties.
Montenegro offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to charming guesthouses and agrotourism, ensuring comfortable stays near these natural wonders. For those seeking true contact with nature, campsites along the Tara River are available, where you can spend time surrounded by the wilderness.
The Moraca and Tara Canyons are among the most beautiful natural attractions of Montenegro, impressing tourists with their wilderness, landscape beauty, and unique views. These incredible places offer unforgettable experiences for both hiking enthusiasts and fans of water sports. It’s worth adding these canyons to your travel list to experience the magical atmosphere that Montenegro’s nature offers.
