Marbella: where the action is! The film location that’s all the rage
Marbella is a popular destination for holidayers seeking sun, sea and sand, but did you know that “Marbs” 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.
So what is Marbella’s appeal, other than, you know, its stunning natural setting, enviable climate and reputation for glitz and glamour?
Why is Marbella such a popular setting for filming?
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 Banús and The Golden Mile, provide the perfect backdrop for any genre of filmmaking, from thrillers to romantic comedies.
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’ and visitors’ 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.
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’s vibrant cultural scene has something for everyone. For those wishing to explore, there’s the allure of the Old Town – with its cobblestone streets, historical architecture, traditional tapas bars and eateries – and there’s many an adventure to be had discovering the diverse landscapes in and around Marbella.
So which series and films have been set in Marbella recently and can you spot the locations?
Shows filmed in and around Marbella
Gangs of Galicia/Clanes (2024): in this Spanish series about Galician drug trafficking on the Costa del Sol, it won’t be hard to recognise the scenes shot in Marbella. Puerto Banús proved the perfect setting for drug cartel shenanigans against the backdrop of superyachts and luxury cars.
Los Farad (2023): this Spanish thriller set in 1980s Marbella delves into the murky world of international arms trafficking. It’s all about the lavish lifestyle and jet-set parties, so suitably chic locations include the Marbella Club Hotel jetty, Las Chapas beach – home to the famous Nikki Beach Club – and the exclusive residential neighbourhoods of Cabopino and Guadalmina. And Málaga’s City Hall – Casona del Parque – a beautifully ornate Baroque revival building, was transformed into a Monte Carlo luxury hotel.
The Courier/El Correo (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 – the doyen of action films in Spain – based his film on the true story of Iván Márquez, 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 Golden Mile and extravagant parties on superyachts in Puerto Banús.
Anyone would think that Marbella had been typecast as the location for shows about corruption and organised crime! Far from it: an eclectic line-up of productions has featured Marbella and many other places across Málaga province: adaptations of award-winning novels (The Bridge of San Luis Rey, 2003) and historical dramas (We Were the Lucky Ones, 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…
The Crown (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 Andalucía, which doubled as far-flung destinations. The exclusive resort of Sotogrande – the largest private residential estate in Andalucía – played its part: the Santa María Polo Club provided the backdrop for Prince Charles’ and Princess Diana’s 1983 tour of Australia; and the palm-fringed avenue of Paseo del Parque replicated the streets of Los Angeles during Princess Margaret’s visit in 1965. The beautiful natural beach of Playa de los Alemanes in Atlanterra easily 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’s 73-metre-long superyacht docks in the Côte d’Azur in France, it’s actually Puerto Banús playing stand-in. Some of Málaga’s luxury hotels proved popular locations, including the enviably located AC Málaga Palacio Hotel for scenes set in Brisbane, Australia, and the Gran Hotel Miramar, for scenes recreating Margaret Thatcher’s trip to Nassau in the Bahamas. And when it came to finding a venue for a 1960s-look Los Angeles Airport, the Torremolinos Palacio de Ferias easily met the brief, with its kitsch 1970s vibe, circular design, translucent dome and impressive central chandelier.
Toy Boy (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 la vida loca in Marbella. It’s not all rippling muscles and sexy dance moves, though… there’s some murder and intrigue too. But whodunnit? Location favourites include the Marbella Club Hotel jetty, the Estrella del Mar beach club, and El Pósito – an 18th century granary in Vélez-Málaga, now a Cultural Centre, which was converted into a police station. Other Costa del Sol locations include Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas and Estepona. Enjoy the view, but no binge-watching!
If you prefer your shows rooted in reality, don’t miss these two, based on legendary performers, and filmed in a variety of locations in the province of Málaga.
Archie (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’s palm tree-lined locations and Málaga’s coastline into convincing versions of the Pacific ocean and the actor’s California home.
Aline, The Voice of Love (2022): a musical comedy-drama inspired by the life of Canadian singer Céline Dion. Two weeks of shooting took place in Andalucía, 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 Tabernas desert in Almería, Málaga’s Gran Miramar Hotel and Benalmádena’s Torrequebrada Casino. Marbella’s El Jardín restaurant turned into a brasserie in Monaco, and Málaga’s beautiful cathedral square – Plaza del Obispo – served as a piazza in Naples, while bar scenes in Brazil were filmed in Málaga’s urban beach bars.
Ronda
The Seven Dials Mystery (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… It’s a mystery! All we know is that many of Ronda’s iconic landmarks will feature, including the dramatic Puente Nuevo, the 18th century Fuente de los Ocho Caños (eight-spout fountain), the beautiful Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, the 13th Century Arab Baths, the lush and tranquil Alameda del Tajo park, and the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest and most picturesque bullrings in Spain. We’ll just have to wait and see!
Berlin Station (2016-19): three-season American drama following a CIA team’s 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…).
Málaga province: much more than a film set
The province’s ties to the film industry go beyond providing the perfect film locations; it’s also home to many a film-filled festival.
The Festival de Málaga – launched in 1988 – 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’s 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.
The Benalmádena International Short Film and Alternative Film Festival (FICCAB) celebrates its 26th edition 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.
For fans of the gunslinging genre, a journey east to the province of Almería is a must. The village of Tabernas is home to the Almería Western Film Festival, held every October since 2011, and the only festival celebrating the Western genre in Europe. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Tabernas desert – the only desert in Europe – was the go-to Wild West location for many a spaghetti Western, including Sergio Leone’s 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!
And back to Marbella now, whose annual programme of VIP events just wouldn’t be complete without the Marbella International Film Festival (MIFF). The world-renowned festival has just celebrated its 19th year (2024), bringing attendees from all over the world to Marbella’s 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’s Red Dog Cinema and Kinépolis Marbella La Cañada, as well as glamorous soirées and events at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Marbella Mountain Resorts gets in on the act
It’s no surprise that our portfolio of wonderful luxury villas has attracted the attention of location scouts. In the renowned La Zagaleta country estate – an ultra-private luxury residential resort nestled in the hills above Marbella – filmmakers have their pick of la crème de la crème in spectacular properties. And pick they did, for the Malibu mansion that Dodi Al-Fayed has his eye on in The Crown, and yet again for Celine Dion’s Las Vegas mansion in Aline.
And our big reveal is that the secret hideout in the series Berlin Station was none other than our fabulous Ronda Mountain Resort, a beautifully restored seven-bedroom Spanish hacienda and luxury estate, just a few kilometres away from the romantic town of Ronda.
If you’re 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.
You imagine it, we’ll make it a reality!