Last month I finally visited the long-awaited Tabernas Desert, and this unique landscape at the border of Valencia and Almería provinces is truly worth a special trip. Many people don’t know that you can actually experience North African-style desert scenery right here in mainland Spain, and the [Valencia caves] are just over two hours’ drive from Valencia city center.
How to Get There
From Valencia, head south along the A-7 highway, exit towards Almería and then take the N-340 national road for approximately 150 kilometers. Self-driving is highly recommended as public transportation is not very convenient. The nearest town is Tabernas, where you can stock up on water and food. For parking, there are several free parking areas at the desert entrance, and arriving before 8 AM makes it easier to find a spot.
Best Visiting Times Comparison
| Season | Temperature Range | Pros and Cons |
|---|
| Spring | 15-25°C | Comfortable climate, wildflowers blooming, more tourists |
| Summer | 30-40°C | Extremely hot, requires sun protection and hydration |
| Autumn | 18-28°C | Pleasant temperature, soft lighting, best photography season |
| Winter | 8-18°C | Cold mornings, fewer tourists, unique atmosphere |
I personally recommend visiting in autumn. October offers perfect temperatures - not too hot, not too cold. Plus, the lighting during that time is ideal for photography when hiking in the Valencia desert. At sunset, the entire desert turns golden, and combined with the undulating dune contours, every shot looks spectacular.
Essential Items Checklist
I did quite a bit of research before this trip, and from actual experience, several items are truly important: SPF50+ sunscreen is a must - the UV intensity in the desert is no joke; bring at least 2 liters of water per person (I brought 3 liters and finished them all); sunglasses and a hat are essential; wear hiking boots or sports shoes, never sandals as sand will get in and be very uncomfortable; originally wanted to wear flip-flops but fortunately a friend reminded me. Also recommend bringing a small backpack for these items to free your hands for climbing dunes.
The entire visit takes approximately 3-4 hours, and if you want to catch the sunset, you can stay until evening. The desert has several marked hiking trails, with the most popular being the circular route of about 5 kilometers. It’s not very difficult but some sections relating to the [Valencia royalty] have steeper slopes. Reaching the highest point offers a panoramic view of the entire desert - the vista is truly breathtaking. By the way, this location was used as a filming site for many Western movies, so the path you’re walking on might have been trodden by celebrities back in the day.
