The 7 Best Canyoning Spots in the Sierra de Málaga

Canyoning is an adventure sport you can enjoy with friends or family. The Sierra de Málaga offers numerous spots to practice this activity while taking in spectacular landscapes. Whether you choose one canyon or another, it’s essential to know your skill level, as misjudging it can be dangerous. Here’s a guide to the different canyoning difficulty levels.
If it’s your first time visiting Málaga or descending in the Sierra de Málaga, you might be unsure where to go for canyoning. Below, we list the 7 best canyoning spots in the Sierra de Málaga:

The 7 Best Canyoning Spots in the Sierra de Málaga

1. Guadalmina Canyon

This is one of the best places to start canyoning due to its low difficulty and fun natural slides. Located in the village of Benahavís, near Marbella on the Costa del Sol, it follows the course of the Guadalmina River in an area known as the "Charco de las Mozas". Here, you can enjoy stunning scenery with family and friends, just 10 minutes from the beach.
Guides will help you navigate the rappels with ease.

2. Sima del Diablo Canyon

Perfect for beginners in Málaga’s canyoning scene. Located in the Genal Valley in Júzcar (the Smurf Village), 23 kilometres from Ronda (Málaga).
The canyon entrance starts at the Zúa River, and at a normal pace, the descent takes around 2 hours.

Any time of year is suitable for this descent. The canyon runs through a riverside forest, shaded in places by dense vegetation, but this doesn’t hinder the route.

3. Jorox Canyon

Jorox is a hamlet in the municipality of Alozaina, Málaga. The river originates at the Jorox spring, as the name suggests, and flows through the entire village of Jorox. It lies on the border between the Sierra de las Nieves and the Guadalhorce Valley.

The route spans 300 metres with 8 rappels. Estimated completion time is 2.5 hours, with moderate difficulty.
It features crystal-clear waters and emerald-green pools, ending with a dramatic rappel into a stunning emerald pool.

4. Buitreras Gorge

Located in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, it’s a designated natural monument in Málaga. This is the most significant gorge in the area and one of the most renowned. Situated in Cortes de la Frontera, it stretches 1,600 metres with an 80-metre drop.

The descent takes roughly 5 hours, and the best seasons are summer and autumn (before the rains).
It’s a regulated route with 4 rappels and a limestone gorge sculpted over time.

5. Zarzalones Canyon (or Río Grande)

Nestled at the foot of the Sierra de las Nieves, the descent begins at the Cueva de los Zarzalones and includes jumps, slides, and rappels—ideal for beginners. The total drop is around 100 metres.
Estimated time for the trip is 5 hours, depending on logistics, approach, and return.

Difficulty varies by season: low in summer, but avoid winter or rainy periods unless you’re experienced.

6. Majales Canyon

Located in Júzcar, it’s part of the same watershed as the Arroyo de las Zúas (Sima del Diablo Canyon), northwest of Júzcar.
The canyon is roughly 2,000 metres long with a 160-metre drop. Estimated duration is 2 hours, and it’s accessible year-round.

Highlights include a gentle course, crystal-clear waters, and panoramic views of the valley and Júzcar. Perfect for jumps and pools with friends or family.

7. Almanchares Canyon

Situated in the Almijara, Tejeda, and Alhama Natural Park, it flows into the Guaro River, which meets the Vélez River.
The canyon is 1,000 metres long with a 200-metre drop. It features 12 easy rappels, making it ideal for beginners (low difficulty).