All Canyons in Madeira
Complete list of canyons on Madeira Island, grouped by difficulty level. Each canyon is referenced from the official index maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira.
Base information (name, difficulty, location, heights and lengths) comes from the official page "Todos os Canyons" on Canyons da Madeira.
Beginner Level
25 canyonsIntermediate Level
22 canyons| Canyon | Difficulty | Location | Max waterfall (m) | Min rope (m) | Rappels | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon do Elias | v3a1 III | Porto Moniz (Ribeira da Quebrada) | 70 | 30 | 19 | 1200Sheet |
| Córrego da Beira do Lombo Queimado (inferior) | v3a2 III | Porto Moniz | 26 | 20 | 15 | 350Sheet |
| Córrego das Terras D’além | v3a1 II | Porto Moniz | 44 | 45 | 12 | 400Sheet |
| Córrego do Dr. Albino | v3a1 I | Santana | 45 | 45 | 12 | 530Sheet |
| Córrego do Pau Branco | v3a1 I | Santana | 55 | 55 | 11 | 650Sheet |
| Ribeira da Fonte do Louro (Superior) | v3a2 III | Santana | 50 | 30 | 5 | 1300Sheet |
| Ribeira da Furna | v3a3 II | Santana | 45 | 45 | 8 | 450Sheet |
| Ribeira da Pedra Branca | v3a2 II | Porto Moniz | 50 | 50 | 10 | 350Sheet |
| Ribeira das Galinhas | v3a2 II | Calheta | 20 | 20 | 14 | 800Sheet |
| Ribeira das Lajinhas | v3a1 III | Porto Moniz | 30 | 30 | 31 | 1000Sheet |
| Ribeira das Mijas Velhas | v3a2 II | Ribeira Brava | 40 | 40 | 11 | 870Sheet |
| Ribeira de João Delgado (A) | v3a1 III | Porto Moniz | 30 | 30 | 14 | 400Sheet |
| Ribeira de João Gomes (Cales IV) | v3a2 III | Funchal | 35 | 30 | 10 | 1300Sheet |
| Ribeira de Sebastião Vaz | v3a2 III | Santana | 50 | 35 | 10 | 1800Sheet |
| Ribeira do Fôjo | v3a1 II | São Vicente | 33 | 30 | 12 | 520Sheet |
| Ribeira do Folhado (Inferior) | v3a2 II | Porto Moniz | 33 | 27 | 18 | 700Sheet |
| Ribeira do Folhado (Superior) | v3a1 II | Porto Moniz | 35 | 30 | 12 | 300Sheet |
| Ribeira do Inferno (inferior) | v3a4 IV | São Vicente | 42 | 35 | 27 | 3100Sheet |
| Ribeira do Inferno (Superior) | v3a2 III | São Vicente | 30 | 28 | 19 | 900Sheet |
| Ribeira do Monte Trigo | v3a2 II | São Vicente | 40 | 40 | 18 | 600Sheet |
| Ribeira do Porto Novo (inferior) | v3a2 III | Santa Cruz | 70 | 70 | 4 | -Sheet |
| Ribeiro da Camisa | v3a2 II | São Vicente | 30 | 25 | 9 | 500Sheet |
Advanced Level
25 canyons| Canyon | Difficulty | Location | Max waterfall (m) | Min rope (m) | Rappels | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeira da Água d’Alto | v4a2 II | São Vicente | 89 | 50 | 4 | 100Sheet |
| Ribeira da Feijoca | v4a2 II | São Vicente | 70 | - | 17 | -Sheet |
| Ribeira da Hortelã (inferior) | v4a2 III | Porto Moniz | 55 | 50 | 14 | 900Sheet |
| Ribeira da Laje | v4a1 III | Porto Moniz | 80 | 60 | 17 | 850Sheet |
| Ribeira da Tramela (Candeeiro) | v4a2 II | Porto Moniz | 50 | 50 | 8 | 900Sheet |
| Ribeira das Feitas | v4a2 III | São Vicente | 50 | 45 | 19 | 900Sheet |
| Ribeira das Furnas | v4a3 II | Ribeira Brava | 85 | 60 | 13 | 450Sheet |
| Ribeira de João Delgado (B) | v4a3 IV | Porto Moniz | 90 | 45 | 35 | 1600Sheet |
| Ribeira do Caldeirão Verde (Superior) | v4a2 III | Santana | 110 | 60 | 10 | 1200Sheet |
| Ribeira do Campanário (Inferior) | v4a2 III | Ribeira Brava | 90 | 85 | 3 | 120Sheet |
| Ribeira do Caramujo | v4a1 III | São Vicente | 65 | 70 | 15 | 650Sheet |
| Ribeira do Passo (Inferior) | v4a2 II | São Vicente | 55 | 55 | 15 | 600Sheet |
| Ribeira do Passo (Superior) | v4a2 III | São Vicente | 65 | 45 | 24 | 900Sheet |
| Ribeira do Poço do Bezerro (Inferior) | v4a3 III | Machico | 53 | 55 | 24 | 2000Sheet |
| Ribeira do Seixal (inferior) | v4a2 III | Porto Moniz | 38 | 25 | 15 | 1200Sheet |
| Ribeira do Seixal (superior) | v4a3 III | Porto Moniz | 55 | 40 | 28 | 2000Sheet |
| Ribeira do Vimieiro | v4a2 II | Porto Moniz | 60 | 40 | 16 | 500Sheet |
| Ribeira dos Agriões | v4a1 III | São Vicente | 48 | 50 | 15 | 950Sheet |
| Ribeira Funda (Inferior) | v4a3 II | Porto Moniz | 55 | 60 | 10 | 600Sheet |
| Ribeira Funda (Meia légua) | v4a3 II | Ribeira Brava | 90 | 55 | 6 | 200Sheet |
| Ribeiro Bonito (Superior) | v4a4 III | Santana | 50 | 30 | 12 | 2000Sheet |
| Ribeiro Frio (Inferior) | v4a3 III | Machico | 55 | 60 | 9 | 1800Sheet |
| Ribeiro Frio (Superior) | v4a3 II | Machico | 50 | 45 | 13 | 1500Sheet |
