9 Best Places To Go Canyoning in Europe in 2024

Known as canyoneering in the U.S, this sport is a combination of many different activities put together. It generally involves one or more of the following: jumping, walking, scrambling, climbing, swimming, abseiling and rappelling. Phew, now that’s a long list of adventure sport clubbed together to give you an exhilarating experience. A relatively new sport, it is sometimes difficult to find the right place for canyoning, as it requires the right combination of conditions. There is no better way to understand the sport and also enhance your skills in it as compared to taking a tour around Europe among the best spots for a mind-blowing canyoning experience. From rolling rivers to waterfalls and alpine hills, Read on to know the list of best places to go canyoning in Europe.

9 Places To Go Canyoning in Europe

• Fort William, Scotland
• Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal
• Málaga, Andalucía Spain
• Nice, France
• Interlaken, Switzerland
• Lake Garda, Italy
• Tirol, Austria
• Triglav National Park, Slovenia
• Mount Olympus and Kissavos, Greece

1. Fort William, Scotland 

Located on the western side of Scotland, Fort William is the ideal starting point to enter some of Scotland best canyons and glens and is one of the best places to go canyoning in Europe. Within a drive of around 30-40 minutes, you will be able to easily reach at 14 canyons. You can choose to go to Allt Van Halen, which is famous among families and amateurs, who aren’t very comfortable with slides and jumps. However, the real thrill of canyoning is the adventure quotient of the sport, the adrenaline high you get when you are coasting down several meters of waterfalls or jumping from ledges. Ben Nevis is the right choice for this. For the folks with lots of experience in canyoning, then the Grey Mare’s Trail is the perfect spot for some pretty spectacular jumps. 

2. Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal

The only national part in Portugal, the Peneda-Geres National Park is proud of its 700 square kilometres of outstanding natural beauty. Bordering Spain, the park is home to numerous canyons, lakes, hills, valleys and some amazing castles. This is one of the few best places to go canyoning in Europe around the year. You can explore the national park with some cliff jumping repelling and scrambling over slippery rocks. The famous spots for canyoning are river Arado Gerês and the Cabril River, Poço do Mouro. The latter canyon is for the skilled folks as the path can get very narrow at some points. 

3. Málaga, Andalucía Spain

Known for the running of the bulls every Easter Sunday, the city is also known to be one of the best places for canyoning in Europe. You will find canyons that will cater to all levels of difficulty. Guadalmina River for the beginners, Almanchares for those who like to mix it up a bit and love the adventure.  Barranco Moreno and Las Buitreras for the experienced who likes challenges in the course. You will find deep, cathedral-like rocks forming narrow, winding paths for you to jump in short tunnels. 

4. Nice, France 

You will find many exciting canyons in the south of France, mostly around the city of Nice, which is considered to be one of the best places to go canyoning in Europe. Some of the famous canyoning experiences one can explore from Nice are discussed further. Les Gorges de Loup which has some easy paths, with light rappelling and small slides down waterfalls. You can venture into the French Alps while you explore Bollèn, a medium level canyon. Though it features many jumps, most of them are not higher than 3 meters. There are few steep waterfall slides, including a straight vertical drop ( Yikes!). Maglia, is one of the most difficult canyons is in the Alps. You will navigate through a cave after a series of jumps and fast-flowing waterfall slides. You surely need some experience and above all, the guts to explore this canyon. 

5. Interlaken, Switzerland

As the name suggests, this small city is nestled between two lakes that are connected by the river Aare. The city is surrounded by a lush green valley and rocky mountains. There are 3 main canyons you can choose from the city. The easiest and the shortest of the lot is Saextenm lasting around 3.5 hours. The slightly difficult canyon is at Grimsel, where you will even zip line into one of the pools. The most popular among crowds is the Chli Schliere, lasting for almost 7 hours, the entire trip is a life-changing experience for many. You will find yourself doing various high jumps, skating down long vertical waterfalls and rappelling deeper into the canyon making it one of the best places to go canyoning in Europe. Are you ready for this?

6. Lake Garda, Italy

The vastness of Italy makes you want to vacation in the country forever. While that might not be possible, don’t forget to experience canyons located around Lake Garda, which is one of the best places to go canyoning in Europe. This is situated between Venice and Milan. You will find numerous beginner trails to some bone-chilling routes. Vajo dell’Orsa is one of the most difficult canyons in the area. The 7-hour long journey requires you to go through very dim spaces and narrow passageways. You will need some bits of experience to finish this course as there are jumps and slides that go up to 13 meters. Not afraid of the heights and want to turn the adventure up a notch? Try the Torrente Aviana and you will find your self abseiling 100 meters down a waterfall. A similar one is Rio Nero, with 40 meter high abseils and up to 15 meter high jumps.

7. Tirol, Austria

The Austrian state of Tyrol has an abundance of mountains and is one of the best places to go canyoning in Europe. It is surely difficult to choose one as you have plenty of canyoning opportunities. Perfect for beginners, you will find short jumps up to 4 meters and small abseils with slightly longer slide at the Alpenrosenklamm. Auerklamm is one of the most popular canyons in Tirol and the difficulty level will depend on which part you choose to go, as this canyon has three parts. With plenty of waterfalls, narrow canyons and a need for technical skills, Kronburg is for the bravest of hearts.

8. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

With around 7 canyons in its vicinity, this national park is a paradise for folks looking for canyoning paths across various levels. Mostnica Gorge and Sušec Canyon are for the beginners. Predelica Stream and Grmečica Canyon for the experienced people. There is yet another canyon called Sava Bohinjka near Lake Bled making Triglav National Park one of the best places to go canyoning in Europe. This requires crossing many fallen trees, obstacles, several jumps and surely ample use of wires to get through the canyon comfortably.

9. Mount Olympus and Kissavos, Greece

The eastern mountains of Greece offer an abundance of canyons concentrated close together. This is a paradise for folks who are looking for canyoning binge. Kalypso and Kakoskala are the two major canyons at Kissavos. The two sections of Kissavos are suitable for beginners. The Kakoskala canyon has 4-5 sections with canyons suitable for both intermediates and amateurs. The east coast of Greece is a perfect place for canyoning enthusiasts and also for tourists who are looking forward to exploring the beautiful mountains from a different perspective.

We hope we have given enough inspiration to you folks to start your canyoning expeditions at this list of best places to go canyoning in Europe. Still, confused on how to go about it? Worry not, Pickyourtrail’s destination experts are specialized to cater to your interests to craft the most amazing Europe Tour Packages encompassing the beautiful adventures. So let’s start planning and start packing. Off to your next adventure!