Attractions and Places To See around Tabernas - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Tabernas include Europe's only desert, offering unique natural landscapes and a rich cinematic history. This region is known for its dramatic desert formations, historical sites, and as a filming location for numerous Westerns. Visitors can explore a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and film-related attractions.
Best attractions and places to see around Tabernas
- The most popular attractions is Tabernas Oasis, an other natural feature that served as a backdrop for films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Indiana Jones". This oasis features palm trees and natural caves, contrasting with the arid surroundings.
- Another must-see spot is Tabernas Village and Desert, a settlement located next to the Tabernas Desert Natural Park. This area holds significant scenic and geological value, with unique flora and fauna, and was an important open-air film set.
- Visitors also love Exodus Movie Set, an other man-made site where much of Ridley Scott's "Exodus" was filmed. These semi-abandoned sets are reused for various films and offer insight into film production.
- Tabernas is known for its natural desert landscapes, historical sites like castles and churches, and iconic Western film sets. The area offers a variety of attractions, from exploring unique geological features to experiencing cinematic history.
- The attractions around Tabernas are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 190 upvotes and 50 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tabernas Oasis
Highlight • Natural
The vegetation consists only of scattered shrubs and grasses.
But even palm trees grow here. The oasis was the scene of famous films and served u.a. "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Indian Jones" as backdrop. Yes, here you can taste the wild west air!
Numerous film companies use the dramatic scenery of the Tabernas Desert with their bizarre rock formations as a location. The spaghetti westerns in the 1970s were also shot here as well as e.g. the films "The Shoe of the Manitu", "Game of Thrones" or "Conan the Barbarian".
There are many secrets and lots of life in this ancient sea basin.
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Tabernas Village and Desert
Highlight • Settlement
This area has great scenic and geological value, and boasts its own unique flora and fauna. It is precisely these landscapes that made this area an important open-air film set where numerous Westerns and other films simulating African and Arabian locations were filmed.
Tabernas already had an Almohad castle in the 10th century, given its location on the communication route between Almería and the eastern Iberian Peninsula. After the expulsion of the Moors, the castle was almost in ruins and was rebuilt by Emperor Charles V.
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Tabernas Western Village Andalusia
Highlight • Natural
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Exodus Movie Set
Highlight • Structure
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Baños de Sierra Alhamilla Hot Springs
Highlight • Natural Monument
The spring emerges from carbonate rocks of the Nevado-Filábride Complex aquifer, with a constant flow at a high temperature (58°C).
Benefits of the waters:
Therapeutic: anti-inflammatory and analgesic (rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, trauma); antispasmodic and sedative effects due to radon.
Dermatological: eliminate oil and dead skin, regenerate the skin; promote sweating and detoxification.
Respiratory: beneficial for rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, and allergies; thin mucus.
Digestive: help with gastritis, ulcers, dyspepsia, and gallbladder problems; prevent gallstones and reduce uric acid; diuretic and detoxifying.
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Tips from the Community
To Bullsbiker - you're right, I also saw that Hans is just collecting points so he can be a pioneer everywhere, that's not right. I'm going to try to report Komoot, what he's doing isn't right. I also discovered he has several accounts but only pays for one.
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El Chorrillo: The Great Film Set Although not officially called a "Hollywood scene spot," the El Chorrillo area (also in Pechina) is a major film location: Exodus: Gods and Kings (Ridley Scott, 2014): a set measuring up to 1.5 x 1 km was built to recreate cities of Ancient Egypt. Game of Thrones (Season 6): it served as the village of Vaes Dothrak. Scenes from Penny Dreadful, The Gospel of John, Brothers, and several historical westerns such as Tierra Brutal have also been filmed there. Some structures remain (e.g., the slave ghetto set) and can be visited.
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The thermal waters of Baños de Sierra Alhamilla are located in the village of Pechina, Almería. The spring emerges from carbonate rocks of the Nevado-Filábride Complex aquifer, with a constant flow at a high temperature (58°C). Benefits of the waters: Therapeutic: anti-inflammatory and analgesic (rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, trauma); antispasmodic and sedative effects due to radon. Dermatological: eliminate oil and dead skin, regenerate the skin; promote sweating and detoxification. Respiratory: beneficial for rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, and allergies; thin mucus. Digestive: help with gastritis, ulcers, dyspepsia, and gallbladder problems; prevent gallstones and reduce uric acid; diuretic and detoxifying.
