On land and in the air
Canyoning
Abseiling down waterfalls in mountain streams, with a licence and a guide
What it is like here
Canyoning means following a stream downhill on foot, by swimming, jumping, sliding and abseiling down its waterfalls. French canyoners brought it to Madeira in the 1990s, and by 2000 about 40 canyons had been equipped. The routes on Madeira Ocean & Trails run from 350 m to 2 km, with 5 to 16 abseils, the longest 120 m at Ribeira do Lajeado.
It goes on all year: the streams on the north side are best in summer, when they carry more water, and those on the south side in winter, when they are calmer. Going with a guide who knows the canyon is always advised.
Before you go
- Canyoning in the forest areas needs a licence from IFCN, requested on SIMplifica. Source
Where
- Ribeira das Cales — 2 h, 850 m, 5 abseils (the longest 12 m); easy
- Ribeiro Frio (Superior) — 2 h 30 min, 1.5 km, 13 abseils (the longest 50 m); easy
- Ribeira do Lajeado — 4 h 15 min, 1.9 km, 12 abseils (the longest 120 m); easy
- Ribeira Funda (Inferior) — 1 h 45 min, 600 m, 10 abseils (the longest 60 m); medium
- Ribeiro Bonito (Superior) — 4 h, 2 km, 12 abseils (the longest 50 m); medium
- Ribeira da Hortelã (inferior) — 3 h, 900 m, 14 abseils (the longest 55 m); difficult
- Ribeira do Vimieiro — 3 h, 500 m, 16 abseils (the longest 60 m); difficult
- Ribeira da Água Negra (Superior) — 4 h, 1600 m, 13 abseils (the longest 70 m); difficult
- Córrego da Beira do Lombo Queimado (inferior) — 1 h 45 min, 350 m, 15 abseils; easy to medium
- Ribeira do Alecrim — 2 h 30 min, 1.1 km, 14 abseils; easy
- Ribeira do Poço do Bezerro (Superior) — 4 h, 1.1 km, 14 abseils; easy to medium
- Ribeira do Cidrão — 2 h 30 min, 800 m, 8 abseils; easy
- Ribeira da Água do Vento (inferior) — 4 h, 1 km, 15 abseils; medium to difficult
Who runs it
Members of the tourism board’s association, as Visit Madeira lists them. A list, not a recommendation.
Sources: Visit Madeira · Madeira Ocean & Trails · Checked November 3, 2026