As the good weather approaches, we all fancy a break and trying new activities. If you're keen on mountain water sports, I recommend trying canyoning in one of the many spots available across Spain.  One of the best and most highly recommended areas in Spain is Sierra Nevada and its surroundings, home to numerous canyons perfect for this activity.


Here are the top canyoning spots in Sierra Nevada:

The Best Canyoning Spots in Sierra Nevada

1. Río Verde Canyon

This is the most famous canyon in Sierra Nevada, located in the municipality of Otívar, near Almuñécar beach. It lies within the Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park.

Jumping into the pool in the Verde River


With a low difficulty level, it can be descended year-round. The activity takes roughly 2.5 hours and covers 2.3 kilometres.
It’s the most complete canyon, packed with jumps, abseils, and natural slides.

2. Río Lentegí Canyon

Also situated in the Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, within Otívar municipality.
Features a 22-metre abseil, jumps, and slides. Moderate difficulty, with a descent lasting 3–4 hours.

Descent of the Lentegí River


The route spans 2 kilometres with a 250-metre drop. While doable year-round, April to October is ideal.

3. Trevélez Canyon

Located in Órgiva, Granada, deep in the Alpujarra Granadina region.
Medium/high difficulty (depending on water flow), so prior canyoning experience is essential.

Descent of the Trevélez Ravine

 
A beginner-friendly canyon, suitable for all. Estimated descent: 6–7 hours over 7.4 kilometres.

4. Río Bermejo Canyon

Found in the Alpujarra Granadina, within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
Notable for its narrow path and verticality, with medium-high difficulty.

Descent of the Bermejo River Ravine


Average duration: ~2 hours (group-dependent). A short descent of 0.2 kilometres (50-metre drop). Best tackled May–October, depending on flow.

5. Río Guadalentín Canyon

On the border between Granada and Jaén, in the Sierra de Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.
Medium difficulty, taking 3–4 hours (group-dependent).

Guadalentin Ravine


Distance: 2 kilometres (120-metre drop). Ideal season: April–October.

6. Río Poqueira Canyon

Located in the Alpujarra Granadina, within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
A long descent (~6 hours) with 20 abseils, slides, jumps...
Carved into stone like Trevélez, it’s among Sierra Nevada’s finest.

Poqueira Ravine


Best descended June–October. Winter/rainy seasons significantly increase flow, making it challenging for beginners.