Free walking tours in Tabernas and what to see

Must-sees

Tabernas is the gateway to the desert that bears its name, a protected area of ramblas, gullies and bare hills that many consider Europe's only desert. The town is dominated by the remains of its Moorish castle on a hilltop. Climbing up to it helps you understand the surrounding landscape. Below, the town is simple and surrounded by olive groves.

The most visited sights are the old western film sets. In the 1960s and 1970s many spaghetti westerns were shot here, and several of those towns can be visited today, with shows and museums about the filming. It's also worth exploring the ramblas, where scenes from very well-known films and series have been shot.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Tabernas. Guided desert excursions are the norm, mainly by 4x4, covering the ramblas and filming locations and explaining the area's geology. There are also guided walking and cycling routes. Trips leave from Almería city combining the desert with the western towns.

How long to spend

An hour or two is enough for the town and its castle. If you add one of the western towns and a desert route, allow a full day. It's best to save the routes for early morning or late afternoon, as the midday heat is intense for much of the year. From Tabernas you can also reach Almería and Cabo de Gata in under an hour.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Tabernas is limited, with a few hotels and rural houses in and around the town, good for seeing the night sky. It's a convenient option if you're doing a sunrise excursion. If you prefer more services, Almería city is about thirty kilometres away and lets you combine the desert with the city and the coast.