Top film and series locations to visit in Spain
Feel like your favorite stars!
People love Spain for its great weather, paradise-like beaches, delicious cuisine and the warmth of its people. However, did you know that many of your favorite films and TV series have been recorded in Spain? That’s right!
So hop on board and come to the sets where your beloved characters lived wonderful adventures and beat the greatest challenges. Are you ready to discover the coolest filming spots in Spain? Keep on reading and start planning your trip now with Ferryhopper!
The islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Dragonstone in Game of Thrones
1) Game of Thrones
You might never guess it while watching the show, but many of Game of Thrones’ main locations are in Spain. From the north to the South, the varied Spanish landscape has become Braavos, Dorne, Dragonstone and many other realms of the fantastic world of Westeros.
If you are a true fan of the series and are planning a trip to the north… of Spain, you can’t miss visiting the islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, in the Vasque Country. The narrow and meandering rock slope will instantly transport you to Dragonstone. Bear in mind that the castle was added through SFX, so you’ll have to leave that up to your imagination.
Tip: Dragonstone beach is located in Zumaia, a coastal town that is nearby, so you can visit both sites in 1 day.
For those who loved Arya from episode 1, there is no better location to visit than the medieval town of Girona. Just 1 hour away from Barcelona, Braavos awaits! You can start your visit by walking around the old town, where Arya was trained by the waif. Afterwards, go into the beautiful Arab Baths where the girl hid when she was looking into a way of fleeing the city. Finnish off by walking down the stairs of the Cathedral, or should we say the Great Sept of Baelor!
Tip: there are Game of Thrones themed walking tours that you can do in Girona!
One of the most spectacular filming locations of the series in Spain is undoubtedly the Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Not only is it a marvelous building that combines intricate Arabic designs with Christian elements and lush gardens, but it’s also where the majority of Dorne was filmed. Tickets cost €9.50 per person, but it is absolutely worth it!
Tip: if you are visiting Seville for a couple of days, go on an excursion to Dragon Pit, aka the ruins of Italica.
The impressive cathedral of Girona
2) Star Wars
A true classic, Star Wars was filmed in over 17 countries, and Spain was one of them. If you have always dreamed of becoming a Jedi, there is no better place to visit in Spain than Sevilla. The Plaza de España is a wonderful and large square, built in neo-Mudéjar style. It has a half-elliptical shape, a 500 meter canal, as well as several bridges and towers. It is located in the center of the city.
But Plaza the España is also the palace of Theed, in Naboo. This planet is peacefully inhabited by humans and a species of intelligent amphibians called the Gungans. You can walk where Padme and Anakin Skywalker promenaded and chatted before having to go into hiding in Lake Country.
Plaza de España in Sevilla, the set for the palace of Theed in Star Wars
3) The Witcher
The Netflix Blockbuster that has captivated even those of us who weren’t familiar with the videogame, was filmed in many locations throughout Europe. However, some of the most iconic scenes of the first season take place in the Canary Islands.
The lushest island of the archipelago, La Palma, was chosen for its natural beauty. In the wild coast of the north, you can find the islet where Aretuza was set. However the castle was added in post production. The Bosque de los Tilos and Cubo de La Galga areas seem enchanted, so it didn't take much for them to become Brokilon Forest. But perhaps the most spectacular location of them all is Llano del Jable, where Geralt, Yennefer and all the others go looking for a loose dragon!
It is in the neighboring island of Gran Canaria, where Yennefer has to fight off an assassin that wants to kill Kalis the queen of Lyria and her baby. She starts teleporting herself and her protegees through various locations like the Dunes of Maspalomas, the Roque Nublo or the Tejeda volcanic caldera.
Los Tilos forest, one of the main filming spots in The Witcher
4) Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Vicky Cristina Barcelona was released in 2008 and it has an outstanding cast featuring Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem. This romantic comedy made the audience fall in love with Barcelona, so let’s go on a cinematic tour around the city!
One of the most famous filming spots of the movie was the impressive Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which is open for visitors for an entrance fee. Nearby, the two friends also visit the Casa Milà, the Ramblas and the Miró Museum when they are exploring the city. For lunch, there is no better place than Le Quatre Gats, a restaurant that has been in business for over 100 years, where Vicky and Cristina have dinner and meet Juan Antonio.
In the afternoon, you can go up to the Tibidabo Amusement Park in the funicular, or visit the Dragon Staircase designed by Gaudi in Park Güell where Vicky and Juan Antonio bump into each other. Finnish the day off by promenading along the water at the Olympic Port.
Beautiful ferris wheel and view from Tibidabo Park in Barcelona
5) Money Heist
Netflix international hit Money heist is set in the capital city of Madrid. Although most of the show takes place inside of the Royal Mint, the interior scenes were shot in studios. However, the iconic facade of the building exists, it is that of the Spanish National Research Council. The building is located in Calle Serrano, and you can easily get there by metro.
Right in the center of the city, in Callao, is where one of the most mind blowing moments of the 3rd season took place. Yes, you guessed it! We are talking about the money shower that the Professor devises to maintain the people on their side.
Fun fact: according to the Netflix documentary “Money Heist: The Phenomenon”, the money shower scene was the most challenging to record.
Callao, one of the most epic filming locations of Money Heist
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