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The thermal waters of Baños de Sierra Alhamilla are located in the village of Pechina, Almería. The spring emerges from carbonate rocks of the Nevado-Filábride Complex aquifer, with a constant flow at a high temperature (58°C). Benefits of the waters: Therapeutic: anti-inflammatory and analgesic (rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, trauma); antispasmodic and sedative effects due to radon. Dermatological: eliminate oil and dead skin, regenerate the skin; promote sweating and detoxification. Respiratory: beneficial for rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, and allergies; thin mucus. Digestive: help with gastritis, ulcers, dyspepsia, and gallbladder problems; prevent gallstones and reduce uric acid; diuretic and detoxifying.
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take some water there isn't any
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The Tabernas Oasis, also known as Mini Hollywood Oasys, is a theme park located in the Tabernas Desert, in Almería. This park is famous for its western movie sets and offers a unique experience that combines entertainment and nature.
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Hiked January 2025. Start of stairs down dangerous and unsuitable for children. Many stairs work BROKEN or gone. Very sloppy. Signposting route, almost 0. GPS reception possibilities at the bottom limited. Special landscape but there are many nicer walks. We found it disappointing.
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Near Tabernas lies a (semi) desert in Europe. A bone-dry area of 280 km² where the sun shines all year round and the least rain falls in all of Europe! Only a few days (approx. 3-4) per year heavy rain showers. Temperatures here vary from -5 ° to 48 ° C. This has resulted in a spectacular landscape around Tabernas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features define the Tabernas Desert?
The Tabernas Desert, Europe's only desert, is characterized by its unique 'badlands' formations, dramatic ravines, and dry riverbeds. Despite its arid appearance, it supports a variety of flora and fauna. A notable natural feature is the Tabernas Oasis, with its palm trees and natural caves, which has served as a backdrop for famous films.
Where can I experience the cinematic history of Tabernas?
Tabernas is famous for its role as a filming location for numerous 'Spaghetti Westerns' and other major productions. You can visit former film sets that are now tourist attractions, such as Oasys MiniHollywood, Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood, and Western Leone. These offer Wild West shows, authentic sets, and even zoological reserves. The Exodus Movie Set is another site where parts of Ridley Scott's "Exodus" were filmed, with semi-abandoned sets often reused for other productions.
Are there hiking opportunities in the Tabernas Desert?
Yes, the Tabernas Desert offers various hiking trails, such as the Sendero del Desierto, allowing visitors to explore its unique landscapes. Routes vary in length and difficulty, from easy to moderate. You can find detailed hiking routes and guides at Hiking around Tabernas.
What historical sites can I explore in Tabernas?
Tabernas offers several historical sites. The Tabernas Village and Desert itself has a rich history, including the ruins of Tabernas Castle, an 11th-century Moorish fortress offering panoramic desert views. Other notable sites in Tabernas town include La Ermita de San Sebastián, a small Gothic-style temple, and the over 500-year-old Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, built in the Mudejar style.
What family-friendly attractions are available in Tabernas?
Families can enjoy the Western film sets, particularly Oasys MiniHollywood, which features a Western town, a zoological reserve with over 150 animal species, and a seasonal waterpark. Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood also offers Wild West shows and an immersive experience. The Texas Hollywood highlight is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
What is the best time to visit the Tabernas Desert for outdoor activities?
The Tabernas Desert experiences extreme temperatures, with very hot summers and cold winters. The best time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring is typically during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for extended periods outdoors.
Can I go stargazing in the Tabernas Desert?
Yes, due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, the Tabernas Desert is an excellent spot for stargazing. The clear desert skies offer a fantastic opportunity to observe celestial bodies.
Are there any unique local products or industries to explore?
Yes, you can explore the local olive oil industry. The Oro Del Desierto Olive Oil Mill and Castillo de Tabernas oil mill offer guided tours where visitors can learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil and purchase locally produced products.
What other outdoor activities can I do near Tabernas besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the Tabernas area is popular for mountain biking and road cycling. You can find various routes for these sports, with options ranging from moderate to difficult. Explore detailed guides for these activities at MTB Trails around Tabernas and Road Cycling Routes around Tabernas.
Is Tabernas town itself worth visiting?
Yes, the town of Tabernas is worth exploring. It offers historical buildings, traditional architecture, and local hospitality. It's a good base for exploring the surrounding desert and its attractions, and a place to stock up on food and drink.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Tabernas area?
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique natural landscapes of Europe's only desert, the dramatic rock formations, and the rich cinematic history. The blend of exploring film sets, experiencing Wild West shows, and discovering historical sites like Tabernas Castle, alongside the opportunities for hiking and enjoying the arid scenery, makes for a memorable experience.
Are there any less crowded alternatives to the main Western film sets?
While Oasys MiniHollywood and Fort Bravo are popular, you can also visit the Exodus Movie Set, which features semi-abandoned sets used for various films. These offer a glimpse into film production without the full theme park experience, and are often reused for new productions.
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