Lights, Camera, Holidays! Add these movie locations to your travel list

With the world waiting to be explored, travellers are seeking out authentic travel experiences. The rise of film tourism has seen websites pop up across the internet dedicated to essential information and resources for those planning a movie-themed getaway. In some movie locations, there are even guided tours available. Keen to explore the hidden world of Hollywood for yourself? Whether you are a die-hard film buff or just looking for a unique break, these are the famous movie locations we recommend visiting on your next getaway.

The Canary Islands are home to a diverse landscape that ranges from picture-postcard white sand beaches to rugged ravines, all within a few miles of each other. Because of this, these islands have caught the eye of movie producers worldwide proving there is so much more to this corner of the world than beachside resorts and cheap travel. 

The latest movie of the Bourne franchise, Jason Bourne (2016) tells a suspenseful tale of Bourne (Matt Daemon) who is drawn out of hiding to fight against an organisation that uses technology to spread terror throughout society. Bourne’s mission takes him through the inner streets of Athens, which any Tenerife will instantly recognise as the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

Book into the inner city hotel, the Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporaneo, and step out onto the Ramblas, the heart of the city. Within a few steps, you will find yourself in Barrio Salamanca, the very streets that Paul Greengrass chose for the iconic movie sets for the film. Yet, while the movie appears to have been filmed during the day, it was filmed at night providing endless amusement for locals watching the goings on from their rooftop balconies. From here you can wander down into the city centre and explore the shops, restaurants, and landmarks such as the Castillo de San Cristobal Museum - where the original canon used in the battle against Trafalgar is stored.

Anyone who has watched Fury of the Titans can say that about 80% of the movie was filmed in the northwestern corner of Tenerife. Yet the iconic movie locations seen on the big screen are not the work of CGI, they are destinations often frequented by Tenerife tourists and locals alike. El Teide National Park is the main protagonist of the movie and a must-visit if you visit the island. Not only is it the tallest point in Spain, but it is also home to a diverse range of spectacular flora and fauna, not to mention impeccable stargazing conditions. If you are looking for a hotel on the island, we recommend the Barceló Tenerife located in the south. From here you can easily access the national park along with other key destinations from the movie such as the Masca Valley and Punta de Teno. 

Fuerteventura’s striking, sandy surroundings and dramatically sculpted volcanic vistas served as the ideal backdrop for the movie locations for the latest Wonder Woman film. The Corralejo Dunes transported viewers to the mythical island of Themyscira where DC’s Wonder Woman fought against adversities and stood up to her superhero destiny. If you were impressed by the natural setting on the big screen, visiting them in person is even better. Book into the Barceló Corralejo Bay hotel, just 3 kilometres from the dunes and immerse yourself in this real-life film set. 

The Spanish mainland is home to many wonderful silver-screen adventures. Whether you are a fan of indie cinema or are a hardcore action thriller fan, there are many wonderful getaways to famous movie places in Spain, from the capital to Andalusia.

Fans of the Terminator series will fall in love with Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood - the protagonist of the Terminator: Dark Fate movie. The diverse architecture and high-octane vibe of the city’s bustling streets provided the ideal backdrop for the intense chase sequences and dramatic confrontations between Sarah Connor and machines. Explore the Santa Isabel, Valencia and Sombrerería streets and be transported back to key scenes in the movie. Opt for an inner city hotel such as the Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid to be within a stone’s throw of the capital’s iconic landmarks such as Plaza de España and Gran Vía and enjoy a weekend full of culture and excitement.

Director George Lucas fell in love with the Andalucian capital so much so that the Plaza de España was a key filming location for the movie Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. This square is set inside Maria Luisa Park, not far from the emblematic Hotel Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento. The long, evocative outdoor corridors of the key Plaza España building were used to add an air of grandeur to the fictional planet of Naboo. Avid fans will recognise this facade from the key scene where Anakin and Padmé discuss the importance of Padmé’s work for the Republic amidst her doubts. Seville is full of striking movie filming locations but the integration of the city’s architectural wonders into the galaxy far, far away will captivate any Star Wars fan during their city break. 

Woody Allen knows exactly how to feed our wanderlust with his movies. Yet, there is one movie in particular that makes us yearn for long summer days in Spain: Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Essentially a love letter to the Catalan capital, the movie showcases the most emblematic and iconic landmarks across Barcelona. 

If you are keen to meet your very own Juan Antonio, book a city break to Barcelona and add these Vicky Cristina Barcelona locations to your sightseeing list. The Sagrada Familia Basilica built by Gaudi is one of the first landmarks Vicky and Cristina visit together. You can also find movie locations in places such as the Joan Miro Foundation, Casa Milà, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the iconic dragon stairway in Park Güell. 

Not only is Cabo de Gata in Almeria famous for its long stretches of white sand beaches, but it is also home to the only desert on the European continent. Even if you have never booked a stay in Almeria, the Tabernas Desert will be a familiar sight thanks to its appearances in Hollywood films and series such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Indiana Jones and the Game of Thrones (season 6). It is one of the most famous movie locations in Andalusia. During the filming of the 6th season of GOT, over 400 extras were called to the desert to film the Dothraki horde at Vaes Dothrak, through the desert landscape. If you are on the hunt for movie locations you can visit, there are plenty of guided tours of the desert which will bring the arid landscape to life, transporting you from Spain to the silver screen.