Ever fancied yourself stepping into a Clint Eastwood film? No need to book a flight to America. The real Wild West experience is hiding in the sun-drenched desert of southern Spain. Welcome to Mini Hollywood Tabernas Spain, in the desert area of Southern Spain.
Mini Hollywood in Tabernas, Almería, is one of Spain’s most peculiar attractions. It’s where Europe meets the American frontier in the most unlikely of places. And trust me, it’s absolutely worth the detour from your Spanish beach holiday.
The Film History You Can Walk Through
The story begins in the 1960s, long before I was even born! The legendary Italian director Sergio Leone was searching for the perfect backdrop for his western films. American locations were too expensive, but the rugged, barren landscape of Tabernas in Andalusia looked remarkably similar to Arizona or New Mexico. And it was far cheaper.
The desert’s stark beauty became the canvas for what would later be known as “spaghetti westerns.” Films like “A Fistful of Dollars,” “For a Few Dollars More,” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” put both Clint Eastwood and this Spanish desert on the map.
After filming wrapped, rather than dismantling the elaborate sets, they were preserved. Clever thinking, that. They’ve since been transformed into theme parks where visitors can experience the Wild West atmosphere firsthand. Mini Hollywood (also known as Oasys) is the most famous of these.
American Spaghetti Westerns
Here are details of six iconic American Spaghetti Westerns filmed at Mini Hollywood in Tabernas, Spain:
- A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Main Cast: Clint Eastwood, Gian Maria Volonté, Marianne Koch
- Plot: A mysterious stranger arrives in a small town torn apart by warring factions and plays both sides to his advantage.
- Trivia: This film launched Clint Eastwood’s career as a Western icon.
- For a Few Dollars More (1965)
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Main Cast: Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Gian Maria Volonté
- Plot: Two bounty hunters team up to track down a notorious outlaw.
- Trivia: The film is the second in Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy.”
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Main Cast: Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
- Plot: Three gunslingers compete to find a hidden fortune during the American Civil War.
- Trivia: Known for its iconic score by Ennio Morricone and epic cinematography.
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Main Cast: Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale
- Plot: A mysterious harmonica-playing gunslinger teams up with a widow to protect her land from a ruthless assassin.
- Trivia: Henry Fonda played against type as a villain in this classic.
- In most of Henry Fonda’s career, he was celebrated for playing heroic, noble, and morally upright characters—the classic “good guy” archetype. For example, he was known for roles like the principled juror in 12 Angry Men or the steadfast leader in The Grapes of Wrath. Audiences were accustomed to seeing him as a figure of integrity and virtue.
- However, in Once Upon a Time in the West, Fonda broke away from this “typecasting” and portrayed Frank, a ruthless and cold-blooded villain. This shocking departure from his usual roles showcased his versatility as an actor. The contrast between his previous persona and this darker character added a unique layer to the film, making his performance even more chilling and memorable for viewers who didn’t expect to see him as the “bad guy.”
- It was a bold move that demonstrated his range and made the film stand out even more in the Spaghetti Western genre.
- Duck, You Sucker! (1971)
- Director: Sergio Leone
- Main Cast: Rod Steiger, James Coburn, Romolo Valli
- Plot: A Mexican bandit and an Irish revolutionary team up during the Mexican Revolution.
- Trivia: Also known as “A Fistful of Dynamite,” this film blends action with political commentary.
- My Name is Nobody (1973)
- Director: Tonino Valerii (with Sergio Leone as a producer)
- Main Cast: Terence Hill, Henry Fonda, Jean Martin
- Plot: A young gunman idolizes an aging outlaw and helps him face his enemies.
- Trivia: This film combines humor with traditional Western themes.
These films not only showcase the stunning landscapes of Tabernas but also played a significant role in defining the Spaghetti Western genre.
What to Expect When You Visit
Walking into Mini Hollywood feels like you’ve stumbled through a portal to 1870s America. But with significantly better ice cream.
