8 most incredible canyons of Montenegro

Montenegro has some of the most beautiful canyons in Europe.

Montenegro is a country with exceptional natural beauty. It can be seen in national parks, rivers, lakes and other natural wonders. In this blog post, we will show you 8 most incredible canyons from all over Montenegro.

8 most incredible canyons of Montenegro: Tara Canyon

1.Canyon Nevidio

Canyon Nevidio is among the last discovered canyons in Europe, it is 3.5 km long, and the average depth is 150 m. Located in the southern part of Durmitor National Park and part of river Mala Komarnica, Nevidio Canyon is a true masterpiece of nature. Translating to “the unseen” due to its hidden depths, this canyon offers a challenging and exciting canyoning experience in Montenegro. With its narrow, vertical walls and crystal-clear waters, Nevidio Canyon is a paradise for adrenaline seekers. As you descend through its narrow passages, expect to encounter stunning waterfalls, natural pools, and captivating rock formations. Nevidio Canyon is among the best canyoning spots in Montenegro, drawing canyoning enthusiasts from around the world. Nevidio canyon invites all the sporty and brave people who want to enjoy nature and make some unforgettable memories.

Activities you can do here: Canyoning, climbing, swimming, trekking

Best recommended for: couples, young people, Adventure Seekers

Level of difficulty: Difficult

Canyon Nevidio

2.Tara Canyon

Regarded as one of the deepest canyons in the world (first in Europe, second in the world after canyon of river Colorado in USA), the Tara River Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must-visit for canyoning enthusiasts in Montenegro. Located within Durmitor National Park, this canyon offers a unique combination of rugged cliffs, blue river waters, and lush greenery. Descending into the canyon, you’ll encounter numerous waterfalls, fast-flowing rapids, and tranquil pools. The Tara River Canyon provides an awe-inspiring scenery for an unforgettable canyoning, fishing, rafting   experience, making it a top choice for adventure seekers exploring Montenegro’s canyons.

The Tara River consists of two separate rivers that originate in the Komovi Mountains, Opasanica and Varuša. The cliffs of the canyon are an incredible 1300 m deep, which makes it the second deepest canyon in the world, but definitely the first in terms of beauty and harmony.

The Tara River is 158 km long, has as many as 14 tributaries, as well as an incredible 69 rapids, so it is not surprising that it is the most popular destination for rafting in all of Montenegro. Another feature, or rather several features, which only contribute to its wild and untouched description are the waterfalls - as many as 40 of them, of which Crna Vrela, Bijela Vrela, Djavolje Laži, Sokolovina and Bijeli Kamen stand out the most.

Activities you can do here: Rafting, 3 types of zipline, paragliding, Scenic Drive

Best recommended for: Everyone!

Level of difficulty: Easy

Tara canyon

3.Moraca canyon

The second largest canyon in Montenegro, which is characterized by steep banks, is the Morača river canyon. It is located in the middle part of the river's course before its exit to the Zeta plain, in the territory of the municipalities of Podgorica and Kolašin. It looks like it consists of two parts: a flat one, which flows into the Skadar lake in the territory of the municipality of Podgorica, and a mountainous one, which begins in the northern part of Montenegro near the Rzača mountain. In the mountainous part of its course, the river cut a canyon up to 1000 m deep in the rocks, which is characterized by steep banks.

Moraca Canyon

The length of the Morača river is more than 100 km, and through the mountain canyon it stretches only 30 km in the middle part of the river and cuts a gorge consisting of vertical karst rocks. In the part of “Tisovo vrh” that is the deepest in the canyon, the depth of the canyon is about 1000 m. But in any case, it is one of the most beautiful river canyons in Montenegro that separates the Morača mountains from Sinjajevina. An absolutely unique place that will leave you breathless. Morača Canyon is a true example of the incredible strength and power of nature.

Among the main attractions within the Morača canyon, the viewpoints that offer a beautiful view of their unreal beauty stand out. The presence of wire bridges gives these areas a unique charm. These bridges, which are still used by the villagers at the other end of the canyon, serve as tourist attractions. Bridges are great places to take photos, but be careful, because of their age, these bridges can be worn out.

Activities you can do here: canyoning, trekking, kayaking, Scenic drive

Best recommended for: young people, families, couples

Level of difficulty: Easy

Morača canyon

4. Mrtvica canyon

The hike in the picturesque canyon of Mrtvica will please all your senses. You will get to experience the untouched beauty, see the cascades and waterfalls, her the birds chirping, walk through magical forest, notice endemic plants species and if the season is right, try the wild vegetables or fruits that freely grow along the hiking route. If the weather permits, you could also take a swim.

Magical Mrtvica Canyon

One of the most picturesque spots is a “Gate of Wishes”. According to the legend, the mountain fairy from Maganik will grant your wish in this very spot. To make sure you wish will come true, you have to think of ypur wish in silence and throw a small piece of stone into the water. The wish must be pure, not to harm anybody, and wanted with all your heart. On the contrary, the fairy might send a wrath and do the very opposite. As they say- be careful what you wish for!

