The Tabernas Desert is Europe’s only true desert and because of it’s unique landscape, it has served as the backdrop for hundreds of Western movies and popular TV shows over the years, including Game Of Thrones, Indiana Jones and a tonne of Clint Eastwood films.
Our first visit to this part of Spain was way back in 2013, and we’ve been back countless times since because it really is like nowhere else in the country!
It might only be 280 km² but there’s plenty of things to do in The Tabernas Desert that you really don’t want to rush past without stopping! From Hollywood movie sets, to hikes and even a zoo, you’re going to want to add it to your road trip itinerary asap.
What To Expect From Tabernas Desert
👉 What To See? The highlight of the Tabernas desert is the unique rock formations and multiple locations and old sets used in famous movies like The Good The Bad And The Ugly.
👉 Where? The Tabernas Desert is in southern Spain, in the province of Almería in Andalucía. It’s around 30 minutes north of Almería city and roughly 1.5 hours from Granada, making it an easy stop if you’re road tripping between the two.
👉 Is Tabernas Desert Worth Visiting? Absolutely! If you’re into movies, or unique landscapes, the Tabernas Desert is a must!
Step Inside a Real Spaghetti Western Film Set at Mini Hollywood (Oasys)
Mini Hollywood is perhaps the most famous of the things to do in the Tabernas Desert.
The original set, which has been preserved and turned into a tourist attraction, was built in 1965 for Sergio Leone’s movie ‘For A Few Dollars More’, and went on to be included in so many more films and TV shows like Dr. Who and Indian Jones.
In 1977 it opened its doors to tourists and has been growing as a theme park ever since, now boasting a zoo that’s open year-round and small waterpark that’s only open in the summer.
It attracts thousands of tourists and after visiting it a few times over the years, we promise it requires a full day to experience everything there is!
The preserved film sets now act as the main Western Town at the front of the park and is a huge highlight to most people visiting the park because you can actually explore inside many of the buildings including the old jail house!
A couple of times a day, you’ll be able to watch a show in the centre of the Western Town that aims to bring the streets to life with a gun fight and horse display.
We preferred the show at For Bravo (coming up next) because it’s more interactive whereas the one at Mini Hollywood is more like a choreographed dance/fight without many stunts.
Tickets for Mini Hollywood are around €28 per person, but if you check their website directly you can often get discounts – we were able to get a 2 for 1 deal which made the trip even more budget friendly!
In winter, it is only open on weekends and holidays so you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re there off-season.
Amazingly, it’s completely dog friendly too – even the zoo – so if you have a pup, they can enjoy it with you. Be mindful that the gun fight has real gun shots that are extremely loud and frequent though, and not all dogs will enjoy that (we saw plenty that were terrified – which is why we had chosen to leave Lilly in the van)
Watch Cowboy Stunts and Shootouts at Fort Bravo’s Western Film Set
Fort Bravo is the second theme park in the area.
We’ve seen it advertised as the largest Western Theme Park in the Tabernas but we’re not sure how accurate that is because the old film set here feels much smaller than that at Mini Hollywood.
Anyway, Fort Bravo was built in the 1960s as a backdrop to Sergio Leone’s films like ‘A Fist Full of Dollars’ and ‘The Good The Bad and The Ugly’ before being turned into a tourist attraction in the 1980’s
It didn’t make great first impressions for us, and we recommend you walk left from the car park and past the horse stables to avoid the same disappointment because the side streets behind the main road feel a bit neglected and run down.
However, once you step onto the main street where the Saloon is, the atmosphere really changes once you see the cowboys walking around.
Similarly to Mini Hollywood, there are a couple of shows each day but these ones are much better with more of a story to follow. Even though it’s completely in Spanish, it’s easy to understand what’s happening and there are a lot more horse stunts too.
Interestingly, Fort Bravo seems to attract more child-free groups and more locals than the other locations which made it feel more like a local bar or park than a theme park.
You can’t enter many of the buildings in Fort Bravo, so we think you only need a couple of hours here. If you plan those around the show timetable, you’ll really make the most of your trip:
Saloon Can Can show: 12:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Western Bank Robbery: 2:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Entrance is around €23 per person, but if you check websites like Groupon you might be able to grab yourself a deal – we got tickets for €19 for both of us.
