The Road to Almeria

The Road to Almeria

Just an hour down the road – and what a road – is the lovely town of Almeria. But before launching into its delights, I have to tell you about the journey.

From Los Josefos the N340a (a road that seems to pop up all over the place) takes you West. The direction is important as this is the most incredible, wild and unexpected landscape; Spain’s very own desert destination. You can hear the “Yee ha’s” echoing around the canyons. No kidding, this is where many of the Spaghetti Westerns were made. Sergio Leone found the place in 1964, filmed ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ and kept coming back. For a Few Dollars More, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, all made here and many others. Indiana Jones was never near Egypt – he was right here down the road.

And it is an amazing sight. You’re cruising along in the Berlingo past olive groves on an industrial scale; you pass alongside Tabernas, looking like a thoroughly forgettable one horse town; then suddenly this unbelievable country opens up in front of you and for as far as you can see it’s a glorious bare wilderness. If you can ignore the signs to Fort Bravo, Texas Hollywood and Mini Hollywood (for them there little ‘uns) that take the shine off just a bit, you’re deep in the Mojave and The Man with No Name is out to get you!

No Comments

Post A Comment