Valencia Black Desert Travel Guide and Practical Tips
Last month I finally visited the Black Desert near Valencia. I had seen people mention this place on forums before and was always curious about it. After visiting Valencia myself, I think it’s definitely worth sharing my experience to help those planning to go.
Basic Information About the Black Desert
The Black Desert is located in the inland region of Valencia province, approximately 80 kilometers from the city center. This area is called the Black Desert because its surface is covered with dark volcanic rock fragments and weathered shale, which appear in unique shades of dark gray to black-brown under sunlight. It’s completely different from the golden Sahara-type deserts—this place feels more like the lunar surface.
Transportation and Best Visiting Times
Driving from Valencia city center is the most convenient option. Public transportation isn’t really practical, as the nearest bus stop is still several kilometers away. I rented a car, taking the A-3 highway and then local roads, the entire journey taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. I recommend avoiding summer midday hours, when surface temperatures can exceed 45 degrees Celsius—it’s truly unbearable. Spring and autumn mornings or evenings are the ideal times, and the lighting is especially great for photography.
Here’s my organized guide for different seasons:
| Season | Rating | Important Notes |
|---|
| Spring | ★★★★★ | Pleasant temperature, wildflowers blooming |
| Summer | ★★☆☆☆ | Extremely hot, adequate hydration essential |
| Autumn | ★★★★☆ | Cool weather, clear visibility |
| Winter | ★★★☆☆ | Possible rainfall, poor road conditions |
Practical Tips and Important Reminders
Before going, make sure to bring plenty of water—at least 2 liters per person. There are absolutely no supply points there, and the nearest town requires a 20-minute drive. Sun protection measures are essential: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—you can’t skip any of them. I was too careless and ended up with a sunburned neck that took several days to recover.
I don’t recommend wearing sandals or flip-flops—the ground’s gravel is very sharp. Hiking boots or sports shoes are best. If you want to hike deep into the desert following this Valencia guide, remember to download offline maps, as cell phone signals are very weak there. I used the Maps.me app and downloaded the Valencia province map in advance—the navigation was quite accurate.
Nearby Places Worth Visiting
Since you’re already driving there, you might as well explore the surrounding towns. About 30 kilometers from the Black Desert entrance is a small town called Requena, famous for its wineries where you can taste local red wines. The town also has well-preserved medieval walls and churches—a complete tour takes about 2-3 hours.
Overall, Valencia’s Black Desert is a niche but very special attraction. It’s not as popular as the beaches, but that’s exactly why it has maintained its pristine character. If you enjoy exploring unique natural landscapes and are tired of cookie-cutter tourist routes, this place is definitely worth visiting. Remember to bring your camera—the sunsets there are breathtakingly beautiful.
