Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira do Porto Novo (superior)
Unclassified · v1a1 I
Rappels: 4 · Max waterfall: 13 m · Min rope: 13 m
Porto Novo superior is without doubt the most touristic canyon on the island. It is easy, and most of the obstacles can be avoided by bypassing them on the sides. The waterfalls are very well equipped.
Current status
As of March 2024Good, cold flow; anchors on the waterfalls in very good condition; an easy canyon with side bypasses available for most obstacles. No known hazards or equipment problems.
Access and exit
From parking #1 the approach takes about 20 minutes and the return about 15 minutes, slightly longer than the official 15 min / 10 min.
Route notes
Conditions. The canyon can be very windy and cold; in early March 2024 it had a good but cold flow.
Official notes
The water is sometimes brown because of construction works upstream; check the water quality beforehand.
Anchors, flow and access change with every storm and every winter. Treat the current status as a snapshot and check the latest conditions before any descent.
Technical data
Official technical sheet
Detailed data, history and technical notes are maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira on the Canyons da Madeira website.
Nearby and similar canyons
Other sections of the same stream, canyons in the same area, and canyons of a similar grade.