Montenegro: Tara and Moraca canyons. Rafting in Montenegro

Montenegro is rich in stunningly beautiful mountain rivers and picturesque canyons, so it is not surprising that one of the most popular types of outdoor activities and activities is rafting. Where else in the Balkans can one buy in the warm sea, enjoy the view of magnificent mountains, centuries-old forests at the same time. We recommend that you combine a balanced beach vacation and extreme rafting in Montenegro.

The most interesting and famous route remains rafting along the Tara River, the canyon of which is the second largest in the world. However, there is another popular place among tourists - Moraca.

The Tara River

Montenegro is conditionally divided into three zones: the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the central (relatively flat) and mountainous in the east of the country, where it flows mostly clamped between the rocks of Tara. The river is the largest in the country in length - 144 km. For the purity of water and the amazing malachite color it is called "tears of Europe". Behind the lyrical and gentle name meanwhile hides a harsh temper.

The nature of the current of the river can be called truly mountainous: with steep rapids, whirlpools and rifts, some of them are quite dangerous. More calm, it is already in the plains on the eve of the merger with Piva. The river Tara (Montenegro) even in summer warms up very badly, the water temperature is extremely rarely above 12-15 ° C, only the most desperate dare to swim.

For the last two hundred years, it has not changed its channel, remaining clean, free and full. Every year in the summer months the river attracts rafting enthusiasts.

Canyon Tara

As already mentioned above, this canyon is the second largest in the world after the American Grand Canyon in Colorado. The mountain canyon is stretched for 80 km along the Tara River and has a depth of about 1.3 km. Its territory together with the park "Durmitor" was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Although not so long ago the government planned to flood the canyon and erect a hydroelectric power station on the Drina River. The unique natural corner managed to be preserved by the efforts of activists. Now the canyon of Tara (Montenegro) is included in the list of the main sights of the country. Its expanses, full of karst caves and dredges, are characterized by a very diverse fauna and flora, which is still poorly understood.

How to get there?

A small village in the mountains of Scepan Polje, located on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the summer months becomes lively and noisy, thanks to the numerous tourists. The reason for the popularity lies in the fact that it is here that the Tara rafting ends on the basis of a 2- or 3-day route, and most of the one-day routes are organized. Therefore, if you are traveling on your own, then first of all you need to get to the village of Scepan Pole. There are several ways to do this:

• A shuttle bus that goes to the settlement twice a day (in the morning and in the evening). We recommend that you negotiate with a company that organizes rafting in advance, possibly you will be met.
• A rented or own car. The distance from the capital of Podgorica is small, however, because of the steep mountain streamer, it takes about four hours to get to the place.

Rafting on the rivers - entertainment is affordable and popular, so if you want, you can contact the tourist offices in the city where you are resting. They will choose a convenient route. Travelers like a complex excursion. Canyons Montenegro offers a variety, everything depends on the level of preparation. If you choose such a service, it will be a little more expensive, but comfortable buses will take you to the place of rafting and after its end you will be taken back to the hotel.

Moraca River

The Moracha River, which flows into Skadar Lake (the largest on the Balkan Peninsula), is the fourth longest in the country (99 km). It is not navigable and has a very sharp and unbridled temper. During the spring flood, the speed of its current develops to 113 km per hour. The water has an emerald shade, it is clear and clean, rich in fish, including trout.

Canyon of the river Moraca

Canyon Moraca is deep enough, and in olden times it was spoken of as a place "between the nests of eagles". In the valley there is one of the attractions - an Orthodox monastery, erected in 1252. The complex consists of a large and small church, as well as several buildings with monastic cells. He seems to be lost in the mountains and coniferous centuries-old forests of the country.

Djurdjević Bridge

It is impossible not to mention the bridge Djurdjevic, which connects two parts of Montenegro, separated by a canyon of the river Tara. The structure impresses with its size and the views that open around it. It is noteworthy that he owes his name to an engineer or designer, which would be quite logical, but to the owner of a farm located nearby.

Montenegro (canyons which are described in the article) found this bridge on the eve of the Second World War. Construction lasted three years - 1937-1940. The maximum height of the structure above the abyss is 172 m, the total length is 365 m. The five-arched structure was designed under the supervision of the engineer I. Rousseau. At the time of completion, the bridge was the largest of its kind in Europe.

During the military operations, the Yugoslav partisans, in order to cut off the path to the Italian troops, blew up the central arch while retaining the rest. The assistance was provided by one of the design engineers, whose monument now stands at the entrance to the bridge.

Every year tourists who chose Montenegro for recreation, canyons of rivers are fascinated by a friendly stream rush to the construction. The bridge is equipped with everything necessary: has a car park with a camping site, a hostel, a gas station, a shop, from here you can go to the exciting and extreme rafting on the river.

How much does white water rafting in Montenegro cost?

Rafting very quickly gaining popularity among tourists and is a common type of outdoor activities and sports. One of its main advantages is the lack of training, preparation, availability of special clothes and equipment. Companies that organize rafting, provide everything you need. In addition, if you book a tour from the hotel, usually it includes breakfast onsite.

Routes for rafting are classified on a six-point scale, reflecting the level of complexity and danger. On the river Tara it is estimated at 3-4 points.

Speaking about the cost of rafting, it should be noted that the group cost is cheaper. The prices for it start from 40 euros and in the future depend on the complexity of the route, duration and firm-organizer. If you are applying to travel companies in cities, then the cost almost always includes a transfer to the place of rafting and breakfast or lunch.

Rafting in Montenegro: reviews

In their reviews travelers note that the mountain rivers of Montenegro (primarily Tara) are suitable not only for professionals in the field of white water rafting, but also for amateurs and beginners. If you want, you will choose a program in which even children can participate.

In addition, seasoned travelers advise: if you are looking for a budget option for a holiday in Europe, with warm sea and mountains, then let it be Montenegro. The canyons of the country are magnificent, the rivers are fast and clean. The main thing is to make the right choice of the company that is engaged in rafting. According to fans of outdoor activities and thrills, the distance distance in the country is a relative term. The route to the destination from any resort town is overcome in 4-5 hours. On the way, you admire mountain serpentine and villages scattered among forests and rocks.

Rafting on Lima and Beer

Against the backdrop of the two main rivers that Montenegro is famous for, the canyons of Piva and Lima are much inferior in size. However, there is an undeniable advantage in this: a smaller number of tourists and local residents.

Lim - a river with seemingly calm and even flow at first glance. However, it is worth to swim to the homonymous massif of mountains, and the riverbed begins to loop through the rapids, twisting you into a whirlpool and deep pools. According to experienced tourists, the most optimal for rafting is the river flow near the city of Berane.

Beer is one of the largest rivers in Montenegro. Nature is very beautiful along its banks, rich in coniferous and beech forests. The course of the river is calm, so you can enjoy "light" rafting, which allows you to see the splendor of the surrounding nature.

Going on a journey to the distinctive and interesting Balkan Peninsula, be ready for the vivid impressions that you will get from the beauty of nature. And it does not matter if it's an independent trip or an excursion. Canyons (Montenegro) are simply stunned by their pristine beauty, the severity of the mountains and the rapid flow of rivers. They are beautiful at any time of the year and certainly deserve the attention of travelers.