Biosphere Reserves in Valencia| Visit Valencia

Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO

Do you like city breaks but your perfect plan involves combining them with an excursion to a natural setting? Then you'll love to know that very close to the city there are two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Two enclaves that maintain unique environmental values on a global level. Read on!

The environment

Just over an hour from Valencia, the municipalities of Caudete de las Fuentes, Requena, Venta del Moro, and Villargordo del Cabriel make up the largest concentration of forests in the province. This internationally recognized enclave is the largest limestone mountain range in Mediterranean Europe.

Cabriel Valley

The Cabriel River

The protagonist is the Cabriel River, one of the cleanest in Europe. Its passage has sculpted fascinating geological features such as the Hoces and the "fairy towers." Walking along its banks allows you to discover Mediterranean and riverside forest ecosystems maintained in an exceptional state of conservation.

Wildlife in the wild

The valley is home to the Iberian ibex, its most emblematic inhabitant, as well as otters, trout, amphibians, and majestic birds of prey that nest in the canyon walls. It is a paradise for birdwatching and for those seeking to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Discover the reserve

A sky to touch the stars

Thanks to the purity of its air and low light pollution, the Cabriel Valley is a Starlight destination. This makes it a privileged location for astronomical observation, ideal for enjoying the vastness of the cosmos after a day of adventure.

Starlight destination

Sport and adventure

All this heritage is within your reach through hiking and adventure sports. In Venta del Moro, you can visit the Natural Park Visitor Center, where you will discover the water value of the river through adapted exhibitions and guided tours for groups.

Adventure sports

Flavor with history: D.O. Utiel-Requena

The experience is completed with a wine culture dating back over 2,500 years. The territory is part of the Utiel-Requena Designation of Origin, offering the perfect pairing between the natural richness of the reserve and the millenary tradition of its wines.

circumpolar sobre torre del telégrafo del cerro de la Jedrea

Seven municipalities united by water

Chelva, Tuéjar, Benagéber, Titaguas, Aras de los Olmos, Casas Bajas, and Casas Altas make up this unique territory with the upper course of the Turia River as its common thread. Less than an hour from Valencia, this reserve is a spectacle in any season, as each time of year leaves its own colors and charm.

Alto Turia

Action and adventure in the river and the reservoir

The Alto Turia is a paradise for active tourism. Enjoy canoeing or rafting experiences on the river, or relax with water activities at the Benagéber Reservoir. On dry land, you can choose hiking, cycling, climbing, and even horseback riding routes to connect with the environment.

Protected skies and wildlife

The environmental quality of this area has earned it recognition as a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA). Furthermore, it is also a Starlight destination, guaranteeing starry nights of astonishing clarity, making it a key location for astronomy in the region.

Starlight destination

A mosaic of culture and tradition

The cultural heritage is noteworthy: the Churches of Our Lady of the Angels in Chelva and Tuéjar, or the historic Cortijo Tower in Aras de los Olmos. Don't miss unique festivities such as the Mojiganga or the magical night of the candles in Titaguas.

Gastronomy: mountain flavors

You cannot leave without tasting its traditional products with strong Manchegan and Aragonese influence: oils, honey, black truffle, and artisanal cured meats. It is a rich and honest gastronomy that reflects the identity of this mountain territory.

Practical information and access

You will find the Mancomunidad Tourist Info in Tuéjar. Access is via the CV-35 and N-330 roads, and it is possible to take a circular route of about three and a half hours connecting all the towns that make up this Biosphere Reserve.