Canyoning in the Rio Verde

For canyoners, the Rio Verde, green river, is wonderful. Apart from the canyoning, the valley and ravine host some extraordinary fauna and flora

By Nick Nutter | Updated 15 Mar 2022 | Granada | Places To Go | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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The peaks of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park act as a natural border between the provinces of Malaga and Granada. The Tejeda and Almijara mountains are located on the Malaga side, in the heart of the Axarquía region. Alhama corresponds to the westernmost part of the province of Granada. From the peak of Tejeda you can see, from its 2,065 meters of altitude, spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast about 23 kilometres away, and the neighboring mountains, frequented by hikers, mountaineers and canyoners. The Rio Verde rises in these mountains near Otivar and cuts through the limestone until it enters the Mediterranean Sea at Almuñécar. This is our destination.

For canyoners, the Rio Verde, green river, is wonderful. Apart from the canyoning, the valley and ravine host some extraordinary fauna and flora, but first canyoning. There are two recognised routes, the first is good for beginners and to practice, the second is a challenge.

Caños Cruzados

The easiest route starts at the Caños Cruzados waterfall. It is reached either by continuing down from the challenging Madroñales canyon route or taking a hiking trail. This classic descent has enough jumps and abseiling pitches for even the experienced canyoner.

Madroñales Canyon

This route, upstream of Caños Cruzados, has a technical and exciting descent at the Cuevas de Funes waterfall. Only for the bold, this pitch is relatively quiet.

Flora and Fauna in the Rio Verde valley

Predominantly Mediterranean forest, rosemary, rockrose and mastic, the nature loving canyoner may also see some more unusual plants such as the Pinguicula vallisneriifolia species, better known as Andalusia grasilla, a carnivorous flycatcher plant. In the air you may well spot a golden eagle or a peregrine falcon. Otters like the clean water and families of mountain goat balance delicately on rocky platforms. The mountain goat is nature’s natural climber and canyoner.

Canyoning Safety

Canyoning should only be attempted with experienced guides who have the necessary permits and arrange insurance and provide all the equipment required to participate in this exciting activity safely.

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