It must be clear that Seville is not only tapas, folklore, warmth and architectural fortresses of dazzling beauty. It is much more. North of the Andalusian capital, bordering the provinces of Huelva, Badajoz and Cordoba, is the Sierra Norte de Sevilla.

And it is there where we propose you to practice canyoning in order to get to know some of the natural charms of the region. As its name suggests, canyoning is a sport that takes place in the canyons or ravines of a river along quite unorthodox routes, usually ranging between desert or dry stretches or, conversely, with abundant current. The ones here, with a few exceptions, are optimal scenarios for beginners.

Apart from the two alternatives located in the province, Seville companies dedicated to canyoning provide transportation from Seville to other places where this sport is practiced, especially in Malaga and Granada.

Where are the best areas for canyoning near Seville?

• Barranco del Risco Blanco: The two most important sites for canyoning in the province are concentrated in the heart of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla, specifically in the municipality of Almaden de la Plata. The Risco Blanco or Charco Oscuro is one of them. It is not particularly complicated, which is ideal for almost the whole family to explore, although this doesn’t prevent formations such as slides, jumps to deep pools or vertical walls for rappelling.

• Cliff of Calzadillas: Also, in Almadén de la Plata we find this canyon, only 40 minutes by car from Seville. It is a little shorter than its “brother”, the Risco Blanco, however, this one adds an extra difficulty in some sections, sporadic, intermediate level. Even so, it continues being a magnificent test bed for those who wish to imprive their technique since it accumulates three rappels of 12, 25 and 6 meters (this last one embedded in the canyon itself) respectively, in addition to several tremendously fun jumps.

• Sima del Diablo: In Júzcar, Malaga, is one of the easiest descents to face, suitable for all audiences. With a length of half a mile (1 km) and a drop of 100 meters, the Sima del Diablo has five simple rappels of 8, 10, 8, 8, 7 and 4 meters and several loopholes along the way that simplify its execution.

• Río Verde: We now go to Otívar, Granada, to visit the Green River Gorge (Garganta del Río Verde), a spectacular place that involves a more sophisticated challenge. Río Verde is characterized for being one of the most fun canyons in the national panorama, with a multitude of jumps into crystal clear pools, slides, ledges and rappels up to 12 meters high. In addition, apart from its unquestionable beauty, it has the particularity that it has an abundant flow even throughout the summer.

• Las Buitreras canyon: It seems that Malaga concentrates some of the most sensational canyon descents in Andalusia. Las Buitreras is one of them, suitable in summer and in autumn for advanced levels due to the spring floods. It is regulated by the Junta due to the nesting of vultures, hence its name, and because of the load of the flow. It offers interesting jumps and a steep drop of 50 meters along its approximately 5-hour journey.

• Cliff of Jorox: In the tiny village of Jorox, in the Malaga municipality of Alozaina, converges a waterfall and a canyoning descent of a short route ideal for beginners. Also, access to it is immediate and the return does not take more than 15 minutes. At the beginning we will cross several rappels and a couple of slides to discover a splendid final rappel of 22 meters that finishes its two-hour trail.

What types of canyoning in Seville are there?

As we have already mentioned above, the types of canyoning vary according to the difficulty of the route. Each particular company establishes its own classification parameters according to different factors: they categorize them by levels or in a scale that fluctuates between Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Indeed, the more complex a canyon is, the longer it will take to complete. On the other hand, some descents have several sections, usually with the upper and lower parts, which differ in the degree of difficulty, and the route can therefore be completed partially or entirely.

- Beginner: In this category there are four perfect canyons for beginners: the Calzadillas (1.5 to 2 hours); the Sima del Diablo in the Serranía de Ronda, which runs along the Júzcar River in an open and bright way; the Jorox, with a flat approach and return that does not require great physical effort; and the special Family section of Río Verde, suitable for the whole family since it is not necessary to save any abseil, for children between 8 and 13 years old.

- Medium: Risco Blanco continues to be excellent for beginners although it would be classified as low to medium difficulty as a result of some intervals where some technique would be advisable. Like Risco Blanco, the Classic section of Río Verde is easy, with great variety, while the entire route is classified as medium-high due to its demanding nature.

- Advanced: the canyon of las Buitreras can be considered among canyoning enthusiasts as "the cathedral of canyons in Andalusia". Only for lovers of strong emotions, along its spine there are narrow and prominent walls, dark areas that form impressive backlights and even some siphons. With a fuller riverbed than normal it can become a severe experience.

Are these activities safe?

100%, since the Sevillian companies in the sector have approved certifications. In addition, all of them have qualified instructors who are dedicated body and soul to guarantee your safety throughout the entire tour. The guides are experts in the orography of the terrain and the complexity of certain sections, as they have all been on these routes on countless occasions. Finally, the technical equipment used (harness, ropes, helmets, wetsuits, etc.) is systematically renewed in order to improve the service.

What do I have to bring on the day of the activity?

Depending on the time of the year, and taking into account that the climate in this region is changeable, with hot summers and uncertain winters, on the day of the activity it is advisable to wear sports clothes and shoes, depending on the season, a swimsuit under the wetsuit, some spear clothes to change after the tour, and other items such as a towel, sunscreen, with a protection index according to the type of skin of each person, and medication, insofar as someone has to take them under medical prescription.

Who can go canyoning in Seville?

In general, the recommended age to start canyoning is between 6 and 8 years old, depending, of course, on the difficulty of the route. In particular, the companies operating here in Seville have set the limit at 17 years old, while minors interested in canyoning must submit a parental authorization. Certain clauses, which all companies apply in their code, are mandatory, such as, for example, knowing how to swim or being in a decent physical condition.

When is the best time to go canyoning in Seville?

Usually, given the high temperatures that afflict the province during the summer and the cold and abundant rainfall that occur in the Sierra Norte in the winter months, it is recommended to visit these rock formations in spring or autumn, since the weather conditions are admissible and the water flow is high. Exactly the same happens in other nearby locations where this adventure sport is also carried out.