The main street features all the classic western town buildings – the saloon, sheriff’s office, bank, and hotel. They’re not just empty facades either. You can wander in and out of most buildings, each decorated with period furnishings and props.
Throughout the day, cowboy stunt performers put on shows that’ll have you ducking for cover. Bank robberies, gunfights, and can-can dancers bring the place to life. Yes, it’s cheesy, but it’s also brilliant fun. The stunts are impressive, and the actors clearly enjoy hamming it up for the crowds.
But there’s more to Mini Hollywood than just westerns. Bizarrely, it also houses a rather good zoo. Unusual? Absolutely. But the animal enclosures are well-maintained, with everything from tigers to giraffes. There’s even a realistic recreation of the Arizona desert with cacti and other native plants.
Fancy a dip? The swimming pools are a godsend when temperatures soar in summer. Nothing says “authentic western experience” like backstroking while looking at saloon buildings, eh?
Making the Most of Your Visit
Mini Hollywood opens around 10am and closes between 6-8pm depending on the season. It’s best to arrive early, especially in summer, to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds.
Shows run throughout the day, typically at 12pm, 2pm and 5pm. They’re the highlight for most visitors, so plan your exploration around these times. The western shows last about 20 minutes and involve plenty of staged shootouts, falling from buildings, and exaggerated deaths. Perfect entertainment for both kids and grown-ups who refuse to grow up.
Ticket prices hover around €20-25 for adults, with discounts for children. It’s not the cheapest attraction in Spain, but you’ll get a full day’s entertainment for your euros.
What to Bring and Wear
The Tabernas Desert isn’t messing about when it comes to heat. In summer, temperatures regularly climb above 40°C (104°F). Bring sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water. The gift shops sell all these items, but at prices that might make you consider selling a kidney.
Comfortable shoes are a must. The terrain is uneven in places, and you’ll be doing plenty of walking. Leave the fancy footwear at the hotel.
And while it might be tempting to dress up as a cowboy or cowgirl, remember that black leather chaps in 40-degree heat is a recipe for a very uncomfortable day.
Beyond the Theme Park
Mini Hollywood isn’t the only western-themed attraction in the area. Fort Bravo and Western Leone are nearby alternatives, each with their own take on the western experience. If you’re really into spaghetti westerns, you might want to visit all three, but for most visitors, Mini Hollywood offers the most comprehensive experience.
The desert itself is worth exploring too. The landscape is genuinely breathtaking – all ochre tones and dramatic rock formations carved by centuries of wind and occasional rain. It’s easy to see why filmmakers fell in love with it.
Nearby Almería city makes a good base for exploration. It’s about 30 minutes by car from the desert and offers plenty of accommodation options. The city itself has an impressive Moorish fortress (the Alcazaba) and excellent seafood restaurants.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re wondering whether to include Mini Hollywood in your Spanish itinerary, I’d say absolutely yes – with some caveats.
Film buffs will get the most from the experience, particularly if you’ve watched the classics beforehand. Parents will appreciate the combination of educational film history and pure entertainment value for children. And photographers will find endless opportunities for unique shots.
But even if you’ve never seen a western in your life, there’s something undeniably charming about this place. It’s kitsch and commercialised, certainly, but also strangely authentic in its celebration of this unique cinematic heritage.
Where else can you watch a shootout, see exotic animals, swim in a desert oasis, and sample Spanish cuisine all in one day?
It’s not somewhere I’d personally even consider going swimming, truth be told. Also the zoo aspect wouldn’t ever tempt me in. I know zoos have changed in general a lot over the years, they’re more animal friendly, but I’m still not really a zoo person.
Mini Hollywood might not be the Spain of flamenco and paella that most tourists seek out. But it’s a slice of Spanish history that tells the unexpected story of how a barren corner of Andalusia helped shape global cinema. And that, I reckon, is worth the price of admission.
It was about an hour and a half drive from our home in Cuevas Del Campo, but it’s a nice run out in the car, as the roads are quite quiet.
So saddle up, partner. This Spanish Wild West adventure awaits.