| Ribeiro Fundo | v4a1 III | Porto Moniz | 100 | 60 | 16 | 850Sheet |
| Ribeiro Magro | v4a2 IV | Porto Moniz | 60 | 60 | 20 | 1000Sheet |
Extreme Level
25 canyonsUnclassified
38 canyonsAbout Canyons da Madeira & Clube Aventura da Madeira
This overview is based on the official canyon inventory maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira through their Canyons da Madeira project.
Since 1997 they have been exploring, documenting and teaching canyoning on Madeira, running technical training, discovery stages and national meetings, and building the most complete public list of canyons on the island.
If you want detailed technical sheets, historical notes or the latest official information about each canyon, please visit their website directly: canyons.camadeira.com. All original data and descriptions belong to Clube Aventura da Madeira and the authors of Canyons da Madeira.
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Madeira Canyons FAQ
Common questions about choosing and exploring canyons
Madeira has over 130 professionally documented and mapped canyons registered by Clube Aventura da Madeira. These range from easy beginner-friendly ravines to extreme technical descents requiring advanced skills. Not all canyons are commercially accessible - many are used only for private expeditions or require special permits. Commercial operators typically work with 15-20 of the most accessible and scenic canyons.
Canyons in Madeira are classified from Level 2 to Level 5. Level 2-3 are beginner-friendly with smaller rappels (5-15m) and no prior experience needed. Level 3-4 are intermediate with rappels up to 60m and require good fitness. Level 4-5 are advanced/expert only with technical challenges, long rappels, and potential hazards. The classification considers physical difficulty, technical skills required, water levels, and commitment. Always choose according to your experience and comfort level.
For absolute beginners, Ribeira das Cales (Level 2) is ideal - it's short, has small waterfalls, and builds confidence gradually. Ribeiro Frio (Level 3) is perfect for those wanting a fuller experience with spectacular scenery and moderate challenges. These canyons have been specifically developed for beginners with secure anchors, clear paths, and escape routes if needed. Most first-time canyoners start with one of these two.
Legally, experienced canyoners can explore Madeira's canyons independently, but it's strongly discouraged. Guides know current conditions, recent rockfalls, water levels, and seasonal hazards. They have permits for commercial canyons, maintain safety equipment, and can handle emergencies. Insurance typically doesn't cover independent canyoning accidents. Even experienced canyoners from other regions hire guides for their first Madeira descents to learn local conditions and best routes.
Clube Aventura da Madeira (CAM) is the official organization that documents, maps, and maintains the registry of all canyons in Madeira. Founded in the early 1990s, CAM established the classification system, safety standards, and environmental protection protocols. They work with authorities on permits and regulations. All professional guides reference CAM's official canyon documentation. Their work ensures sustainable canyoning development while protecting Madeira's natural environment.
Yes, significantly. Winter (November-March) brings higher water flow, making canyons more challenging and some impassable. Summer (June-September) has lower water but can be crowded. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions with moderate water and fewer crowds. Individual canyons can close temporarily after heavy rain due to flash flood risk or debris. Professional guides monitor conditions daily and adjust routes accordingly. Always check current conditions before planning.
Typically no. Most canyon tours are half-day to full-day experiences including transport, gear setup, and the descent itself. After a canyon descent, you'll be tired, wet, and need recovery time. Some experienced participants do two easier canyons on separate days during a longer stay. We recommend focusing on one quality canyon experience rather than rushing multiple descents. This allows proper enjoyment, photography, and safety margins.