In December 2024, we from Casa Vento Madeira descended the Quinta Grande
canyoning tour in Faja dos Padres for the first time. This is a
spectacular waterfall that plunges 250 meters down to the Atlantic Ocean in two huge cascades.
After rainfall, an unbelievable abseiling experience awaits, which partly leads directly through the
water jet and ends with your feet in the sea water. And the icing on the cake is that the return trip
is not only comfortable, but also offers a new thrill. In just a few minutes you float back to the
top by cable car. After a few minutes on foot at ground level you are back at the entrance parking lot.
To have a first impression of this amazing canyon, watch the video and listen to the
music, that has been composed by artificial intelligence.
Due to the fact that the canyon contains two huge abseils of 100 meters or more, we consider it a Level 6 tour. This is the highest difficulty of canyoning that can be found in Madeira. Without proper rope maneuver, a descent can easily end in a desaster, so we recommend to complete Quinta Grande only to expert canyoneers. Or ask us for a guided tour in this fascinating waterfalls.
If canyoning fascinates you or is your hobby since a long time, do not hesitate to contact Casa Vento Madeira. We offer guiding on almost all known gorges around the island, for beginners and experts alike. With more than 20 years of experience in canyoning, we promise unforgettable experiences in the lushing green canyons, that have a unique characteristic.
Canyoning in Quinta Grande starts with a small, mostly dry waterfall of 20 meters. Bring a garden scissor
for the next downclimbs, depending on the time of the year, some parts might be overgrown with brumble
bush branches. If the waterlevel is high, two small steps without anchors can cause problems.
And off we go with a nice series of abseils. We start with 10 meters from two anchors behind a huge block - it is
necessary to stay on the rope to reach the next belay station. From here you rappel 35 meters to reach two
bolts river left.
After a short breath, you will attack the first big drop. To reach the next anchor, that divides this
105 meters waterfall into two abseilings of 35 and 70 meters, you need to cross the downrushing water.
This can be tricky in case of high flow. The second pitch of this amazing vertical is absolutely remarkable.
You will abseil directly next to the water, which is a pure pleasure, if the waterlevel is elevated.
At the bottom of this wall you will find a perfect spot for a small break, enjoy the panorama over
the atlantic, watch the tourists near the small port of Faja dos Padres and miracle what the huge metal
piece wrapped around a boulder might be.
Time for the second multipitch waterfall:
A small abseil brings you to an exposed belay chain, a pitch of 60 meters leads to an overhanging boulder
in the middle of the waterfall. Await a very strong shower if the flow is good. And better bring enough
rope to be able to equip the second pitch of 35 meters immediately. If not, better wear the neopren hood!
You can now already smell the ocean, just 15 meters to rappel and your shoes will be washed by salty water.
Take care to reach the small pebble beach at low tide, especially if the waves are high.
To finish your canyoning adventure, move along the beach to the right, pass the truck wreck to reach the port
and head towards the cable car station. On your way it is obligate to have an eye on the fruit gardens
of the Faja dos Padres agricultural area.
All you need to do now, is to enter the cab and wait for a last thrilling ride. Please do not forget
to pay for this unique after-canyoning service at the upper station.
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