Network of Film Villages: a vast film set in the countryside
Spain is one of the major film locations in Europe. Beyond the cities, numerous villages and rural landscapes have served as locations for international films and TV series, showcasing their heritage, natural beauty and traditions to millions of viewers around the world. From *El Cid* to *Game of Thrones*, via *Lawrence of Arabia*, *Indiana Jones*, spaghetti westerns, or the unsettling *The Orphanage* and the *Baztán Trilogy*, the catalogue of fiction films shot in our country is as varied as it is fascinating. You can explore these rural settings with the Network of Film Villages, which brings together around thirty locations spread across most of the country. They have been used as locations for major films, TV series, adverts, documentaries and even video games; or they have a special connection with figures from the world of fiction; or they offer a range of activities related to the audiovisual world. Here is a selection of five of these villages. Exploring them is a different way of travelling: following in the footsteps of cinema whilst discovering the local culture, cuisine and some of the country’s most unique landscapes.
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Tabernas, the birthplace of the spaghetti western
In south-eastern Spain, in the interior of the province of Almería, you’ll find what is considered to be Europe’s only desert. It is the birthplace of the spaghetti western, a film genre that enjoyed great success in the 1970s with films such as those in the Dollar Trilogy, starring Clint Eastwood.You’ll be amazed by the unique landscape of the Tabernas Desert, which will make you feel as though you’re in the American Wild West or the vast sandy plains of the Middle East. It is, without a doubt, a perfect film location. That was Steven Spielberg’s thinking when he chose this location to film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. David Lean also chose this location for Lawrence of Arabia. That’s why, when you explore this desert on foot or in a 4x4, you’ll recognise many of the locations from those films. And what’s more… discover the Karst Nature Reserve, in Yesos de Sorbas. Marvel at the gypsum stalactites, stalagmites, rings, balls and coral formations in its underground galleries.
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Elizondo and the Baztán Valley, amidst forests and mist
Next to the mountain range of the Pyrenees, in Navarre: a land of valleys covered in lush trees and persistent mist awaits you. A place steeped in mystery, the setting for the Baztán Trilogy (The Invisible Guardian, Legacy in the Bones, Offering to the Storm). This thriller series is based on the novels by the author Dolores Redondo. It was directed by Fernando González Molina and enjoyed huge international success on Netflix.In Elizondo and the rest of the valley, you’ll come across several of its locations. These include the Txokoto dam and stone bridge over the River Baztán; and also some of the farmhouses that feature in these stories, surrounded by meadows and dense forests.And what’s more… try the traditional Navarre hazelnut chocolate and go for a walk along the trails of the Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park, which is home to a botanical garden decorated in the Modernist style.
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Peñíscola, a castle overlooking the Mediterranean
You’ll no doubt remember the image of El Cid, astride his horse Babieca, riding along this town’s vast beach. Located in the province of Castellón, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Peñíscola features in the mythology of great films. It owes this to that character, played by Charlton Heston in 1961, directed by Anthony Mann and co-starring Sofia Loren.This town also served as the city of Meereen in several episodes of the Game of Thrones series. You’ll understand why they chose it when you stand before the imposing Pope Luna’s castle. Perched on a rocky outcrop, practically right by the sea, you’ll be just as impressed by its medieval appearance as by its history.And what’s more… explore the trails of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, one of the most remote stretches of the coastline of the Region of Valencia, dotted with peaceful and refreshing coves.
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Zumaia, between cliffs and film shoots
In this fishing village on the coast of the Basque Country, you'll find the stunning Rocadragón beach from Game of Thrones (HBO). Of course, Zumaia is one of the most attractive destinations in the province of Gipuzkoa. It is also the location where several scenes from Ocho apellidos vascos – one of the highest-grossing films in Spanish cinema – were shot.If you follow in the footsteps of other fictional productions, you’ll end up at the beach of Itzurun. For example, Woody Allen used it for Rifkin’s Festival because of the unique nature of the Flysch. This geological formation will catch your eye because of its parallel strata, which seem to plunge ‘like knives’ into the Cantabrian Sea.And what’s more… you can sail along this coastline to admire the other geological phenomena that have shaped it over millions of years and given it its current, spectacular appearance.
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Llanes, the power of the Cantabrian Sea
Located in the Principality of Asturias, this coastal town serves as the setting for several scenes in The Orphanage, the debut feature film by A. Bayona (who also directed The Impossible and A Monster Calls), produced by Guillermo del Toro.In Llanes, you can also discover the spectacular landscapes of the coastline where scenes from José Luis Garci’s El Abuelo – which was nominated for an Oscar for Best International Feature Film – were filmed. Specifically, this is the location of the rugged cliffs and the stately Partarríu Palace, which play such an important role in the feature film.And also… pay a visit to Gulpiyuri, a stunning inland beach with no direct access to the sea. And take the opportunity to sample the region’s rich, artisanal cheeses, which are so characteristic of the delicious Asturian cuisine.
These are just a few examples of the many destinations in Spain where film and television have left their mark. Travelling through them offers an opportunity to discover stunning landscapes, villages with their own unique character, and experiences rooted in the local culture. Find more suggestions and ideas for planning your film itinerary at Spain.info.
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