Tabernas is a desert in Andalusia, located in the province of AlmerÃa and is one of only three natural areas of its kind in Europe. It is popular with filmmakers and television producers, for whom it has repeatedly been the setting for westerns, action films and cult series in the past.
Background for film productions
Desert Tabernas is recognised by anyone who has seen at least one of the classic American westerns. Why go. This location in Andalusia is one of the most used film locations in Europe, due to its unique landscapes and easy access. The desert is particularly popular with producers of westerns and action films.
Many productions, such as ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘Winnetou’ and the famous ‘Cleopatra’ starring Elizabeth Taylor, were filmed right in the Tabernas desert. A number of westerns, including the iconic ‘Zorro’ or ‘The Wild Wild West’, were also shot here.
Lately, the Tabernas desert has appeared less frequently in films, but it is still an inspiring setting for many producers. We can recognise it in several popular TV series and films – including ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Doctor Who’ – as well as in the film adaptation of the popular game ‘Assassin’s Creed’.
For movie fans who decide to go to the Tabernas desert, the mock-up movie towns left there, such as Fort Bravo, Oasys and Mini Hollywood, will be quite a treat. Many of these sites also offer attractions, including shooting shows, horseback rides and other entertainment to attract tourists and western enthusiasts.
Active holidays in the desert
The Tabernas Desert in Andalusia offers many attractions for tourists who want to experience the region’s unique landscape. Here are some suggestions:
- Jeep safari – a ride through the desert in a specially adapted off-road vehicle, during which you can admire the beautiful scenery and learn about the history of the place.
- ATV riding – a great way to explore the desert and stay active. Driving through the bumpy desert dunes provides a large dose of adrenaline. You can feel like a participant in the iconic Paris-Dakar rally.
- Horseback riding – if you have watched old films such as ‘Hidalgo. Ocean of Fire”, you are well aware that horses are just as suitable for a ride through the desert as camels found in Africa. This kind of leisure activity is undoubtedly a beautiful experience that you will remember for a long time.
- Photography – if you are a keen photographer who is constantly on the lookout for interesting and inspiring places to take beautiful photos, then you definitely need to head to the Tabernas desert. The location is popular with photographers for its excellent artistic qualities, and themed shoots in iconic film destinations can be an added bonus.
- Rock climbing – the desert offers a unique climbing experience due to the rugged terrain and varied rock formations. The limestone rocks in the area are said to be of high quality and provide routes of varying degrees of difficulty. The climbing season in the Tabernas desert usually lasts from October to May, when the weather is milder. Climbing during the hot summer months is not recommended due to the extreme heat.
- Paragliding – paragliding is a popular activity in the Tabernas desert due to the unique desert landscape and prevailing weather conditions. Famous for its unique rock formations and rugged terrain, the desert is actually an ideal place to practice this sport. There are several paragliding operators in the area who offer tandem flights, lessons and guided tours.
