Spain has been a place of inspiration for many filmmakers. The most famous American directors have fallen in love with the beauty of Spain’s landscapes to film their productions. Here are our choices of the most famous series and films that were shot in Spain. Have you seen them all? But most importantly, have you been to all the places where these productions were filmed?

10 famous films and TV shows that were shot in Spain

1 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

The film stars Harrison Ford and was directed by Steven Spielberg. One of the scenes with the most action was filmed in the desert of Tabernas. Other locations were the School of Fine Arts in the capital of Almeria and Calle Almanzor.

2 - Mission: Impossible II (2000)

One scene in the movie was set in the beautiful historic center of Seville. In this moment, we see the protagonist of this American production full of inconsistencies. Remember the scene with Tom Cruise and the “look at her face to face” moment...

3 - 007: Die Another Day (2002)

It seems that American directors are passionate about finding the best secret areas in Spain to shoot action scenes. In this case James Bond, starring Pierce Brosnan, flirted with the spectacular Halle Berry at the pool bar of a hotel on the beach in the Caleta de Cadiz.

4 - Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)

Yes, this dramatic film that you have surely seen, was also shot in Spain. In this case, the region of Catalonia was chosen. Interestingly enough, the streets of Barcelona and Girona where the scenes of the movie were filmed were without traffic signals.

5 - A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

"The Price of Death" and "A Fistful of Dollars", both directed by Sergio Leone and starring a young Clint Eastwood were filmed in Spain. Like previously highlighted, the desert of Tabernas was the chosen location for both films. The third part "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” was filmed in the valley of the Arlanza River, in Burgos. Western classics shot in Spain!

6 - Doctor Zhivago (1965)

The plot was set on the Russian Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, winning five Oscars and almost entirely shot in Spain. Madrid became the perfect place to build the Moscow of the time. The winter landscapes of Soria, Salamanca and Segovia were the outer locations of the film.

7 - Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Woody Allen is a genius for showing the beauty of cities he chooses for his films. The cities of Barcelona, Oviedo and Avilés were chosen to shoot this romantic comedy starring Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz among others.

8 - Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

It is Seville’s turn again. Specifically, the Plaza de España. George Lucas used this place to recreate the arrival of Senator Amidala to the planet Naboo. In the scene, Anakin Skywalker and Amidala, accompanied by R2-D2, stroll around the square carrying little futuristic suitcases while they conversed.

9 - Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Director Ridley Scott loves Spain and showed it by choosing our country as the filming location for the movie. Enclaves such as the Castle of Loarre (Huesca), Avila, Segovia and Cordoba are some of the famous locations chosen for Kingdom of Heaven.

10 - Game of Thrones (2017)

In season 7, Game of Thrones returns to Spain. This now totals to 14 locations in Spain being filmed in the well-known series. Here we list a few: the beach of Muriola, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Zumaia, Almodóvar del Rio, Los Barruecos, Cáceres, Santiponce. The beautiful Spanish landscapes and castles have truly made the show one of a kind.

We are convinced that after this article, you are going to dust off some American classics, make some popcorn and hop on the couch to enjoy not only the famous screenwriting, plots, and actors, but some gorgeous Spanish geography.

Without a doubt, Spain is truly a country of cinema!

Open-air theatres: Peralada Castle

Girona hides treasures like Peralada, a town that gathers the best of music, dance and opera in its open-air festival. The venue for this cycle is none other than the city's main symbol, the stately Peralada Castle. This beautiful castle was built in the French style and is surrounded by beautiful gardens with delicate flora and even an aviary. Its festival dates back to 1987, and since then the organizing companies have made a clear commitment to the excellence of the artistic proposals in the lyric and dance that they present every year during the summer.

Open-air theatres: Roman Theatre of Mérida

Mérida is a city that has the irreplaceable mark of Rome. In the eastern part is the Roman Theatre, completed by Marcus Agrippa -the son-in-law of Caesar Augustus- in 15 BC. It currently hosts the most important classical theatre festival of the summer: the Festival de Teatro Clásico de Mérida, which began in 1933 with the staging of Medea de Séneca, versioned by Miguel de Unamuno and with Margarita Xirgú as protagonist. Without a doubt, it is a must during the summer period for lovers of classical theatre. It is one of the most impressive open-air theatres in our country!

Open-air theatres: Corral de Comedias de Almagro

The beautiful city of Almagro, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1972, preserves very interesting corners for history and theatre lovers. The main attraction of this town is its Corral de Comedias. It is the only one of its kind that is still preserved today, declared a National Monument in 1955. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century and it is an inn to which a stage was added in the courtyard; as well as a wooden structure with boxes placed on two heights. Today it is known throughout the country and has become the main venue for the Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico de Almagro, an event that has not stopped growing edition after edition for 40 years in this town of La Mancha.