It’s also dog friendly, and this time Lilly took a walk around after the gun show and really enjoyed seeing the horses!
Fun Fact: There is a third much smaller Western film set called Western Leone that we actually had no idea existed until our most recent visit to the area. It’s only around €10 entrance but it’s not somewhere we’ve personally been and reviews are 50/50 for whether it’s worth it so while we wanted to mention its existence, we can’t fully recommend it.
Explore the Tabernas Desert on Foot With Scenic Hikes
If you have more time to spend in the Tabernas Desert, there are quite a few hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties.
The Western Leone Loop
One of our favourites is the Western Leone Loop. This track starts at the car park of Mini Hollywood (or the free car park next to Mini Hollywood) and descends into the river bank before winding through the valley past cool rock formations and through areas used in popular films and TV shows before climbing back out and ending with spectacular views back over the area.
One of the film locations to look out for are The Oasis from Lawrence of Arabia and it’s pretty hard to miss because the palm trees haven’t been edited in!
The Western Leone Loop is about 8.8km, and is supposed to take 2-3 hours. However, we stopped to take so many photos that it actually took us 5 and a half hours in total. It’s mostly flat, but if you do it in ‘reverse’ like we did, following the track from the side of Mini Hollywood and not over the road, you will end the walk with a bit of an uphill but nothing extreme. This is the best way to do it in our opinion because it means you see the best of the walk towards the beginning.
I would avoid doing this hike during the summer because aside from the Oasis, there isn’t much shade at all and it will be hot!
Famous TV And Film Location Loop
If you’re a fan of how film and TV is made, and want to explore even more locations besides the two theme parks we’ve already talked about, you can actually walk to a few for free within the desert too!
I (Leah) did a film and media degree, so these places are always fascinating to me. The following locations can be seen individually or put together to create a loop track following the Google directions!
Llano del Búho is a little bit north of the village of Tabernas and was used in the TV show ‘The Crown’ as a replacement for Uluru in Australia. Having been to Uluru, it’s not quite the same but I can see how it made for easy editing! This is an easy walk of about 40 minutes from Tabernas village, or off road drive.
Rambla del Buho will look familiar to those who watch Game Of Thrones because these desert canyons were used for large-scale Dothraki scenes, showing Daenerys leading her followers.
Continuing on the loop is Roca La Tortuga, which translates to ‘Turtle Rock’, is a distinct rock formation that’s super easy to spot once you reach it. The area was used in Indiana Jones, Game of Thrones and plenty more!
Admire Views At Easy Desert Viewpoints
Don’t have time to do full hikes? That’s ok! You can see a lot from the viewpoints too. Some of these aren’t pinpointed on Google so we’ve included links to them, or you can use our map to see everything all together.
Desert View At Repsol
The easiest view point to access is the one at Repsol Fuel Station because you can just pull in and park with your van right there in the desert – if you ignore the fuel station to the left, of course.
Anyway, you can actually camp here if you’re in a motorhome or campervan and need a free place to stay. It’s where we based ourselves for the whole week we spent in the desert.
Mini Hollywood Viewpoint
See how easy these viewpoints are to access? We have another that is only a short walk from where you park your car or van.
If you park in Mini Hollywood, or the free car park next to it, and head towards the back you’ll get onto the track that is the start of the Western Leone Loop but before the track starts to climb down the rickety stairs there’s an absolutely stunning view point out over the valley that’s worth a look even if you don’t do the whole walk.
Ride Through Rugged Landscapes on Horseback
Exploring the Tabernas Desert on horseback is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the landscape, especially given its deep connection to Western movies.
Riding through the dry riverbeds and wide open valleys really makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight onto a film set, or back in time!
There are a few operators in the area offering guided rides suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, with routes that take you past dramatic rock formations and filming locations you’ll instantly recognise from the big screen.
Sunset rides are particularly popular, when the desert colours really come to life and the temperatures are much more comfortable.
It’s a slower-paced activity compared to hiking or 4×4 tours, but that’s exactly what makes it so special, it gives you time to really take in how vast and unique the desert is.
Stargaze in One of Southern Spain’s Darkest Night Skies
Thanks to its remote location and low light pollution, the Tabernas Desert is an incredible place for stargazing.
