Introduction
The Tabernas Desert Natural Beauty Spot is located on a strip of 11,625 hectares situated to the north of the city of Almeria, between the Filabres and Alhamilla mountain ranges and is considered one of the most dramatic landscapes in Spain. It is the only real desert on the whole European continent and its scenery is tremendously stimulating and startling. Bleached by the sun, the land is a patchwork of dusty yellow hues, singed with pockets of ochre. The extreme climate means rain is scarce, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 48°C. Appearing very similar to the American Wild West, Tabernas has been used as a film set for a number of famous spaghetti westerns, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars, as
Flora
In this singular group of desert like landscapes xerophitic vegetation grows, autochthonous to the southeast of Spain, with monospecific species which are unique in the European continent among which the following can be mentioned: Euzomo dendron bourgaeanum, Limoniun insignis, or parasitic plants such as Cynomo rium coccineum. Salt cedar and oleander in the dry gullies. Brushwood which need nitrogen-rich soil.
Tabernas