Film Tourism in Granada

Film tourism has become a worldwide trend and Granada ranks as a top destination.

Its monumental streets and stunning natural landscapes have been chosen by world-renowned directors and filmmakers as ideal settings to bring their films to life.

Films and series made in Granada

Granada and cinema have been linked since 1905, when Alice Guy Blaché, the first woman film director,  filmed the Alhambra from the San Nicolás viewpoint. 

“Espagne – Alhambra”  enchanted Parisian audiences and marked Granada’s debut in the cinema.

Indeed, there are few places in the world that can boast such picture perfection and offer viewers such exquisite scenery.

She has proved to be a muse for directors and producers in over 2.000 films.

And it is no wonder that Granada’s unique and magical setting has delighted film tourism for decades.

From the Marx Brothers‘ Goose Soup in 1933, a hilarious comedy that was filmed in Loja, a city just outside Granada.

To the memorable Doctor Zhivago in 1965, winner of five Academy Awards.

An authentic relic of the seventh art where you can see how the imposing Sierra Nevada transforms into the fiercely cold Ural Mountains during the burial scene of little Yuri Zhivago’s mother.

For example, “Muerte en Granada”, also known as The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca, 1997.

The film takes us back to 1934, when Federico García Lorca premiered his play Yerma

Set in Granada’s downtown streets and alleys, during the turbulent times before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

Granada is a city also chosen by students from all over the world, and a very representative example of its cultural diversity is the film Granada Nights,  where the city itself is one more character, or many together. 

Led by the protagonist, Abid, we visit the Café Fútbol, the Bohemia and the Pub Legend; in the cave of Curro Albaicín, the tea shops of Calle Elvira and the Camborio; in the Plaza de las Pasiegas, Carmen de los Mártires.

Series made in Granada

Not forgetting the emblematic Alhambra Palace, where its Nasrid palaces take us back in history to the times of the Catholic Monarchs in the enthralling miniseries Isabel.

Another great example of a historical miniserie set in Granada is Carlos Rey Emperador that tells us the story of one of the most powerful men in history.

Just to name a few of the superb series that Granada hosted.

But, if you love animation and adventure film tourism, I invite you to discover the most cinematographic and funniest Granada.

Get your popcorn ready…

Tadeo Jones film Tourism

Were you convinced that the scenography of the hilarious Tadeo Jones 2, The Secret of King Midas,  was made up by the cartoonists?

Let me tell you that you´ re wrong. 

Film tourists wishing to experience the graciousness and delight of this lovely film need to head to Granada. 

Fans of Tadeo will be able to relive the most thrilling tuk tuk taxi chase ever seen as they stroll through Granada’s historic Albaicín quarter.

Full of unmistakable elements, authentic treasures of this neighborhood, such as the ancient cobblestones, blooming balconies, or the charming staircases.

Not forgetting the beautiful Fajalauza ceramic plates that decorate the walls of Granada and that in the film are used as «clay pigeon shooting» against the bad guys. 

From the lampposts to the landscape´s colors, every detail has been realistically represented.

So, let’s take a ride along Granada´s best animation film scenes ever and a must for film tourism.

El Darro

The Cuesta del Chapiz, one of the most emblematic streets of the Albaicín, will be the protagonist of the most exciting chase in Spanish cinema.

Heading up from the Paseo de Los Tristes to the parish church of El Salvador, it will take our endearing heartfelt archaeologist and his friends, Belzoni, Jeff and Tiffany, all the way to the Carrera del Darro.

Do you remember the brilliant scene in which Mummy disembowels himself between the bridges of the Darro river?

Eureka!

Cuesta de Gomérez

This is as far as the dizzying tuk tuk ride of Tadeo Jones and his friends will take them.

On the slope of Gomérez will be where they leave their improvised vehicle behind and head towards the Alhambra.

La Alhambra

The extraordinary thoroughness with which every detail of the Alhambra makes this animated film one of the favorites of film tourism.

Following the plot,Tadeo arrives at the magnificent Alhambra in which, according to Sara’s notebook, the first of one of the three pieces of King Midas’s necklace is being kept.

As we follow Tadeo in his pursuit, we have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning surroundings, from the Jardines del Partal to the Fuente de los Leones.

La fuente de los Leones

It is in the mythical fountain of the Patio de los Leones that one of the most decisive moments of the entertaining film takes place.

In fact, according to the directors, this scene would become so iconic that they expected extra security measures to prevent children from replaying the scene after the film premiered.

Whether or not this was the case, we are not certain, however, what we can be sure about is that The Lions fountain is one of the most famous and frequently pictured places in the monumental complex.

Port of Motril and castle of Salobreña

The Nasrid city of Granada is the main, but not the only place portrayed in this film. 

Our favorite archaeologist and his companions also take us to other emblematic places in the province of Granada. 

For example, the port of Motril, where the whole gang sets sail for Cappadocia (Turkey). 

And thus continue the quest to find the missing pieces of King Midas’ necklace.

Experience film tourism in Granada, and much more

Whether you are an adventure, historical or romantic film lover, Granada, as a destination for film tourism, will blow your mind.

Every corner of this wonderful city has something special to offer and it may often make you feel as if you are stepping onto a real-life film script.

And indeed, at times, it may well well be!

Don’t miss out on any of your dream film locations. 

My personal recommendation, plan your trip with the help of an expert so you can make sure you will relive the scenes of your favorite films, without missing any of them along the way.

Contact me  and let’s take a walk along the most cinematographic streets of Granada.