The Tabernas Desert is one of those places you wouldn’t expect to find in Andalusia. It highlights just how diverse the landscape and nature of southern Spain truly are. But there’s another reason why a visit to the Desierto de Tabernas is well worth it. What awaits you in this area of the Almeria province? Let’s find out.
The History of the Tabernas Desert
Andalusia is typically known for being well supplied with moisture by the winds from both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. However, the Tabernas Desert lies nestled between the Sierra de los Filabres, the Sierra Alhamilla, and the Sierra Nevada. The waters of the Mediterranean are blocked by the Betic Cordillera mountain range, preventing them from reaching the Spanish Levante.
With an average of just 39 rainy days per year, the Desierto de Tabernas is the driest area in Spain as well as the largest and only true desert in Europe. You won’t find sand dunes here, though. Over 8 million years ago, this area was submerged by the waters of the Mediterranean, which explains the presence of fossils even today.
As the surrounding mountains gradually rose, the water receded, resulting in the phenomenon described earlier. When it does rain, it rains heavily. The sparsely vegetated soil cannot absorb the water, leading to erosion that creates bizarre cracks (known as ramblas) in the ground. These unique landscapes are referred to in scientific circles as badlands.
Key Facts About the Desierto de Tabernas
The Tabernas Desert covers an area of over 280 km², with 115 km² designated as a natural park. It stretches 20 km in length and is up to 10 km wide. Average temperatures range between 10.2°C and 27.9°C, with January being the coldest month and August the hottest.
This region is considered a semi-desert or desert steppe, lying at elevations between 260 m and 952 m above sea level. Despite its arid classification, the Desierto de Tabernas supports a surprising variety of life:
Linaria nigricans
Prickly pears
Euzomodendron bourgaeanum cosson
Ravines
Olive trees
Among the most notable plants is the Linaria nigricans, which releases a vanilla-like fragrance after a wet autumn that turns the usually dry river beds into magical water supplies. Prickly pears are also abundant, as is the rare Euzomodendron bourgaeanum cosson.
Ladder snake
European fringe-toed lizard
Bonelli’s eagle
Crag Martins
Wildlife is also present in the Tabernas Desert, particularly reptiles and birds. These include the ladder snake, the European fringe-toed lizard, and birds of prey such as Bonelli’s eagle, blue rock thrushes, and peregrine falcons.
Visiting the Desierto de Tabernas: Tickets and Directions
The natural park within the Tabernas Desert can be explored either independently or through guided tours. Hiking here takes several hours and requires thorough preparation. Another option is to go horse riding. There’s much to discover in this unique environment, and it’s advisable not to venture out alone.
Tabernas Desert tours are available from Almeria, with transportation to the desert already included. However, if you prefer to visit the Desierto de Tabernas without a guided tour, renting a car is a great option.
At the foot of the Alhamilla mountain range lies the village of Tabernas, which serves as an ideal starting point and is accessible by car. From here, you can also easily reach the film sets of several spaghetti westerns.
Fort Bravo Admission: Adults from €19.40, concessions €15.90, and children from €9.90
Oasys Mini Hollywood Tickets: Adults from €23.50, concessions from €10, and children from €14.50
Western Leone Admission: From €12
Before visiting, it’s worth checking the websites of these attractions to confirm they’re open. Purchasing tickets online is often cheaper than buying them on-site.
Accommodation Near the Tabernas Desert
Your Visit to the Desierto de Tabernas and the Wild West
What you experience in the Desierto de Tabernas depends entirely on what you’re looking for. A 4x4 tour provides an adrenaline rush, while a hike allows you to explore the area at your own pace. Movie enthusiasts, on the other hand, will be thrilled to visit the filming locations of numerous Wild West and other iconic movies.
Here are just a few examples of films and series shot in the Tabernas Desert:
Lawrence of Arabia
Once Upon a Time in the West
A Fistful of Dollars
Cleopatra
Conan the Barbarian
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Game of Thrones
Exodus
The good, the bad and the ugly
Step into the footsteps of legends like Clint Eastwood, Sergio Leone, Charles Bronson, and many other heroes of the Wild West. The saloon awaits you, as does the sense of freedom inspired by the vast landscape of the Desierto de Tabernas.
You can also visit the Central Solar de Tabernas, a pioneering European project in solar energy. Here, you’ll catch a glimpse of cutting-edge technology and the future of sustainable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the Tabernas desert?
The Tabernas Desert is unique as it is the only desert in Europe, receiving less than 250mm of rainfall per year, yet it is home to diverse animal and plant species that have adapted to its extreme conditions.
Is Tabernas desert worth visiting?
Yes, the Tabernas desert is well worth a visit, as it offers an impressive and unique landscape that is highly recommended for anyone in the area.
What animals live in the Tabernas desert?
The Tabernas desert is home to a variety of animals, including foxes, rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, dormice, snakes, toads, frogs, and lizards, as well as insects like grasshoppers and bees.
What is the best time to visit the Tabernas Desert?
The best time to visit the Tabernas Desert is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is milder and temperatures are more comfortable.
What kind of flora and fauna can I expect to see in the Tabernas Desert?
In the Tabernas Desert, you can expect to see unique flora such as Euzomodendron bourgeanum, sea lavender, and toadflax linaria, as well as fauna including at-risk species like the yellow scorpion, tarantulas, and black widows, along with mammals such as the Algerian hedgehog and various rodents.