The Morača Canyon Scenic Drive

Why the Morača drive stands out

The E65 between Podgorica and Kolašin runs 68 kilometres along the Morača River Canyon, a gorge cut 300 to 400 metres deep through the limestone of northern Montenegro. It's the main corridor connecting the southern coast to the mountains, which means most visitors drive it once without realising what they're on.

Slow down. The road is one of the most dramatic in the country: a sequence of cliff-side bends, short tunnels, and river views on your right as you head north. It earned a spot on several "most spectacular roads in the world" lists with reason.

Most drivers treat the canyon as a half-day out and turn back at Kolašin, though it is equally the opening stretch of the longer run from Podgorica up to Žabljak and the Durmitor plateau, so check your remaining daylight before you commit to carrying on.

The route

From Podgorica, follow signs for Kolašin / Nikšić / Belgrade. The E65 picks up roughly 15 km out of the city. For the first half-hour the road runs through open valley; the canyon proper begins after the Bioče village.

Once you're in the canyon, count on the road slowing you down. Tunnels are narrow, in some older ones oncoming traffic will give way rather than meet in the middle. Pull-offs are frequent but small; use them.

Morača Monastery

About 40 km north of Podgorica, signs direct you off the E65 to Morača Monastery. Founded in 1252 by Stefan Vukanović, a son of Vukan Nemanjić of the Serbian royal dynasty, it's one of the oldest and most significant medieval monasteries in the region. If monasteries pull you, pair this drive with Ostrog Monastery on a different day for the country's two most important pilgrimage sites.

The main church (dedicated to the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God) holds one of the earliest and most celebrated examples of Serbian medieval fresco art: a cycle featuring the Prophet Elijah, painted in the late 13th century. The monastery is still active, and monks live there year-round. Free entry. Modest dress required.

Parking is on the valley floor just outside the monastery walls. Allow 30-45 minutes for a proper look, longer if you want to wander the orchards and the small graveyard.

The gradients are steady rather than severe, but a small engine loaded with four people and luggage will labour on the long pulls, so it is worth comparing engine sizes across the Podgorica rental fleetbefore you book.

Viewpoints worth stopping at

Unofficial pullouts along the E65 offer canyon views, you'll see one every few kilometres. Two to notice: one shortly after entering the canyon from the south, looking back toward the Bjelopavlići plain; and another around 20 km before Kolašin where the river is furthest below the road. Use indicators, pull fully off, mind oncoming traffic.

Kolašin at the end

Kolašin is a mountain town at 954 metres altitude. In summer it's a base for walkers heading into Biogradska Gora; in winter it's a ski resort. The old centre is small and walkable. Lunch options: Restoran Brile for lamb, or Vodenica for traditional dishes in a rebuilt mill on the river.

Continue further north

Beyond Kolašin, the landscape opens onto high pasture and eventually onto the Durmitor plateau. If you're doing Morača as a standalone trip, turn back here. If you're continuing to Žabljak or Tara Canyon, see our Tara Canyon guide. For a slower stop along the way,

Biogradska Gora National Park is a 20-minute detour from Kolašin.

What the canyon road is like to drive

The canyon road is main-route tarmac and generally in decent condition, but it narrows through the older tunnels, several of which are unlit and effectively single-file. Lorries and buses use it constantly, so overtaking is rarely worth the risk. Allow around two hours to Kolašin at a relaxed pace with stops. The laybys are gravel and tend to slope towards the drop, so park nose-out where you can; Kolašin has street parking a short walk from the centre. Fill up before leaving Podgorica, as stations thin out once you are inside the gorge. From late November through March, ice forms in the shaded sections and winter tyres are the norm. A compact or mid-size car handles the tunnels and laybys far more easily than an estate.

Practical tips

• Drive time: Podgorica to Kolašin is around 1h 15m in normal conditions. Add 20-30 min if making stops.
• Winter: The E65 stays open year-round but tunnels can ice over. Snow tyres are legally required November-April.
• Fuel: Stations at Podgorica, Bioče, and Kolašin. Between Bioče and Kolašin the options thin out, so top up.
• Traffic: Avoid rush-hour out of Podgorica (07:30-09:00 and 16:00-18:00).
• Toll: The Smokovac-Mateševo section bypass (part of the Bar-Boljare motorway) charges a toll if you use it, alternative to the old canyon road. The canyon drive is the free, scenic option.
• Photography: Harsh sunlight mid-day flattens the canyon. Morning or late afternoon light is much better.