Discover Cinematic Spain: A Journey Through Hollywood’s Favorite Backdrops

Lights, camera, Spain! Imagine standing in the very spot where Indiana Jones discovered hidden treasures, where dragons soared over the castles of “Game of Thrones”, or where Anakin Skywalker strolled through alien landscapes.

Spain isn’t just a place to explore ancient history and enjoy tapas. It’s a living, breathing film set that has captured the imaginations of some of Hollywood’s biggest directors.

Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or simply someone who loves to explore extraordinary places, Spain offers the perfect opportunity to step behind the scenes and experience the magic of the movies in real life. From the sun-scorched deserts of Almería to the mystical cliffs of the Basque Country, it’s time to embark on your own cinematic adventure through one of the most filmed countries in the world.

Here are some of the standout locations that have inspired Hollywood and beyond:

Seville has long been a favorite of filmmakers, and it’s easy to see why. The city’s blend of Moorish architecture, majestic palaces, and sprawling squares makes it a perfect canvas for storytelling.

One of its most famous appearances is in “Game of Thrones”, where the stunning Royal Alcázar of Seville was transformed into the majestic Water Gardens of Dorne. Walking through the Alcázar’s lush gardens and intricate courtyards, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Westeros.

But Seville’s cinematic pedigree doesn’t stop here. In “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” you can see Seville´s Plaza de España. Here Padmé and Anakin share some important moments. The massive semicircular plaza, with its Renaissance Revival architecture and beautiful tile work, is a must-see for any fan of the saga.

The iconic Lawrence of Arabia also made use of Seville’s diverse scenery, as did parts of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. The city truly shines as a multi-faceted star, constantly reinventing itself for new roles on screen.

If you like “Game of Thrones” (or you are a fan), Girona must definitely be high on your list of places to visit. This medieval city, with its narrow streets, towering cathedrals, and stone walls, provided the perfect setting for Braavos and King’s Landing in the series.

As you wander through the winding alleys of Girona’s Old Town, it’s easy to imagine Arya Stark running through these very streets. The Cathedral of Girona also stands out as an iconic setting for some of the show’s most dramatic scenes. Its imposing Gothic structure looms large in both the show and in person.

For a breathtaking coastal experience, head to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a small islet in the Basque Country that was famously transformed into Dragonstone in “Game of Thrones”.

The dramatic staircase leading to the ancient hermitage atop the island offers jaw-dropping views and a truly cinematic feel. Standing there, with the crashing waves below and the wind whipping through your hair, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Daenerys Targaryen’s stronghold.

Moving to the Southeast of Spain, Almería’s desert landscapes have served as the perfect stand-in for faraway lands. It was in the Tabernas Desert where “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” filmed its thrilling tank chase scenes.

The rugged terrain of Almería has also been used in classic Spaghetti Westerns like “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”, giving the region a rich cinematic history. Getting here gives you the opportunity to explore the wild, arid landscapes that gave life to some of the most iconic action sequences in the movie.

Travel North to the province of Soria, and you’ll find another cinematic gem. The serene yet striking landscapes of Soria were used to depict the snowy expanses of Russia in “Doctor Zhivago”. The film, known for its sweeping visuals and emotional depth, captured the beauty of Soria’s wintry plains to create a powerful backdrop for the story.

Visiting Soria, especially during the winter, offers you a rare opportunity to see Spain’s more quiet, untouched side in contrast with the sun-drenched scenes of the South.

The otherworldly landscapes of the Bardenas Reales, a semi-desert in Navarre, have attracted science fiction filmmakers for years. The bizarre rock formations and barren plains have been used as alien landscapes in numerous productions.

One of the most recent examples is “The Mandalorian”, where the rugged terrain provided the perfect backdrop for action-packed sequences. Walking through this area feels like you’ve been dropped onto another planet.

Whether you’re walking through the sun-dappled streets of Andalusia, standing at the edge of the sea in the Basque Country, or exploring the rugged terrain of Almería, Spain offers a wealth of locations that can transport you to different worlds, eras, and stories.

This means that every corner of Spain offers an opportunity to live a little bit of movie magic. If you’re a die-hard fan of “Game of Thrones”, “Star Wars”, or classic Hollywood films, there’s something special about visiting the places where these stories were brought to life.

And even if you’re not a film enthusiast, these destinations stand on their own as some of Spain’s most beautiful, historic, and culturally significant places.

A journey through Cinematic Spain is waiting for you. What are you waiting for?