Cueva de Conan

Cueva de Conan is the popular nickname for a set of caliphal-era quarries carved into the hillside above Almería, in Andalusia, Spain. The name stuck after part of the 1981 film "Conan the Barbarian" was shot in these very caves — locals and visitors have called them the "Cuevas de Conan" ever since.

Where exactly are the caves?

The quarries sit on a hill above the La Chanca neighborhood, right next to the Alcazaba of Almería. Most visitors start at El Ancla, where Avenida Virgen del Mar meets Parque de Nicolás Salmerón, then climb the steep Calle de las Palomas, passing a mural and crossing the Barranco del Caballar ravine. The path continues through the Joya district, offering views of the Alcazaba and the port, before reaching the medieval Torreones Califales watchtowers, built around the year 955.

What's the history behind them?

Officially known as the Canteras Califales, these quarries were dug in the 10th century to supply the stone blocks used to build the monumental Alcazaba complex. The excavation was authorized by the Umayyad emir Abd ar-Rahman III, during the period when Almería was becoming a key port city of the Caliphate of Córdoba. The nearby Torreones Califales watchtowers, guarding access to the city, date from the same era.

Today the site holds protected status as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), Spain's designation for a cultural heritage asset. In practice, though, it remains unmanaged: entry is free, but there's no visitor infrastructure, signage, or safety barriers.

What will you see there?

The site consists of six connected quarry-caves that can be explored on a short but physically demanding walk. Inside, the rock still bears the visible marks of manual stone-cutting — regular block shapes and chiselled walls. From the upper section of the trail, you get one of the best panoramic views over Almería's old town, the Alcazaba, and the coastline.

Keep in mind this isn't a polished tourist site — it can be littered, tagged with graffiti, and in 2025 local news reported people squatting in parts of the caves. That doesn't rule out a daytime visit, but it's worth staying alert and avoiding the area alone or after dark.

When is the best time to visit?

Aim for morning or early afternoon, avoiding the peak summer heat — Almería is one of the driest, sunniest corners of Spain, and the steep climb up Calle de las Palomas can be tough under direct sun. Wear sturdy, closed shoes, since the ground is rocky and uneven, and bring your own water, as there are no food or drink stalls nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the Cuevas de Conan? No, access is free and unrestricted — there's no gate or ticket booth.

Can I drive right up to the caves? Not quite — the final stretch is a steep pedestrian street (Calle de las Palomas), so it's best to park lower down near La Chanca or El Ancla and walk the rest of the way.

Are these the actual caves seen in "Conan the Barbarian"? Yes, part of the 1981/1982 film directed by John Milius and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger was filmed in these quarries, which is how they earned their nickname.

Is it safe to visit the caves? The site is unsupervised and unlit, so visits are at your own risk — go during daylight hours, wear proper footwear, and it's best not to go alone.