Open-air theatres: Caballero de Olmedo Palace

One of the most important houses in the city is that of the Caballero de Olmedo. It is a palace that has been turned into a cultural centre and houses an original production. It brings the public closer to the history of this gentleman, to the theatre of Lope de Vega and to the Spain of the Golden Age. Today, this town also hosts the Teatro Clásico de Olmedo Competition. It has become one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer season. After more than a decade, it continues to present a careful selection of the best of classical theatre that can be seen today. Olmedo is an excellent destination to spend a weekend.

Open-air theatres: Olite Palace

The Palace of Olite is an extraordinary Gothic monument that housed the court of King Charles III. Art and culture flourished there. From its battlements the courtiers watched the games of arms that took place in La Cava. Today, this palace is still the focus of the local theatre culture. Proof of this is that it is home to one of the most important theatre festivals in the whole of the Peninsula. The Teatro Clásico de Olite Festival makes a clear commitment to the contemporary. Also for the new languages and for the most current visions about the classics, forming an attractive (and sometimes risky) programme of theatrical proposals that you can enjoy in one of the most pleasant open-air theatres in the country.

Noches del Botánico (Madrid)

Noches del Botánico (NDB) (Nights in the Botanical) has become a unique and must-do event for those who love quality music in Madrid. Its setlist is designed for an audience of all generations and includes varied styles ranging from jazz and rock to pop and indie. Because of this, it is at the top of our list of outdoor garden festivals in Spain.

This tempting concert attracts both people living in Madrid and people who come to the capital from other parts of the Spanish territory. The event welcomes artists and groups both national and international, as well as new talents of contemporary music, who share their music with all the concert attendees in the Botanical Garden of Alfonso XIII at the University of Complutense. The doors open at 20:00.  At night, at 22:30, the performance of the day begins.  Groups such as Funambuilsta, Phoenix, Bomba Estereo and renowned artists such as Serrat, Carlos Vives, Gary Clark Jr or Norah Jones will go on stage.

The Noches del Botánico Festival begins the 21st of June and goes until the 29th of July.

Noches en los Jardines del Real Alcázar (Sevilla)

The Royal Alcazar of Seville, with more than ten centuries of history, has the oldest gardens in the west. It is one of the most unique spaces in this city thanks to the botanical, historical and scenic values within.

This space embodies the spirits of those who built and lived here over the centuries, as well as those who have maintained it and visited. All this has made it a unique enclave worthy of being known, appreciated and loved. For this reason, the Real Alcazar opens its doors to the citizens of Seville and other people in the world so that they can experience the heart of the city and its culture.

The Ciclo Noches en los Jardines del Alcázar  has become one of the most important summer cultural activities of this Andalusian city. It offers the public something unique: a rotation of concerts that lasts three months during the summer. During this season, artists such as Dani de Morón, Antonio Campos, Rubén Díez Trio, and groups like Artefactum, Sonata a Cuatro, Random Thinking, etc. will be given a performance slot.

Musika Parkean (Gipúzcoa)

Another of the indisputable ones on the list of festivals in gardens of Spain is the one celebrated in the capital of Guipuzcoa. San Sebastián has always stood out for its beauty. One of its great attractions is the numerous parks and gardens that have been admired for a long time.

For several years, the people have been looking for a new way to highlight the parks here, while maintaining their essence. Because of this, live concerts are held, during which we bring music to more people in these lush, green environments. The festival Musika Parkean takes place in the bucolic gardens of the Palacio de Miramar, a perfect space to listen and to dance to the music of the many groups that come through every year.

Festival Jardins Pedralbes (Barcelona)

The Jardins Pedralbles Festival, which has celebrated music since 2013, has been proclaimed as one of the coolest live music events of the summer. The idyllic place in which this event is held is in the middle of the Avenida de la Diagonal of Barcelona, what used to be the Spanish Royal Family's residence from 1919 to 1931. Here you can disconnect from your daily routine, enjoy some wonderful gardens with a delightful gastronomy and unparalleled services.

The concert consists of a wide range of styles designed to satisfy all music tastes. Each festival day presents a strong array of artists. This year's concert will be performed by artists such as Jesse J, Elvis Costello, Miguel Poveda, Pastora Soler, Miguel Ríos and Niña Pastori. This year, the event will take place from June 6th to July 13th.

