Portugal offers some of the most fantastic natural scenery for those who enjoy canyoning, an adventure sport which combines walking, swimming, rappelling and climbing, alongside rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls.
There are canyons of various types, suitable for practitioners of all levels. You can choose to do a longer or shorter route, with a greater or lesser incline, according to your experience. There are also several schools and tour operators with experienced instructors to make your expedition seamless and safe.
If you like adventure and want to explore some of the most beautiful rivers and waterways, get to know these fantastic canyoning routes in Portugal.
Gerês: explore one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal
In the north of Portugal, about an hour and a half's drive from the city of Porto, is the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The exuberant green of the landscape, its mountains, forest and riverside woods serve as a habitat for Garrano horses, birds of prey, roe deer and other animals that make this place absolutely magical. When you're canyoning on the banks of the Gerês waterline lengths, you're likely to come across a water lizard, a species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.
The crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, rivers and streams of Gerês are perfect for swimming and bathing in its refreshing waters, as well as walking, climbing or abseiling.
Some of the best canyons in the region are found in the Upper Arado River, the Portuzelo River, the Conho River, the Carcerelha River and the Varziela River. In the waters of the Upper Arado River, in addition to walking, you can try water fitness progression and diving. Enjoy the beauty of the Arado waterfall and do different rappels: the longest one is 48 metres.
The Varziela River, in Castro Laboreiro, is ideal for a real family adventure or if you are a canyoning beginner, as there are easy paths in this beautiful and fun environment.
Alvão: experience moments of pure adrenalin
The Alvão Natural Park is located between the districts of Mondim de Basto and Vila Real, also in the north of the country. This area is rich in waterline lengths that in spring and summer have temperatures that encourage you to bathe and swim.
Here, you can walk down steep water courses in the Olo, Poio and Lourêdo rivers; swim in natural pools, slide down natural toboggans (water ramps) and explore the beautiful waterfalls of Agarez, Galegos da Serra and Fisgas do Ermelo, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe with a drop of about 400 metres.
In the Alvão there are challenges for everyone, from the most experienced canyoners to beginners. Get ready to experience moments of pure adrenaline and lots of fun.
Magic mountains: explore the wild rivers
The mountains of Freita, Arada, Arestal and Montemuro, better known as the Magic Mountains, have some of the best hotspots for canyoning.
Here, you will find several paths, with varying degrees of difficulty along the rivers Teixeira, Frades, Caima, Pombeiro, Cabrum, Pequenino, Lordelo, Mau, Alfusqueiro, Gresso, Paraduça and the creeks of Castanheira, Côto do Boi, Pena Amarela, Aguieiras, Vessadas, amongst others.
Discover the beauty of the magical mountains as you hike, jump, rappel and swim in crystal-clear waters.
Frecha da Mizarela: experience adrenalin-pumping moments in the biggest waterfall in mainland Portugal
The Serra da Freita mountain range is known for its unique beauty and covers the areas of Arouca, São Pedro do Sul and Vale de Cambra, in the centre of the country.
Here, besides the magic of Pedras Parideiras, a very rare geological phenomenon, we also find Frecha da Mizarela, the highest waterfall in continental Portugal. Enjoy the beauty of this waterfall that starts at the top of the mountains, in the Caima River, and descends about 60 metres through its granite rocks.
While canyoning, take the opportunity to take a break and observe the local fauna and flora. One of the advantages of canyoning is that you can reach unique places that are only accessible on foot or by swimming. So enjoy them!
Amongst the vegetation you will find heather, carqueja, pines, oaks, strawberry trees, holly, and others. You may also have the privilege of glimpsing some rare species such as the Iberian wolf, the wild boar, the common buzzard or the wildcat.
Madeira and Azores: enjoy the heavenly landscapes
The islands of Madeira and Azores are a true paradise for those who like canyoning. The volcanic geomorphology of these islands, their mild climate, beautiful virgin forests and volcanic mountains, stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes are truly exceptional settings for this sport.
In Madeira you can do canyoning in several places that are properly equipped: Ribeiro Frio, Ribeira das Cales, Ribeira da Pedra Branca, Ribeira da Hortelã, Ribeira do Passo and Ribeira do Inferno.
The island also hosts the yearly RIC Madeira International Canyoning Meeting, which is already a major event within this sport.
The Azores archipelago offers a great variety of canyons and has a whole structure prepared to receive canyoning enthusiasts. Especially on the islands of Flores, São Jorge, São Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial. There are several courses from the simplest, to large verticals for the downhills.
Although anyone with some practice in mountain climbing and hiking can do canyoning, don't forget it must always be done under the guidance of qualified instructors. There are several companies specialising in water and adventure sports that have canyoning instructors, provide transport and all the material required for your canyoning adventure to be memorable and safe.
