If you’re ready for an intermediate canyoning challenge, the Level 2 adventure at Ribeira do Cidrão in Nuns Valley is the perfect next step for people with some canyoning experience who want something harder. Bigger jumps. Taller waterfalls. More technical challenges than beginner options.
Explore Ribeira do Cidrão in this intermediate canyoning experience.
The location is Curral das Freiras, or Nun’s Valley in English where mountains surround it completely. The name has history behind it. In 1566, pirates attacked Funchal, and nuns from Santa Clara Convent fled up there to hide from them.
After pickup, we drive up into the mountains. Then comes a 20-minute walk to the canyon start. The trail follows an old levada and runs along dirt paths.
You’ll do multiple rappels. The tallest drops 15 meters. Natural pools show up throughout. Some are deep enough to jump into. Others work better for sliding. Mountain scenery surrounds you the whole way. The landscape feels raw and remote.