Jardín Botánico Atlántico (Gijón)

The Atlantic Botanical Garden of Gijón hosts a wide variety of music and cultural activties every summer. This place is a natural treasure that is part of the Mile of Knowledge, as well as other areas in the city such as the Laboral Town of Culture, the Scientific and Technological Park, the Center for Industrial Art and Creation and the campus university.

This festival aims to bring people closer to the garden and enjoy nature while listening to music or entertaining with a magic show. On June 24th, the festival will take place in the  Botanical Garden of  Gijón during the celebration of the summer solstice to welcome this stage of summer.

Pop CAAC (Sevilla)

The Gardens of the Andalusian Center of Contemporary Art, located in the Carthusian Monastery of Santa María in the 'Cuevas' de Seville, have become the location for summer concerts since 2005. This outdoor area is seen as the perfect location for outdoor festival celebrations.

This place, which was here when Columbus waited for a response from the Catholic Monarchs, has been proclaimed a cultural location in the city. This oasis in the heart of Seville is located on an island surrounded by the Guadalquivir River and it is one of the best alternatives to enjoying something fresh on the hot Sevillan nights.

Soon, the Caravan Sur Music Fest will be held with performances by groups such as Narco or the Tractor. On June 22nd, the Festival of Música Negra in Sevilla will be held in, where Freedonia will perform. Many other events will be held such as the Rainbow Fest Sevilla, a Jam Session or the Day of the Music.

Conciertos de Viveros (Valencia)

The gardens in which the Viveros concerts are held are in the very center of Valencia, a magnificent place to take advantage of the summer evenings in the midst of nature. These gardens, which are of Muslim origin, host numerous musical events with a great variety of styles and artists both national and international. The music is a must-do during the festivities of the city of the Turia, and even more during the Feria de Julio. Among all the groups and artists that will play this year, some stand out names include: Izal, Andrés Suárez, Funambulista, Pedro Pastor, Zoo, Beret, Arkano, Los Secretos, Morat, etc.

These Viveros concerts enliven the Valencian nights from the 4th to the 28th of July.What do you think of our list of outdoor festivals in Spain? Do you know of any more?

Text: Carolina Cárcamo Villar

For the Most Refined Tastes

The Starlite Festival defines itself as the best boutique festival in Europe. Year after year, the Starlite Gala is held, directed by its hosts, Sandra García-Sanjuán and Antonio Banderas. This charity event rewards the efforts of those who have participated in solidarity work.Your destination: Starlite Festival (Marbella)

For Jazz Enthusiasts

This style of music tends to attract people who think they are out of the ordinary. They are social, active and self-confident, with a great interest in cultural issues. If you fit with this profile, you have at your disposal several festivals dedicated to this musical genre.

Some of them do not have great fame, as is the case of ImaxinaSons (Vigo) or Jazz en la Costa (Almuñécar). However, there are very well-known ones like the Jazz Festival of Vitoria and, in particular, the Heineken Jazzaldia (San Sebastián). This festival, the oldest of the genre in Spain, is for all audiences and tastes, but it is essential that you appreciate and enjoy good jazz.Your destination: Heineken Jazzaldia (San Sebastián)

For Family Friendly Fun

The Atlantic Fest is located on the beach, because it more fun to take a good dip between concert and concert and enjoy the time with your family. This festival will take place from the 20th to the 22nd of July this year.Your destination: Atlantic Fest (Pontevedra)

For Wine Lovers

The Citadel of Rosas, the Basilica of Ampuries and the Vineyards of Ampurdán are the perfect setting for this fusion of live music and different types of wine. If you want to enjoy the cool nights on the Costa Brava, the Sons del Món Festival is the best choice for you. This year it will take place throughout the month of July.Your destination:  Festival Sons del Món (Gerona)

For Those Who Love Diverse Culture

There are people who constantly need more, who need something new. If you have always liked artists who defy the common rules of creation and bet on experimental music, the Sónar (Barcelona) is a good alternative for you. This advanced and experimental music festival opens its doors this summer from the 14th to the 16th of June.

But, if what you're looking for this summer is something completely different, Aranda de Duero is your destiny. For several days, the locality Burgos becomes the scene of a musical festival that is many other things at the same time: an exhibition of shorts, a contest of musical models, a visit to the vineyards and wineries, a wine tasting, and a hub of special programs for children and adults.

