To the north of the city of Almeria is the region of Filabres-Tabernas, whose limits are: the province of Granada and the region of the Almanzora Valley to the north, the Levante of Almeria to the east, Almeria and the Alpujarra to the south and Granada by the west.
It is formed by 18 municipalities and has few inhabitants and a remarkable diversity of natural wonders. The name of this region stems from Sierra de los Filabres and the Tabernas Desert, which gives an indication of the characteristics of its geography.
The municipalities within its territory are: Abla, Abrucena, Alcudia de Monteagud, Benitagla, Benizalon, Castro de Filabres, Fiñana, Gergal, Las Tres Villas, Lucainena de las Torres, Nacimiento, Olula de Castro, Senes, Tabernas, Tahal, Turrillas, Uleila del Campo and Velefique.
Its inhabitants are mainly dedicated to traditional agriculture, which is the area’s main economic source, along with tourism services and activities.
Researchers believe that the first human settlement in this area took place in the Paleolithic, because at present, it is possible to observe some elements there from this time. The Roman Stone in Olula de Castro and the Neolithic settlement, located in Uleila del Campo, are examples of a past that was once thriving the area.
The wide valley of Filabres-Tabernas has some archaeological sites that are proof that in prehistory, this region occupied a prominent place in the settlement of cultures and civilizations. It is composed of two very particular geological sectors. On the one end, there is the Sierra de los Filabres, a mountainous massif in which you can see the chromatic variety that goes from white to gray and green (depending on the area); while at the other end is the Tabernas Desert, where you can observe incredible gullies.
Historically, it is known as a territory where important mining and livestock activity took place, which played a prominent role in the progress of the region. Now, the agricultural tradition in the different municipalities is conserved, where it emphasizes the high production of vegetables and cereals, as well as some ligneous crops of almond trees and olive groves.
The natural wealth of Filabres-Tabernas is not only appreciated in its majestic landscapes and villages, where a rural way of life is full of peace, but the flora and fauna also show the benefits that the territory offers for the proliferation of life.
This landscape and geological region have become a refuge for plants and animals that survive the adverse conditions of the ecosystem. Both high in the mountains and in the desert, you can find species that are unique in the world when considering their rarity.
The Tabernas Desert stands out for its geological richness, with scarce flora, like the deserts of the African continent. However, it serves as a refuge for various species of birds, reptiles and mammals, who take advantage of these conditions in order to reproduce.
In the region of Filabres-Tabernas, tourism has been elementary for its inhabitants, and each year they receive thousands of Spanish and foreign tourists. These tourists can visit important towns, soak up the history and enjoy the traditions that are still important in the different rural communities. Visitors can escape from routine and indulge in several theme parks that have been built in the area, entering the cinematographic past of the region that has contributed greatly to economic progress.
You will find here preserved scenes and elements from renowned films of important directors, such as Steven Spielberg who filmed scenes from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Tourist interests also include other destinations for travellers, such as the 12th century mosque located in Fiñana, which has become an exclusive jewel of Andalusian historical heritage, and was classified as a Historic-Artistic Monument. A part of a Nasrid Castle and the Castle of Gergal, important locations in the area, are maintained.
Natural tourism lovers will not be disappointed in this Almeria region, as they have several options in regards to parks, such as the Sierra de los Filabres, the Sierra Alhamilla Natural Park, the Tabernas Desert and the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.