Canyoning is one of the most fun and refreshing adventure activities of summer: descending canyons by combining hiking, swimming, jumps into pools, natural slides and abseiling, in spectacular crystal-clear water settings. And the motorhome is the perfect base for doing it, getting you to the best canyons. Here's how, with safety first.
Why the camper and canyoning go together
- It gets you to the area: good canyons tend to be in remote, mountainous spots.
- You sleep nearby and get up early for the activity.
- You return to your base to dry off, eat and rest after a wet day.
- You can string canyons together across different areas at your own pace.
Best areas in Spain
Spain has world-class canyons: the Sierra de Guara (Huesca), the European mecca (see Sierra de Guara); the Pyrenees (Aragón, Catalonia); the Sierra de las Nieves and the Ronda area (Málaga); Mallorca; the Sistema Central... There are canyons for every level, from beginner to highly technical.
Safety first
Canyoning is a risk activity that should never be improvised:
- Go with guides or companies if you don't have training and experience; they know the canyon, the kit and the protocols.
- Water is the great danger: never enter a canyon with a risk of flash flooding or storms (a sudden flood is deadly); check the weather and water flow.
- Proper kit: wetsuit, helmet, harness, footwear; checked and in good condition.
- Know your level and choose canyons that match it.
Back to a ready camper
After the canyon, it's great to dry off (an outdoor shower is fantastic; see outdoor shower), eat something hot and charge your action camera. All of that means energy and water, so arrive with your setup ready (see calculator).
In summary
The camper is the perfect base for canyoning, getting you to the best canyons (Guara leading the pack), always with safety first (guides, watching for flash floods, proper kit). The step you can take today: if it appeals to you, start with a guiding company in an area like the Sierra de Guara, choose a canyon that matches your level and never go in with a risk of storms; return to your camper to dry off and recharge. Combine it with Sierra de Guara.