In Tabernas, the only desert in Europe, you will find authentic western sets, transformed in the most original Mediterranean Theme Park, with live shows and an enormous zoologic reserve featuring over 800 animals from 200 different species, swimming pools and a large variety of restaurants, pedagogic activities and events. In this theme park located in Almeria, Spain, you can also enjoy guided tours and workshops for children.
Do a road trip in the region, with a highlight to the Oasys Mini Hollywood, the best known park in this desert which served as a set to the most different films due to the characteristics of its landscape. Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia and the famous westerns by Sergio Leone, are only some of the examples of the films that were shot here.
Western Leone was originally built to serve as a set in the films of Sergio Leone, namely “Once Upon a Time in the West”. In its golden era, the 60s and 70s, actors such as Clint Eastwood, Orson Welles, Anthony Quinn, Brigitte Bardot, Claudia Cardinale among many others, were here.
It was here that Sergio Leone built the set for the movie “For a few dollars more” starring Clint Eastwood in the main role. Later, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” was filmed here as well. Although it is not the only western-styled Theme Park, Oasys Mini Hollywood is the largest and the one offering a more interesting and broader offer.
Here you will also be able to find Fort Bravo – Texas Hollywood and Western Leone. When looking for an accommodation from where you can easily drive and explore the multiple parks, should you want to have a more global vision of all of them, you should choose the Fort Bravo, a theme park that includes bungalows. In case you only wish to visit the main park, Oasys Mini Hollywood, you could book the Valle Del Este Golf Resort. The hotel is situated in Vera, Almeria, and is 54 km from the Oasys Mini Hollywood Park, just less than an hour away. The hotel also includes a swimming pool, golf course, spa and a gym.
Oasys Mini Hollywood, what will you see?
After being introduced to the cinematographic history of the region, follow me in this visit to Oasys Mini Hollywood where I will present you the spaces that make up the park as well as the activities you can enjoy.
1. Wild West landscape
What does the Tabernas Desert have that explains why so many Westerns were filmed here? The region has an enormous similarity with some areas of Arizona and California, which makes it so attractive for shooting movies, given the type of scenery.
2. A Zoo with a picturesque location
This part of the theme park is one of the most surprising ones since it is something we were not expecting to find. A vast space and a stunning scenic view over the surrounding landscape.
Inaugurated in 1997, it is home to more than 800 animals from 200 different species, and let me tell you, this is not a vulgar zoo, as it works also as a structure for environmental education, recovery and research, with an active role in the conservation of animal in danger of extinction.
3. Cancan show
To whoever enjoys a dance show, do not miss the Cancan, which takes place at Hollywood’s Mini Saloon, bringing us back to other times as it is rightfully depicted by the ballerinas that exhibit the season’s outfits.
4. Western Show
Being a Theme Park whose main focus is the Wild West, of course a due performance from this kind of films could not be missed, with all the “Texan” scenarios as its background, horses and other animals.
5. Museum of Cinema
Here you will also find the museum of cinema, where you will see a collection of movie posters and objects of the Seventh Art. It is interesting to visit, although far from being its best attraction. As for the exhibited carriages, these can be very impressive and take you back in a time travel.
6. Dinner
Tuesday is barbeque night, and you can dine close to the actors that do the Western performances.
The price of the meal is under 30 euros and includes meats, sausages, chips and salad. You can enjoy an unlimited offer of drinks, and in the end, you are served ice cream and champagne. Dinner will be at the sound of country music.
From Easter time, this park is open every day until September, and during October, it works every day except Monday. In the rest of the year, it is only open during weekends. The timetable is according to the month, but it usually opens at 10 AM and closing varies between 18h and midnight.
7. Why is this genre of films called “Spaghetti Western”?
This name was found to differentiate the American western films from those westerns by Italian directors. Director Sergio Leone is Italian and only spoke Italian, despite casting Clint Eastwood in a leading role, who only spoke English.
It is interesting to think how the director and actor understood each other, despite not speaking the same language.
