{"id":3151,"date":"2024-10-25T03:26:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T03:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/?p=3151"},"modified":"2026-01-15T00:22:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T00:22:57","slug":"marbella-where-the-action-is-for-films-and-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/marbella-where-the-action-is-for-films-and-series\/","title":{"rendered":"Marbella: Where the Action Is for Films and Series"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Marbella: where the action is!\u00a0<\/strong>The film location that\u2019s all the rage<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Marbella is a popular destination for holidayers seeking sun, sea and sand, but did you know that \u201cMarbs\u201d is also very much in vogue with Spanish and international filmmakers? And major streaming platforms have set their sights on Marbella for scores of series too.<\/p>\n

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So what is Marbella\u2019s appeal, other than, you know, its stunning natural setting, enviable climate and reputation for glitz and glamour?<\/p>\n

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Why is Marbella such a popular setting for filming?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Marbella is often chosen because of its resemblance to more exotic locations, such as the Caribbean, and other chic settings like the French Riviera and California. But Marbella is not merely a stand-in: apart from the obvious lure of the glittering Mediterranean, idyllic beaches and Andalusian charm, the opulence and sophistication of areas like Puerto Ban\u00fas and The Golden Mile, provide the perfect backdrop for any genre of filmmaking, from thrillers to romantic comedies.<\/p>\n

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It goes without saying that privacy and security are a number one priority for all those involved in filming. Having been a magnet for the jet-set since the 1950s, Marbella has grown to accommodate its VIP residents\u2019 and visitors\u2019 requirements for safety and seclusion. Sprawling mansions with the latest security systems, set within gated luxury developments with 24-hr patrols, provide space, privacy and secure surroundings to all those who visit or have residences here.<\/p>\n

But what about leisure time? No worries there: Marbella is a playground for the rich and famous! From exclusive beach clubs to private parties, world-class dining to designer shopping, Marbella\u2019s vibrant cultural scene has something for everyone. For those wishing to explore, there\u2019s the allure of the Old Town \u2013 with its cobblestone streets, historical architecture, traditional tapas bars and eateries \u2013 and there\u2019s many an adventure to be had discovering the diverse landscapes in and around Marbella.<\/p>\n

So which series and films have been set in Marbella recently and can you spot the locations?[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3287″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3291″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Shows filmed in and around Marbella<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gangs of Galicia\/Clanes<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(2024): in this Spanish series about Galician drug trafficking on the Costa del Sol, it won\u2019t be hard to recognise the scenes shot in Marbella.\u00a0Puerto Ban\u00fas<\/a>\u00a0proved the perfect setting for drug cartel shenanigans against the backdrop of superyachts and luxury cars.<\/p>\n

Los Farad<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(2023): this Spanish thriller set in 1980s Marbella delves into the murky world of international arms trafficking. It\u2019s all about the lavish lifestyle and jet-set parties, so suitably chic locations include the\u00a0Marbella Club Hotel<\/a>\u00a0jetty, Las Chapas beach \u2013 home to the famous Nikki Beach Club \u2013 \u00a0and the exclusive residential neighbourhoods of Cabopino and\u00a0Guadalmina<\/a>. And M\u00e1laga\u2019s City Hall \u2013\u00a0Casona del Parque<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 a beautifully ornate Baroque revival building, was transformed into a Monte Carlo luxury hotel.<\/p>\n

The Courier\/El Correo<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(2024): not to be mistaken for the 2021 historical spy film by the same name, this fast-paced Spanish thriller revolves around corruption in Marbella during the real estate boom in the early 2000s. Spanish director Daniel Calparsoro \u2013 the doyen of action films in Spain \u2013 based his film on the true story of Iv\u00e1n M\u00e1rquez, an ambitious young valet who rises through the ranks of an international money laundering cartel. Scenes feature the iconic Marbella arch at the entrance to the town, The\u00a0Golden Mile<\/a>\u00a0and extravagant parties on superyachts in Puerto Ban\u00fas.<\/p>\n

Anyone would think that Marbella had been typecast as\u00a0the<\/em>\u00a0location for shows about corruption and organised crime! Far from it: an eclectic line-up of productions has featured Marbella and many other places across M\u00e1laga province: adaptations of award-winning novels (The Bridge of San Luis Rey<\/strong>, 2003) and historical dramas (We Were the Lucky Ones<\/strong>, 2024), alongside biopics depicting the lives of famous figures in cinema and music, and a murder-mystery or two, not to mention a blockbuster of a series about a certain royal family\u2026<\/p>\n

