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It has been around for a while, but in 2020, the Tabernas movie set finally got the recognition it deserved for so long. The European Film Academy declared the site in the desert, 30 kilometers north of Almería, a 'Treasure of European film culture'. Since the 1950s, the desert has been the setting for more than 300 films. Classics like 'Once upon a time in the west', Sergio Leone's 'Dollar trilogy' of spaghetti westerns and Indiana Jones 'The last crusade' are (large) partly recorded here. From 1962's Lawrence of Arabia to scenes from the recent Game of thrones, Tabernas has left an emphatic mark on film history.
Those who want to relive those glory years of westerns can visit Fort Bravo. This is one of 14 western villages that have sprung up in the Tabernas desert with the intention of providing an alternative location to Hollywood.
Although the tourist industry in the area primarily targets film buffs (especially Western enthusiasts) and those with a nostalgic interest in America's Wild West, there is plenty to do for other visitors as well. Thanks to the presence of a swimming pool and a zoo, the whole family can find something to their liking. The arid landscape is characterized by immeasurable views. Along with a dry valley, ravine and scattered cacti, the area can easily pass for the plains of Arizona. So it's not surprising that film scouts chose this desert over several US locations, which are usually much more expensive to shoot a movie.
But what can visitors expect? Well, they might recognize scenes from favorite movies or a saloon from a spaghetti western. But perhaps more important is that Fort Bravo creates an atmosphere that is recognizable to almost everyone. This is what the Wild West looks like in movies. Those who want to take a deeper dive into the daily life of that time can visit the theme park for a wild west show, a performance by can can dancers, a 'firefight' with blanks, a photo in western clothing or for a whiskey in the saloon where drunken brawls are simulated.
The winter months are the best time for a trip to Almería's Hollywood because of the temperatures. It can be unbearably hot, especially in summer.