Gate of wishes, Mrtvica Canyon

Activities you can do here: hiking

Best recommended for: young people, familes, couples

Level of difficulty: Moderate

5.Piva canyon

The Piva River is located in the northwestern part of Montenegro at the foot of a high mountain zone called the Piva Mountain in the Durmitor mountain system. The valley of the Piva River is known as the Piva County.

Piva Canyon is one of several canyons surrounding Durmitor. (Piva canyon, Tara canyon, Komarnica canyon, Draga canyon and Sušice canyon). Piva Canyon is characterized by the fact that it is a work of nature that has been altered by the human hand. However, this does not significantly affect the essence and beauty of the river and canyon. The construction of the hydroelectric power plant (1975) and the Martinje dam created the artificial Lake Piva.

Piva canyon

Piva river canyon

In some places, the lake is over 200 m deep and 45 km long. The Piva River is extremely clean and the water is constantly drinkable, and the Piva Lake is considered the largest reservoir of drinking water in the world.The Martinje dam is 220 meters high and is one of the largest dams of its kind in Europe. The view of the dam is magnificent and it seems unreal and imposing.

Part of the road towards Šćepan Polje, the border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina passes through Piva Canyon, along Piva Lake. After that, behind the dam, the road continues through the rest of the canyon, which looks the way the entire landscape originally looked before the dam was built.

Activities you can do here: Boat ride, trekking, Scenic ride

Best recommended for: young people, couples, families

Level of difficulty: Moderate

6.Skurda canyon

Situated near the coastal town of Kotor, Skurda Canyon provides a unique canyoning experience where the mountains meet the sea in Montenegro. This picturesque canyon offers a mix of rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and Mediterranean vegetation. As you descend through its stunning gorges, you’ll encounter thrilling jumps, natural slides, and refreshing swimming spots. Skurda Canyon combines the beauty of coastal and mountain landscapes, creating an unforgettable canyoning adventure in Montenegro.

Skurda Canyon,photo by Dejan Drakul

In its short and steep course, Škurda has cut a mountain river bed with many waterfalls, sculpted walls and beautiful waterfalls through the Lovcen karst, making it ideal for canyoning activities.

While in most cases the canyons are located in very remote and isolated places in the interior of the Dinaric area, the Škurda canyon is, conditionally speaking, within reach of civilization - only a few hundred meters from the Old Town in Kotor.

In the technical sense, Škurda is extreme, almost in every respect. A large number of verticals and constant use of ropes make this canyon very demanding and not the most suitable for beginners. The challenges are numerous both in terms of passing and overcoming obstacles and in terms of taking photos in these conditions.

Activities you can do here: hiking, trekking

Best recommended for: young people, Adrenaline seekers

Level of difficulty: Hard

Škudra canyon

7.Sušica river canyon

Sušica Canyon is 14 km long. Sušica springs at about 1300 m above sea level. and flows into Tara at 512 m above sea level.The canyon is located within the Durmitor National Park and is therefore protected by many regulations that have contributed to the preservation of its beauty.

Nestled between towering cliffs in the southwest part of Durmitor's massif, Sušica Canyon is a stunning natural wonder. It's surrounded by vast plateaus on both sides and connects to Škrka Lakes Valley, another beautiful spot in Durmitor National Park.

Susica Canyo in Durmitor National Park

In the past, the Sušica River flowed like a typical river. But after glaciers carved through the canyon, Sušica Lake was formed, making it one of the few lakes that come and go in Durmitor. Today, it fills up in spring when the glaciers melt, covering an area of about 70,000 to 80,000 square meters. By late summer, the water recedes, revealing a lush green meadow.

The lake, shaped like an ellipse, is about 450 meters long and 200 meters wide. It's surrounded by tall cliffs and ancient pine forests, making it a breathtaking place for hiking. As you approach the canyon from Škrcka Lakes Valley, you'll be treated to a stunning view of Skakala Waterfalls, adding to the magic of the experience.

Activities you can do here: HIKING

Best recommeneded for: young people, couples

Level of difficulty: Moderate

8.Medjurjec canyon

Međureč Canyon is an extraordinary attraction for lovers of active and adrenaline-filled vacations. What until now was the privilege of only selected enthusiasts has become available to all canyoning lovers! The impressions of our adventurers are wonderful - the nature is beautiful, and the canyon has numerous verticals, rapids and places for jumps! At the very beginning of the canyon, there is a 30 m high waterfall.

Međurječki Canyon is the most interesting canyon on the coast of Montenegro through which canyoning is performed. It is located between the municipalities of Bar and Ulcinj, and starts from the village of Medjurecje.

The canyon is ideal for passing through during the summer, because it is one of the canyons that does not dry up during that period, and it is geographically oriented so that the sun warms the entire canyon.

Activities you can do here: canyoning

Best recommended for: young people, ADRENALINE SEEKERS

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Međurječ canyon

Check out our tour to Mrtvica Canyon here.

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