The Crown<\/strong>\u00a0(2016-2023): you would have had to be living under a rock not to have seen or at least heard of this hugely successful 6-season Netflix series about the British Royal Family! Numerous scenes were shot in locations in Andaluc\u00eda, which doubled as far-flung destinations. The exclusive resort of\u00a0Sotogrande<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 the largest private residential estate in Andaluc\u00eda \u2013 played its part: the\u00a0Santa Mar\u00eda Polo Club<\/strong>\u00a0provided the backdrop for Prince Charles\u2019 and Princess Diana\u2019s 1983 tour of Australia; and the palm-fringed avenue of\u00a0Paseo del Parque<\/strong>\u00a0replicated the streets of Los Angeles during Princess Margaret\u2019s visit in 1965. The beautiful natural beach of\u00a0Playa de los Alemanes<\/strong>\u00a0in\u00a0Atlanterra<\/a>\u00a0easily passed for the Caribbean island of Mustique, where Princess Margaret spent time with her friends and lover Roddy Llewellyn. And in the scene where Mohamed Al-Fayed\u2019s 73-metre-long superyacht docks in the C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur in France, it\u2019s actually\u00a0Puerto Ban\u00fas<\/strong>\u00a0playing stand-in. Some of M\u00e1laga\u2019s luxury hotels proved popular locations, including the enviably located\u00a0AC M\u00e1laga Palacio Hotel<\/strong>\u00a0for scenes set in Brisbane, Australia, and the\u00a0Gran Hotel Miramar<\/strong>, for scenes recreating Margaret Thatcher\u2019s trip to Nassau in the Bahamas. And when it came to finding a venue for a 1960s-look Los Angeles Airport, the\u00a0Torremolinos Palacio de Ferias<\/strong>\u00a0easily met the brief, with its kitsch 1970s vibe, circular design, translucent dome and impressive central chandelier.<\/p>\n

Toy Boy<\/strong>\u00a0(2019): if you like your series with a generous serving of male eye candy, then this steamy Spanish show totally delivers! The story centres around a crew of male strippers strutting their stuff and living\u00a0la vida loca<\/em>\u00a0in Marbella. It\u2019s not all rippling muscles and sexy dance moves, though\u2026 there\u2019s some murder and intrigue too. But whodunnit? Location favourites include the\u00a0Marbella Club Hotel<\/strong>\u00a0jetty, the\u00a0Estrella del Mar<\/strong>\u00a0beach club, and\u00a0El P\u00f3sito<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 an 18th<\/sup>\u00a0century granary in V\u00e9lez-M\u00e1laga, now a Cultural Centre, which was converted into a police station. Other\u00a0Costa del Sol locations<\/a>\u00a0include Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas and\u00a0Estepona<\/a>. Enjoy the view, but no binge-watching!<\/p>\n

If you prefer your shows rooted in reality, don\u2019t miss these two, based on legendary performers, and filmed in a variety of locations in the province of M\u00e1laga.<\/p>\n

Archie<\/strong>\u00a0(2023): this four-part biopic tells the story of English-American actor Cary Grant, from his unhappy childhood in the UK to his stage career and subsequent rise to stardom on the silver screen. Careful camerawork turned Marbella\u2019s palm tree-lined locations and M\u00e1laga\u2019s coastline into convincing versions of the Pacific ocean and the actor\u2019s California home.<\/p>\n

Aline, The Voice of Love<\/strong>\u00a0(2022): a musical comedy-drama inspired by the life of Canadian singer C\u00e9line Dion. Two weeks of shooting took place in Andaluc\u00eda, which producers of the film considered to be similar enough in climate and light to pass for Las Vegas, Monaco, Italy and Brazil. Las Vegas lookalike locations included the\u00a0Tabernas desert<\/strong>\u00a0in Almer\u00eda, M\u00e1laga\u2019s\u00a0Gran Miramar Hotel<\/strong>\u00a0and Benalm\u00e1dena\u2019s\u00a0Torrequebrada Casino<\/strong>. Marbella\u2019s\u00a0El Jard\u00edn<\/strong>\u00a0restaurant turned into a brasserie in Monaco, and M\u00e1laga\u2019s beautiful cathedral square \u2013\u00a0Plaza del Obispo<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 served as a piazza in Naples, while bar scenes in Brazil were filmed in M\u00e1laga\u2019s urban beach bars.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3295″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3299″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Ronda<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Seven Dials Mystery<\/strong>\u00a0(expected release 2025): murder-mystery series based on the Agatha Christie book by the same name (1929), set in an English stately home and featuring Mia Mckenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman. You may ask why Ronda was used as a location in a quintessentially English series\u2026 It\u2019s a mystery! All we know is that many of Ronda\u2019s iconic landmarks will feature, including the dramatic\u00a0Puente Nuevo<\/strong>, the 18th<\/sup>\u00a0century\u00a0Fuente de los Ocho Ca\u00f1os<\/strong>\u00a0(eight-spout fountain), the beautiful\u00a0Plaza Duquesa de Parcent<\/strong>, the 13th<\/sup>\u00a0Century\u00a0Arab Baths<\/strong>, the lush and tranquil\u00a0Alameda del Tajo<\/strong>\u00a0park, and the\u00a0Plaza de Toros<\/strong>, one of the oldest and most picturesque bullrings in Spain. We\u2019ll just have to wait and see!<\/p>\n

