The best way to explore the charming nation of Montenegro is to get out and about in nature. This remarkable little country has an abundance of natural riches, from surging rivers and mighty mountains to deep canyons, rocky sea cliffs, and dense forests.
While many are happy to bask on Montenegro’s short stretch of Adriatic Coast, enjoying the clear waters and historic fortified towns, those willing to venture away from the shore can experience rafting adventures on the Tara River, hikes in the Prokletije Mountains, and rugged escapades in a string of national parks.
Imagine a day that starts with scuba diving on the coast’s shipwrecks, followed by an afternoon of canyoning in the hills above Kotor, and concluding with a night spent in a mountain village, ready to start hiking the next morning. Additionally, you can ski here from January to March. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures in Montenegro.
Rafting on the Tara River
One of Montenegro’s prime natural wonders is the dramatic Tara Canyon, a deep cleft carved by the Tara River through the mountains of Durmitor National Park in the far north of the country. At certain points along the gorge, the river flows between forest-clad walls of rock that exceed 1295m (4250ft) high. It’s exceedingly difficult to grasp the scale of the canyon from above; exploring at water level offers the best way to experience its grandeur.
The rafting season runs from around April to October, with spring melts in April yielding the fastest flows. An 82km (51-mile) section of the river is navigable, and classic two-day rafting trips kick off near the Tara Bridge and wind through the deepest parts of the canyon. Most day trips traverse the last 18km (11 miles) of the canyon, still a beautiful stretch with various modest rapids.
Hiking Montenegro’s Mountain Trails
In a country studded with mountains, Montenegro boasts an excellent network of hiking tracks that wind through national parks and peaks. However, it is crucial to note that not all trails are well-maintained or marked, and support infrastructure is limited. Mountain huts exist on some routes, but it’s advisable to make arrangements for treks through a local adventure travel agency, who can also help with route planning.
Recommended short hikes include circuits of Lake Biograd in Biogradska Gora National Park and Black Lake in Durmitor National Park, as well as the traverse of the Vrmac ridge in the Bay of Kotor. Serious hikers may consider tackling the 192km (119-mile) cross-border Peaks of the Balkans trail in the Prokletije Mountains or the 180km (112-mile) Coastal Traversal route from Mt Orjen to Bar.
Climbing & Canyoning in the Montenegro Mountains
The Durmitor mountain range also offers a vast array of more daring pursuits for thrill-seekers, from steep, exposed hikes along mountain ridges to roped ascents of sheer rock faces. At Pirlitor, two rock faces have been prepared for climbing with bolts and hangers. Participants will need their equipment or can enlist the services of a specialist adventure agency.
South of the national park lies one of Montenegro’s prime sites for canyoning — the extraordinary Nevidio Canyon, which encloses a 2.7km (1.7-mile) section of the Komarnica River. The term Nevidio translates to ‘invisible,’ alluding to the narrowness of the gorge; at some points, the channel is only a few meters wide.
Canyoning involves sliding along gorges, scrambling over rocks, abseiling down waterfalls, and swimming through river basins. While it can be exciting, it is also potentially dangerous, especially in narrow gorges like Nevidio, so this activity should only be attempted in the driest months (July and August) and under experienced guidance.
Paragliding Over the Coast near Budva and Kotor
With many accessible mountains and sheer drops, Montenegro offers ample opportunities for adventurers to soar above this beautiful landscape. One particularly excellent launch site for paragliders is in the mountains high above the Budva Riviera, allowing gliders to land on the beach below. Many enthusiasts swear flight experiences from Durmitor National Park are the most breathtaking.
Diving the Shipwrecks of the Adriatic Coast
Montenegro is rich in underwater history, with shipwrecks that span a millennium of nautical disasters. From Greek and Roman trading vessels lost to storms to battleships from World War II, these wrecks provide a backdrop for diverse underwater flora and fauna. With visibility averaging around 15m (49ft), the best dive times are from May to September when the surface water is warmest—yet, a 7mm neoprene wetsuit is still necessary.
Additionally, divers can explore underwater caves, springs, and reefs along the coast. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, lobsters, dentex, and various colorful marine life. Off Ulcinj, there are remains of submerged towns to explore in addition to centuries-old shipwrecks.
Learn Bushcraft in the Montenegro Wilds
Montenegro features vast wilderness areas for exploration. Recently, local bushcraft instructors have introduced guided expeditions into remote landscapes, teaching essential survival skills along the way. Participants can learn to start fires, forage for edible plants, build shelters, purify water, and navigate using natural cues. It’s an adventurous way to connect with nature!
Camping at All Levels of Comfort in Stunning Scenery
If bushcraft isn’t your style, numerous commercial campsites are scattered throughout Montenegro. While some sites may be basic (with squat toilets common), breathtaking locations are guaranteed. For those seeking more comfort, glamping options with pre-pitched tents and proper bedding are available.
Campgrounds accommodate all preferences, even featuring unique options like clothing-optional sites and eco-villages with rustic wooden cabins.
