Cantabria is considered by many one of the best regions to practice it, so we’ll list the top canyons for you to enjoy the experience. To see which companies organise canyoning descents in Cantabria, click here.
The 7 Best Canyons for Canyoning in Cantabria
1. Navedo Canyon
This canyon is located in the Hermida Gorge, just a few kilometres from the village of La Hermida. It’s one of the most popular and visited canyons for this sport in Cantabria.
It starts at the top of Peña Rubia and passes through the village of Navedo. It has a drop of 160 metres and a length of 800 metres.
You’ll feel like you’re in a water park, as it features numerous slides, waterfalls, and abseils from start to finish. Plus, the views are spectacular, and the vegetation is very distinctive.
It’s a beginner-friendly canyon with a medium difficulty level, suitable for all ages. The duration is approximately 3 hours.
The first abseil is the largest—10 metres and quite vertical—ending in a pool. After that, it continues with various slides, jumps, and abseils that make the experience incredibly fun and thrilling.
2. Yera Canyon
This canyon is situated in Vega de Pas, Cantabria. It’s divided into two sections: 1 and 2.
Both sections are beginner-level, perfect for newcomers to the sport, and the duration is around 3 hours.
Section 1 is straightforward but a bit slippery. You’ll encounter waterfalls, obstacles, abseils, and a few jumps.
Section 2 is also simple and suitable for all ages. It includes abseils and waterfalls, letting you enjoy nature while having an exciting adventure.
3. Cicera Canyon
The canyon lies between La Hermida and Potes, ending in the Hermida Gorge and merging with the Deva River.
The difficulty level is low/medium, and the descent takes roughly 3 hours. The best time to go is from spring to autumn.
As an introductory canyon, the descent is suitable for all participants.
It features numerous abseils—the highest being 21 metres—making the experience incredibly fun. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Picos de Europa.
4. Chorretones Canyon
Located in Ramales de la Victoria, Cantabria, this canyon is beginner-level, ideal for first-timers.
It can be done year-round, and the descent lasts about 4 hours.
It offers a variety of obstacles, jumps, abseils, and simple slides. It’s a highly entertaining, thrilling, and unique experience. Plus, the breathtaking scenery will make the trip unforgettable.
It includes 3 water chutes (which give the canyon its name) and an 8-metre-high slide.
5. Aján Canyon
Aján Canyon is in Vega de Pas. The difficulty level is medium, suitable for experts and beginners (with a guide).
The descent takes around 4-5 hours. It’s the most complete canyon, featuring all kinds of obstacles, slides, jumps, and abseils throughout.
It’s a fun, open canyon where you can admire the natural beauty of Vega de Pas.
6. Viaña Canyon
This canyon is in the Pas Valleys, near Vega de Pas. It’s a beginner-friendly canyon, perfect for school trips where kids can enjoy a safe adventure sport.
The descent lasts about 2 hours. It’s a very fun canyon with jumps, abseils, and slides—all in a secure environment.
7. La Toba Canyon
This canyon is 450 metres long with a 300-metre drop. It can be done year-round, and the descent takes roughly 3 hours.
It features 18 abseils, some up to 50 metres high. The difficulty is medium-high, suitable only for those with prior canyoning experience.
Along the way, you’ll encounter pools, jumps, ramps, abseils, tributaries, slides, climbs, and a travertine formation (which gives the canyon its name).
