Lanzarote is not just a holiday island; it is a natural setting that feels as if it were taken from another world. Due to its magnetic geography and lunar landscapes, filmmakers from around the globe have chosen this land as the backdrop for their stories. Therefore, walking across its lava fields is, quite literally, like walking through an epic film set. It is a wonderful way to experience firsthand the locations of the films shot in Lanzarote.

At First Minute Excursions and Last Minute Transfer, we want you to feel like the protagonist of your own adventure while exploring these iconic places. Below, we review some of the most famous productions that have taken advantage of the unique light and terrain of our island.

Films shot in Lanzarote: the island that captivated Hollywood

For decades, the film industry has seen films shot in Lanzarote as an opportunity to recreate distant planets or prehistoric eras. A classic example is One Million Years B.C. (1966), starring Raquel Welch, where Timanfaya National Park stood in for a primitive world.

More recently, science fiction has found its ideal home here. In Marvel’s Eternals, some scenes set in Mesopotamia were actually filmed on Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain.

Likewise, the blockbuster In the Heart of the Sea, directed by Ron Howard, used the island’s coastline to tell the odyssey that inspired Moby Dick. Consequently, it is not unusual to feel a sense of familiarity when visiting certain beaches or cliffs.

Almodóvar and the imprint of European cinema

Not only action films have landed here, as acclaimed auteurs have also sought the emotional intensity of these landscapes. Pedro Almodóvar chose Charco de los Clicos and Famara to shoot key moments of Broken Embraces. In this film, the contrast between the green lagoon and the black sand symbolises the passion and drama of the characters.

Moreover, international productions such as Mararía, based on the well-known novel by Rafael Arozarena, captured the essence of the island’s inland villages. Thanks to these films, Lanzarote’s artistic value has gone beyond pure visual appeal to become a cultural icon. For this reason, organising private transfers to these locations has become one of the most requested excursions.

International series and the streaming phenomenon

In recent years, digital platforms have arrived in force in search of versatile and secure locations. For example, the British series Doctor Who used the reddish landscapes to simulate the surface of the Moon in the episode “Kill the Moon”.

On the other hand, the Netflix series Welcome to Eden turned our white-sand beaches into the main setting for its mystery-driven plot. Even cult productions such as Black Mirror have filmed scenes in Lanzarote to recreate dystopian and technological futures. Due to this boom, the island has established itself as a leading destination for film tourism in Europe.

Locations you can visit on your next excursion

If you want to plan a themed route, there are places that are absolutely essential on your itinerary.

  • Timanfaya National Park: the ultimate place to feel as if you are on Mars or at the dawn of time.

  • El Golfo and Charco de los Clicos: a volcanic amphitheatre that has captivated filmmakers with its extraordinary colour palette.

  • La Geria: this unique agricultural landscape has served as a backdrop for period scenes and commercials thanks to its geometric aesthetic.

  • Cueva de los Verdes: its volcanic tunnels have hosted fantasy and science fiction shoots due to their otherworldly atmosphere.

Much more than films shot in Lanzarote: live your own cinematic experience

The films shot in Lanzarote are a testament to the unparalleled beauty of this corner of the Atlantic. For this reason, we invite you to discover these natural film sets in person. We are sure that once you step onto the volcanic sand, you will fully understand why the film industry continues to choose our island.