Mini Hollywood

By Alex Shaw

Whether you are into Hollywood films and spaghetti westerns or not a trip to Mini Hollywood near Tabernas is well worth a visit - there is just so much to see and do there. Tabernas is easy to find on most maps so we had no problem getting there.

It’s basically a giant spaghetti western film set that has been cleverly turned into a theme park. It is said to have had over 100 westerns filmed in the area such as ‘The Good, The Bad And The Ugly’, ‘A Few Dollars More’ and ‘The Man With No Name’. The area was even used in some of the filming for ‘Raiders Of The Lost Arc’. Naturally very famous people have filmed there such as Clint Eastwood, Sophia Loren and Spain’s very own Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.

As you enter the park you are greeted by some people dressed as cowboys who offer to take your photograph next to the giant Fort Apache entrance. 

There is an array of different buildings – some you can enter and others that just have window displays.  There is a large bar in the main square where you can sit back and relax with a nice cold beer while show girls entertain on the stage.  Please be warned however too much staring can result in a slap from the fiancée. There is a museum disguised as a bank where the walls are covered with posters from the films made there.

The highlight has to be the re-enactment of the capture of Jessie James, which takes place at set times during the day right in the middle of town.  There are some stunts and lots of shooting.  When the show is over it is possible to have your photograph taken with the actors and their horses.
You even get an opportunity to get dressed up and have photos taken looking a bit daft ... though the pictures always look good when they are printed.

There are some amazing photo opportunities of your own as there are many places such as the prison, mortuary and even stocks and a giant wanted bill board you can stick your head in.  At every turn the views really do make you feel like you have been transported to the ‘Wild West’ of America.
As if that is not enough excitement there is a zoo and swimming pool with water shoots and plenty of sun loungers and space to relax.

You have to keep well hydrated as the zoo takes a lot of walking but it is well worth it to see all the animals.  There is a little road-train that can take you around some of the park but it doesn’t stop for you to get a good look at the creatures.  The animals all seem happy to be there.... if that is possible?  There is a lot to see including tigers, bears, giraffes, monkeys, rhinos and most importantly meerkats. They even have a Parrot Show during the day which can be very entertaining.

There is also a nice place to sit and eat in the shade provided, unlike us, you don’t get stuck behind 1000 school children and have to wait for them to be fed first.

All in all it’s a fantastic day out if your young or old there is so much to do there you won’t get bored!
As they are only open during peak season it’s always a good idea to call, most speak good English so for an amazing day out you can call them on 950 365 236.