Tabernas is to be found in a wide valley between the mountain ranges Sierra de los Filabres and Sierra Alhamilla. It is classified as the driest in Europe indeed in having so much sunshine has brought diverse industries based on sunshine and clear skies, the space observatory a joint Spanish German project, the largest solar power research plant in the world and the movie industry. The desert landscapes have been seen around the world in spaghetti westerns such as A Fist Full of Dollars, Once upon a Time in the West and The Good the Bad and the Ugly from the Italian director Sergio Leone. How can you not think of the music as you are driving through the area?

Even in Moorish times the area was dry but it was still an important town, when the Castle or Alcazaba became the second most important in Almeria. It played an important role in the quarrels between the moors and then in the Moorish uprising of the Alpujaras. It was where the Ferdinand and Isabel stayed before being handed the city of Almeria during the Christian conquest. By the end of the 16th century it had been abandoned and was a complete ruin.

In the town itself there is the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, the original having burnt down it was rebuilt by friar Juan de Portocarrero. It consists of three naves separated by a set of arches that support weight of the central nave.

The climate is typical of a desert, having cool sunny winters and very hot summers but where the open skies let the days' heat cool.

Local fiestas start in January with the 'Fiestas de San Sebastión on the 20th, when large amounts of Migas are made in the streets and bars.On the last Sunday of May there is the pilgrimage of San Isidro, while the fiesta of San Juan is held at the weekend closest to St. John's and lasts for three days. The patron Saint of the village is la Virgen de las Angustias celebrated from the 11th to 15th of August.