Berlin Station\u00a0<\/strong>(2016-19): three-season American drama following a CIA team\u2019s clandestine missions. A two-week shooting schedule in Ronda included aerial views of the scenic old town and adrenaline-filled car chases through the narrow streets. And episode 2 of season 2 was entirely shot at a luxury retreat on the outskirts of the town (scroll down to the end for the big reveal\u2026).[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3307″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3303″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

M\u00e1laga province: much more than a film set<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The province\u2019s ties to the film industry go beyond providing the perfect film locations; it\u2019s also home to many a film-filled festival.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Festival de M\u00e1laga<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 launched in 1988 \u2013 is a week-long film fest held every year in March to promote Spanish cinema and establish Spain as a leading player in the international film scene. There are screenings of Spain\u2019s best feature and short films, documentaries and more, as well as exhibitions, tributes to figures in the film industry, and many other events and activities.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Benalm\u00e1dena International Short Film and Alternative Film Festival<\/strong>\u00a0(FICCAB) celebrates its 26th<\/sup>\u00a0edition this year (2024). Held annually during the month of November, the festival screens short and feature films by emerging filmmakers across the globe, awarding prizes, and organising workshops and talks to bring independent and alternative world cinema to the wider population.<\/p>\n

For fans of the gunslinging genre, a journey east to the province of Almer\u00eda is a must. The village of Tabernas is home to the\u00a0Almer\u00eda Western Film Festival<\/strong>, held every October since 2011, and the only festival celebrating the Western genre in Europe. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Tabernas desert \u2013 the only desert in Europe \u2013 was the go-to Wild West location for many a spaghetti Western, including Sergio Leone\u2019s trilogy. The festival promotes all things Western with screenings of new shorts and feature films from all over the world, as well as retrospectives, awards, exhibitions, literary works in the genre, and even a Western-style tapas route!<\/p>\n

And back to Marbella now, whose annual programme of VIP events just wouldn\u2019t be complete without the\u00a0Marbella International Film Festival (MIFF).\u00a0<\/strong>The world-renowned festival has just celebrated its 19th<\/sup>\u00a0year (2024), bringing attendees from all over the world to Marbella\u2019s shores. It was a glitzy five-day celebration of filmmaking during which actors, industry professionals, and celebrities all came together to enjoy screenings at Marbella\u2019s\u00a0Red Dog Cinema<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Kin\u00e9polis Marbella La Ca\u00f1ada<\/strong>, as well as glamorous soir\u00e9es and events at the\u00a0Hard Rock Hotel<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3315″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3311″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Marbella Mountain Resorts gets in on the act<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s no surprise that our portfolio of wonderful luxury villas has attracted the attention of location scouts. In the renowned\u00a0La Zagaleta<\/a>\u00a0country estate \u2013 an ultra-private luxury residential resort nestled in the hills above Marbella \u2013 filmmakers have their pick of la cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me in spectacular properties. And pick they did, for the Malibu mansion that Dodi Al-Fayed has his eye on in\u00a0The Crown<\/strong>, and yet again for Celine Dion\u2019s Las Vegas mansion in\u00a0Aline<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And our big reveal is that the secret hideout in the series\u00a0Berlin Station<\/strong>\u00a0was none other than our fabulous\u00a0Ronda Mountain Resort<\/a>, a beautifully restored seven-bedroom Spanish hacienda and luxury estate, just a few kilometres away from the romantic town of Ronda.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a film-worthy holiday location, a luxury villa rental fit for cinema royalty, or an extraordinary cultural experience that surpasses fiction, get in touch with us.<\/p>\n

You imagine it, we\u2019ll make it a reality![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Marbella is the place where filmmakers find stunning locations like Puerto Ban\u00fas and The Golden Mile, perfect for hit films and series.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":3282,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3151","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-noticias"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3151","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3151"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3151\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3319,"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3151\/revisions\/3319"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3151"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rmtt.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}