Spain is a land of diverse landscapes, offering otherworldly locations that can transport audiences to entirely different worlds. From alien-like deserts to surreal geological formations, this country provides an unparalleled variety of backdrops for films, TV shows, and commercials.
Here are some of the most unique locations that could be perfect for your next production:
1. Bardenas Reales, Navarre – A Martian-Like Desert
📍 Location: Navarre, Northern Spain
If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic, wild west, or even Martian setting, Bardenas Reales is the perfect spot. This semi-desert region features eroded clay formations, plateaus, and deep ravines, creating an alien-like landscape.
🚀 Why it’s special:
- Looks like a sci-fi planet (perfect for futuristic or dystopian settings).
- Used in productions like Game of Thrones.
- No need for CGI—this place is naturally surreal!
2. Río Tinto, Andalusia – The River from Another Planet
📍 Location: Huelva, Andalusia
Río Tinto is famous for its red and orange waters, caused by extreme acidity and iron oxidation. The NASA team even used it for Mars research, as its conditions resemble extraterrestrial terrain.
🔴 Why it’s special:
- The river’s intense red color and rocky surroundings make it look surreal.
- It’s one of the most scientifically studied places on Earth for its resemblance to Mars.
- Ideal for science fiction, horror, or experimental films.
3. Las Médulas, León – Spain’s Hidden Red Mountains
📍 Location: León, Castile and León
Once a Roman gold mine, Las Médulas is now a breathtaking landscape of reddish cliffs and tunnels surrounded by lush greenery. The contrast between the deep red rock formations and the blue sky creates an epic backdrop.
🏆 Why it’s special:
- A historical and dramatic setting for period dramas or fantasy films.
- Unique formations that look like something from a lost world.
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote – A Volcanic Moon
📍 Location: Canary Islands
Timanfaya is one of the most extreme volcanic landscapes in Spain. With black lava fields, steaming geysers, and surreal rock formations, it resembles the surface of the moon or even a distant planet.
🌋 Why it’s special:
- Used for NASA astronaut training due to its resemblance to the Moon and Mars.
- Perfect for sci-fi, fantasy, or adventure films.
- No vegetation—just pure volcanic terrain.
5. Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country – A Fairytale Island
📍 Location: Basque Country
If you’re looking for a magical, medieval setting, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is the place. This tiny island off the Basque coast features a winding stone bridge leading to a historic hermitage, surrounded by crashing waves and dramatic cliffs.
🧝♂️ Why it’s special:
- Iconic as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.
- Perfect for fantasy, medieval, or epic adventure stories.
- The natural lighting and ocean backdrop make it incredibly cinematic.
Looking for the perfect filming location in Spain?
Spain is a filmmaker’s paradise, offering landscapes that can double as alien planets, medieval worlds, or prehistoric lands. Whether you’re shooting a fantasy epic, a sci-fi thriller, or a post-apocalyptic drama, there’s a location in Spain that will bring your vision to life—without the need for excessive CGI.
Get in touch with A Film Location Company to find the most breathtaking settings for your production.