The Sonorama Ribera is the best opportunity to get to know the cultural offerings of the province of Burgos and, as a result, it has become one of the options on this list for the summer music festivals according to your personal tastes.Your destination: Sonorama Ribera (Aranda de Duero)

For Those Who Love Rock

This stands for the least known, such as Soria Rock, Legends of Rock (Valencia) or the Bodega Rock (Valladolid), to some as popular as the BBK Live (Vizcaya). If you have a rock-n-roll soul, Bilbao opens the doors every year for three or four days in the month of July. This festival is one of the greatest attractions of the year and it is an indisputable must on the agenda of summer festivals. This year, it will be held between the 12 and 14 of July.Your destination: BBK Live (Bilbao)

For Nature Lovers

In the idyllic town of Lanuza (Huesca), in the middle of the lush landscape of the Pyrenees, a huge floating stage on a reservoir welcomes those who are willing to enjoy a perfect symbiosis (music and nature) that allows them to sing and dance to the rhythm of musical styles as different as hip hop, salsa or folk. This festival, known as the Pirineos Sur, will take place this year from the 13th to the 29th of July.Your destination: Pirineos Sur (Huesca)

For the Biggest Partiers

If you are an extroverted person who loves to party without any kind of shame, the Canela Party Festival is totally recommended for you. This year it will take place from the 2nd to the 4th of August.Your destination: Canela Party (Málaga)

For Alternative Music Lovers

Rio Babel is a tropical oasis in the heart of Madrid. In this city the DCode is also celebrated, an indie music festival that takes place on the Campus of the Complutense University. If we head south, to an exclusive environment like the beach of Benidorm, we can find the best national and international indie music in the Low Festival.

The Basque Country should not be missed as a key place on the list of alternative festivals. The BIME, held in Barakaldo, is famous for promoting different styles of music and giving visibility to new artists. However, if what you are looking for is the most successful independent festival in recent years, the Mad Cool Festival is the answer. This event will take place between July 12th and 14th in Madrid.Your destination: Mad Cool Festival (Madrid)

For Beach Lovers

For those who love good vibes, AlRumbo Festival, located on the fabulous beaches of Chiclana, gives way to a lot of partying and relaxing. Flamenquillo, rap and folklore rhythms fused with current styles make up the musical offerings of this event.

On your part, if you prefer the mix of beach and electronic music, your festival is the Dreambeach, held in Cuevas del Almanzora (Almería). The Barcelona Beach Festival, or the Aquasella, takes place in the beautiful surroundings of the Sella River.

However, if you really want to enjoy the sea and the tranquility it offers, your festival is without a doubt the Rototom Sunsplash (Benicasim). Reggae music lovers no longer have to dream of going to Jamaica to enjoy the Caribbean rhythms. This festival has a menu with a lot of variety, and it offers a multitude of cultural activities with which to give visibility and voice to themes such as peace, tolerance, racism, non-violence and respect for the environment.This is our list of summer festivals according to your personality. Which one sounds best to you?Your destination: Rototom Sunsplash (Benicasim)Text: Carolina C. Villar

As it happens every July, San Sebastián enjoys a New Orleans’ atmosphere: Gipúzcoa’s capital city celebrates the most important jazz festival in Spain. This year, Heineken Jazzaldia  holds the 50^th edition of an old festival that has still kept its youth: come and enjoy Jazzlandia's 50th anniversary.

This year edition will be held from July 22^nd to July 26^th. The schedule artists are, as always, simply amazing: Zaz, Jamie Cullum, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Melody Gardot, among many other artists. They will make the capital city of in San Sebastían for some days.

On the occasion of the golden wedding of the event, people in charge have organized a show called ‘Round Midnight. 50 Jazzlandia’, which commemorates the 50 years of the San Sebastián festival trajectory through different images –you can visit the exhibition from July 16^th to August 16^th at San Telmo Museum, free entry.

To warm up, the pianist Xan Campos Trío performed on July 19^th at 9.30 pm at the Dabadaba Stage. However, Last Fair Deal will open the event on July 22^nd at the Fnac Space at 8.30 pm, and Jamie Cullum at the Green Space at 8.30 pm.

Scheduled artists

Earth, Wind & Fire Experience feat, Al McKay All Stars, Jimmy Cliff, The Cookers (Billy Harper, Eddie Henderson, Donald Harrison, David Weiss, Danny Grissett, Cecil McBee, Billy Hart), Euskadiko Ikasleen Jazz Orkestra -EIJO, Carla Cook o Kassandra Charalampi & Jairom Black, among others, will perform on July 22^nd.

And just like every year, the festival committee will recognize the trajectory of one of the artists participating in the event: honor granted in this edition to Benny Golson, who will perform on July 24^th at the Kursaal Auditorium.