Under the scorching sun of Almería, in Andalusia, lies the Tabernas Desert. An arid, breathtaking landscape that will plunge you into another era, that of the spaghetti westerns of the 60s. Right in the heart of this desert, discover the Mini Hollywood Oasys park, an iconic location for all film fans.
In this article, we share with you what you can visit in this park.
History of the Mini Hollywood Oasys
The Tabernas Desert, often compared to the landscapes of the American West, was discovered by the film industry in the 1960s. Thanks to its vast arid expanses and brilliant skies, it became the preferred setting for many spaghetti westerns.
The Mini Hollywood Oasys Park was born as a film set, hosting legendary productions. The sets of Wild West towns were built for the films, and after filming finished, they were preserved to become a unique tourist attraction. Today, the park combines the charm of classic westerns with activities for all the family.
Films and series filmed at Mini Hollywood Oasys Park
The park has been the setting for several cult films:
- Sergio Leone’s Dollar Trilogy:
- ‘For a Fistful of Dollars’, ‘And for a Few Dollars More’ and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’. These films, starring Clint Eastwood, defined the spaghetti western genre.
- Lawrence of Arabia: iconic scenes from this Oscar-winning film were shot in the area.
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Some of the action sequences were filmed in the Tabernas Desert.
- Game of Thrones: More recently, the epic series has also used desert landscapes to represent imaginary places.
In addition to these films, many other lesser-known westerns have been filmed in and around Mini Hollywood. The park itself retains many sets and features that recall this golden era of cinema.
What to see and visit at Parc Mini Hollywood Oasys?
The park is divided into several themed areas that immerse visitors in a unique atmosphere:
The Western Village
Explore an authentic Wild West town. The buildings are faithful to the film sets and take you straight back to the world of the cowboys.
The architecture: The buildings are designed to faithfully reflect the typical buildings of the 19th century American West. You can admire the saloon, the bank, the prison and even the chapel.
Animations: As you wander through the streets, expect to be surprised by spontaneous scenes: pistol duels, horse chases or lively exchanges between villagers.
Shops and restaurants: Discover a variety of shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts, or sit down in one of the restaurants to sample typical dishes.
Booking.comLive shows
Cowboy shows: Enjoy dramatic stagings that tell stories of the Wild West with gunfights, stunts and chases.
Traditional dances: Enjoy period-inspired dance performances, including the cancan, which is often performed in the park’s saloon.
Themed shows: On certain days, special events or themed shows can be organised, such as re-enactments of historical events.
Relax in the aquatic area
After exploring the desert, take a dip in this refreshing oasis. The pool is designed like a lagoon, with rock formations and lush plants adding to the ambience. It’s a truly beautiful space!
Waterslides and waterfalls: For thrill-seekers, the park offers waterslides and waterfalls. There’s also a shallow area for children.
Mini Hollywood Oasys Zoo
The zoo was created to make visitors aware of the need to protect and conserve wildlife. It also has an educational mission to inform the public about the different species it houses.
A surprising area home to over 800 animals of 200 different species, including tigers, lions, giraffes and crocodiles. Ideal for families, with educational and interactive areas. The animals are housed in enclosures that mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible, giving visitors a realistic perspective.
Throughout the year, the zoo organises educational programmes for schools and groups. These programmes aim to teach children and adults the importance of conservation and species protection.
You can take part in guided tours, where experts provide detailed information about the animals, their behaviour, their diet and their habitat.
The film museum
When you visit the film museum, you’ll find a number of points of interest.
- Exhibitions of film artefacts
Costumes: A collection of authentic costumes worn by actors during the shooting of various films in the region.
Props: Authentic items used in various films, giving visitors an insight into the history of cinema and the filmmaking process.
Film posters: Original posters from films shot in the Tabernas Desert, allowing visitors to see how these films were promoted at the time.
- History of filming
Photographs and documentaries: Images from past film shoots, showing behind-the-scenes scenes, famous actors on set and the evolution of the region’s cinematic landscape.
Production overviews: Detailed information on some of the most iconic films shot in the desert, with anecdotes, interesting facts and production stories.
- Interactive installations:
Multimedia areas: Some areas of the museum are equipped with video stations where you can watch film extracts, interviews with actors and directors, as well as documentaries on the history of cinema in Tabernas.
Set reconstructions: Areas where you can immerse yourself in film sets, take photos and enjoy an immersive experience.
Practical information for visiting Mini Hollywood Oasys
Planning a visit to Mini Hollywood in the Tabernas? Here’s some practical information to help you prepare for your visit.
Opening times:
The park is generally open all year round, but opening times vary according to the season. Opening times are 10am to 7pm in low season and 10am to 9pm in high season (July-August).
Prices
Prices are €28 for adults (aged 13 and over) and €18 for children (aged 4 to 12). Children under 4 enter free of charge.
Where to eat?
The park offers a number of restaurants and snack bars, including a themed saloon for total immersion. You can also bring your own picnic, which you can enjoy in designated areas.
The Arizona restaurant: this is a buffet restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes (options with different meats, fish, cold dishes, side dishes, etc.).
The Mirador Okavango restaurant-grill: you can choose from 2 menus including different grilled meats, salads, grilled vegetables and roast potatoes…)
You can also take a break in the park’s various saloon bars.
Where to stay near Mini Hollywood?
There isn’t much in the way of accommodation, but there’s enough to keep you happy. You can stray a little further from the desert to find charming accommodation on a less expensive budget.
- Hotel Rural Cortijo La Alberca: This very pretty typical house in the Huebro valley. A true haven of peace with its wooded garden and beautiful swimming pool. Rates and availability
Take a look at all the accommodation available in Tabernas.
Should you visit Fort Bravo or Mini Hollywood?
If you’re coming to the Tabernas Desert as a family, you might find it more interesting to visit Mini Hollywood, as it has a more fun, theme-park feel that you won’t find at Fort Bravo.
If you’re a 200% Western fan, Fort Bravo will be more suited to you, as it really is the birthplace of great Western film locations.
It’s also worth mentioning that, as well as Mini Hollywood, there are other film parks in the Tabernas Desert, such as ‘Fort Bravo’ and ‘Western Leone’, which have also been used as backdrops for numerous films. The desert as a whole is an iconic film location and has played a key role in the history of the spaghetti western.
