The Azores, along with the archipelagos of Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde, constitute the biogeographic region of Macaronesia, a name which means "fortunate islands".

And if you are a fan of extreme adventure, you would find them fortunate for different reasons.

Take ‘canyoning’, for example. Walking along rivers and streams, rappelling, jumping and sliding to overcome natural obstacles -  this is canyoning. In the Azores there are exceptional geo-morphological conditions for the practise of this sport.   

Take some water, throw in some mountains and spice it all up with the surrounding fauna and flora, adding a bit of geodiversity as well and you are left with a paradise of valleys, streams, cliffs and rivers that promise a lot of adrenaline amid memorable scenery.

The rise of Canyoning in The Azores 

Canyoning in The Azores arose by chance. Earlier this century, adventurers were looking for caves in the canyons between rivers and gorges, not realizing that they were creating a more adventurous sport.

Canyoning routes have increased in number in the archipelago. There are already dozens of routes that are fully prepared and the prospec of new routes that will also guarantee total safety. This activity takes place mostly on the islands of Flores, São Miguel and São Jorge. Differing levels of difficulty insure that the adrenalin will flow for beginners and experts alike.

Canyoning Operators in The Azores

 Operators provide the necessary equipment, which includes a helmet and neoprene suits. Of course, the activity requires a certain level of technical expertise, since it includes handling ropes, hiking, climbing and moving through bodies of water. For safety reasons, it is advisable to makes sure you canyon with a guide, due to the demanding nature of some of the routes.

It is certainly a different way to visit the islands and enjoy the most beautiful scenery. Canyoning in The Azores is truly a unique experience.

Have you been canyoning? Tell us about your experience in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK

FemaleFirst

Tagged in