On a clear night, the sky is filled with stars, constellations and even the Milky Way, making it one of the best spots in southern Spain for night-sky lovers and astrophotography!
There are guided stargazing tours available that provide telescopes and expert explanations of what you’re seeing, which is a great option if you want to learn more than just spotting stars.
That said, even without a tour, simply parking up somewhere quiet and looking up can be an unforgettable experience.
If you’re travelling by campervan or motorhome, this is one of those places where you’ll really appreciate sleeping out in nature… the silence, the darkness, and the stars overhead are hard to beat.
Climb to Tabernas Castle for Panoramic Desert Views
Overlooking the town of Tabernas itself, Castillo de Tabernas (also known as Castillo de Santa Catalina) is a small but interesting historical stop that offers a different perspective on the area beyond its movie fame.
The castle dates back to the 11th century and was originally built during the Moorish period as a defensive fortress.
Today, you can walk up to the remains and enjoy sweeping views over the town and the surrounding desert landscape, which really helps you understand why this location was so strategically important.
It’s an easy visit to combine with time in Tabernas village and doesn’t take long, making it a nice cultural addition to an otherwise very outdoors-focused Tabernas Desert itinerary.
Visit One of Europe’s Leading Solar Research Facilities
Tabernas isn’t just famous for movies – it’s also one of the sunniest places in Europe, which makes it an ideal location for solar energy research.
The Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) is one of the most important solar research centres in the world and offers guided tours for visitors.
These tours give a fascinating insight into how solar power is developed and tested, with large-scale mirrors, towers and experimental facilities spread across the desert.
It’s a surprisingly interesting visit, even if renewable energy isn’t something you’d normally seek out.
You do need to book ahead, but if you’re looking for something educational and a little different to balance out hiking and theme parks, this is well worth considering.
Taste Some of the Best Olive Oil in Spain at a Local Mill
If you have the chance to visit an olive oil mill anywhere in Spain, we honestly think it’s something everyone should do – and Tabernas is no exception.
The area is home to a few excellent producers, including Almazara Castillo de Tabernas and Oro del Desierto, both of which offer tours and tastings.
These visits are incredibly educational, explaining the entire process from olive harvesting to production, as well as the differences between oil qualities that many people don’t realise exist.
You’ll learn why extra virgin olive oil isn’t just a label, but a standard that makes a real difference in flavour and health benefits.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to support local producers and take home high-quality olive oil that you simply won’t find in supermarkets – and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why.
Reach Remote Desert Landscapes on a Guided 4×4 Adventure
For those who want to cover more ground without the effort of hiking, a 4×4 tour is a great way to explore deeper into the Tabernas Desert.
These guided off-road experiences take you to remote areas, hidden valleys and filming locations that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot.
Along the way, guides typically share stories about the desert’s history, geology and movie connections, which really adds context to what you’re seeing.
It’s a particularly good option if you’re short on time or visiting during hotter months when walking long distances isn’t ideal.
If you want a mix of adventure, comfort and storytelling, this is one of the easiest ways to experience more of the desert in a single trip.
FAQs About Visiting The Tabernas Desert
Absolutely! Beyond the film sets, the desert’s landscapes, hiking trails, viewpoints, stargazing and activities like 4×4 tours and horseback riding make it a unique destination for anyone visiting southern Spain.
Spring and autumn are ideal because the weather is warm but not scorching. Summer can get very hot, especially for hiking or long walks, so plan for early mornings or late afternoons.
Yes! Mini Hollywood and the hiking trails are family-friendly, and the theme parks even allows dogs (just be aware that the gunfight shows are very loud). The guided tours likely don’t allow dogs – you’ll need to check with each provider.
It depends on what you want to do! A quick stop to see a viewpoint or drive through the desert can be done in a couple of hours, but if you want to visit Mini Hollywood, Fort Bravo, do a hike or try a 4×4 tour, plan for at least a couple of full days.
The Tabernas Desert offers far more than its size suggests. Between the film sets, walking routes, viewpoints and space to slow down, it’s a stop that justifies more than a quick drive-through.
For anyone road tripping through southern Spain, it fits naturally into the journey between Granada and Almería and is easy to adapt depending on how much time you have.
If you’re currently planning that route, our Granada to Almería road trip itinerary shows how to include Tabernas without overloading your schedule or missing other highlights along the way.
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