San Sebastián, Bilbao, and other Basque locations have served as the setting for many films and series

The Basque Country has served as the setting for many film and television productions, bringing its landscapes and cities to the screen. From imposing cliffs to iconic urban centers, this region of Spain offers locations that have captivated filmmakers and spectators alike, becoming real tourist attractions. San Sebastián: the city of the seventh art.  The city’s elegance and strong ties to cinema have made it a must-visit for the audiovisual industry. Along with its renowned International Film Festival, it has served as the backdrop for the series Patria and films like Spanish Affair and Woody Allen’s Rifkin’s Festival. Zumaia: its spectacular cliffs, with its characteristic flysch, attracted the creators of Game of Thrones, turning Itzurun beach into the setting for Daenerys Targaryen's return to Dragonstone. The town also appeared in Spanish Affair, with the iconic hermitage of San Telmo as one of the film’s most memorable shots.

The Chapel of San Telmo in Zumaia is one of the most iconic scenes in the film Spanish Affair © Shutterstock

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: another Game of Thrones shoot location, which became the fortress of Dragonstone. Its stone bridge and seaside location have fascinated directors and travelers alike, consolidating it as an essential destination for film-tourism lovers. Vitoria-Gasteiz: the Basque capital was the setting for the film adaptation of The Silence of the White City, based on the novel by Eva García Sáenz de Urturi. A stroll through its streets offers the opportunity to relive the atmosphere of this thriller, adding value to the tourist experience. Rioja Alavesa: its vineyards and wineries have been the setting for films such as Four’s a Crowd, directed by Álex de la Iglesia. In particular, the Marqués de Riscal winery in Elciego, with its unique architectural design, has served as a key visual attraction in various film productions. Bilbao: the Guggenheim Museum and the city’s streets have appeared in films such as the James Bond film The World is Not Enough and The Machinist, among many others. This destination has become a dynamic site for movies and series, with a tourist offering linked to the audiovisual industry.