Tabernas Desert
Tabernas, Spain
Eroded badlands north of Almería, often called Europe’s only desert, where Sergio Leone and many others shot their westerns. Several old film sets are open to visitors; the roadside viewpoints along the N-340a show the gullies best.
The Tabernas Desert lies about 30 km north of the city of Almería, between the Sierra de los Filabres, the Sierra Alhamilla and the Sierra Nevada. The protected area covers roughly 280 km², and annual rainfall averages only 15 to 22 cm. Since the late 1950s more than 300 films have been shot here, most of them westerns. Three film sets survive: Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood, Mini Hollywood Oasys and Western Leone, which today are mainly visitor attractions.
Spring, autumn and the mild winter are the best seasons for the landscape itself. In summer temperatures easily top 40 °C, so walks only make sense early in the morning or in the late afternoon. There is hardly any shade; bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. A circular trail from Mini Hollywood is about 3 km long, and the route from Tabernas to Las Salinas is a little over 20 km. Combining the scenery with a visit to a western village gives a fuller picture of the area.
- Nearest town
- Tabernas, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.0200, -2.4300
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, May, September and December. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Fort BravoCampsite3 km from Tabernas DesertTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camper Park Sierra AlhamillaMotorhome stopover10 km from Tabernas DesertMotorhomes
- Little TexasMotorhome stopover15 km from Tabernas DesertMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Zona de acampada municipalCampsite19 km from Tabernas Desert
- Muelle levanteMotorhome stopover21 km from Tabernas DesertMotorhomes
- La GarrofaCampsite23 km from Tabernas DesertTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tabernas Desert?
Tabernas Desert is in Tabernas, Spain, at GPS 37.0200, -2.4300. It is about 20 km from Almería.
Can you camp near Tabernas Desert?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fort Bravo, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tabernas Desert?
Tabernas Desert is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Almería: Tabernas desert and Cabo de Gata.
What is there to see near Tabernas Desert?
Places worth a stop nearby: Alcazaba of Almería (20 km), Cabo de Gata lighthouse (39 km), Playa de Mónsul (41 km) and Barrio de las Cuevas, Guadix (70 km).
When is the best time to visit Tabernas Desert?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, May, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)