One of the main characteristics of the island of Madeira is its rugged terrain. High mountains and ravines that gradually soften into deep, deep valleys through which water flows all year round. This is the starting point for canyoning, the activity that allows you to explore these watercourses along the current, using ropes to overcome the gradients.
They are ‘a different way of seeing Madeira, with access to unique views’, explains Fábio Pereira, canyoning instructor and owner of Be Local. The watercourses are far from the roads and deep in the valleys and nature is practically pristine.
Madeira has identified around 125 routes, but of these ‘we only use around ten per cent’ for leisure canyoning. The rest are mainly sporting, for competitions or specialists. Those that remain are divided into three levels of difficulty. The whole family can take part in all of them, as long as nobody has mobility problems or can swim. The minimum age is seven and the maximum 75. It is therefore an activity suitable for children, especially the first two levels.
What differentiates the difficulty levels of the routes is the altitude of the slopes, the physical demand and the jumps. Fábio Pereira explains that canyoning in Madeira is mainly about rope techniques. The jumps are a small part of the routes.
On level one, for example, the highest abseil descent is 15 metres. Level two reaches 25 metres and level three 60 metres. Canyoning can be done all year round and only bad weather can cancel the activity.
Fábio Pereira leads a team of certified guides who always accompany the groups. Each route has its own characteristics, but all have rope descents, lots of water (which varies according to the time of year) and some jumps, all of which are optional.
The team takes photos, provides all the equipment, including special boots and guarantees insurance, as well as transport to the activity site. But the activity is safe and the routes are all groomed.
All you have to bring is a swimsuit, so you can put on the equipment and take it off at the end of the activity. Getting wet is a certainty. And having fun too.
Essential took a tour of Curral das Freiras with a group that included children. After being kitted out and given a safety briefing, the group walks for around 20 minutes to where the descent begins. It's a total of 800 metres long, with a total gradient of 210 metres. The route includes eight rappels, the highest of which is 15 metres. Towards the end there is an optional jump, which is a kind of toboggan. It allows you to slide down a small gorge and fall into a small pond.
The staff are dedicated and take special care of the children and any participants who may need help. On summer days, a snack is served during the journey, which lasts an average of three to four hours. The guides are experienced and make everything much easier.
Canyoning allows you to see Madeira from an angle that would otherwise be unthinkable. It's like immersing yourself in the true heart of the island, combining contact with beauty with an adrenaline-fuelled physical activity.
