Malaga, a vibrant city on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is not just famous for its sunny beaches, rich history, and delicious cuisine—it’s also a sought-after destination for filmmakers from around the world. With its diverse landscapes, from ancient cathedrals to rugged mountains and picturesque plazas, Malaga offers a stunning backdrop that has brought countless films and series to life.
From the dramatic cliffs of Caminito del Rey to the bustling streets of its old town, Malaga has doubled as everything from futuristic dystopias to historic settings in some of the most beloved movies and TV shows. Whether you’re a fan of gripping thrillers, classic dramas, or cutting-edge sci-fi, you might be surprised to discover that many iconic scenes were shot right here in this captivating city. Let’s explore some of the most memorable films and series that have used Malaga as their stage.
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
In Malaga, scenes were filmed at Caminito del Rey in El Chorro to represent Peruvian landscapes. Caminito del Rey is named after King Alfonso XIII, who wanted to inaugurate the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam in 1921. Some scenes were also shot at Plaza del Obispo in the city.
The Snow Girl
This is an adaptation of the novel by Malaga-born author Javier Castillo. It’s a thriller about a 5-year-old girl who disappears in Malaga, prompting a young journalist to start an investigation.
Summer Rain (El Camino de los Ingleses)
This film follows the story of a group of friends in the late 1970s. During the summer, they push friendship, violence, love, and sexuality to the extremes. An English version of the film titled Summer Rain was released in 2006. The film was directed by the most famous person from Malaga, Antonio Banderas.
The Crown
The first image of Malaga in this series is of the Malaga Palacio Hotel. Other locations featured include the Cathedral, Postigo de los Abades Street, the military residence of Castañón de Mena, and Camino del Limonar.
Warrior Nun
A young girl wakes up with supernatural powers and begins a battle between good and evil. Most of the scenes were shot in the 16th-century Renaissance temple of the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor.
Black Mirror
The province of Malaga was used as a setting for 6 seasons of this series. Filming took place on the Costa del Sol and in San Pedro Alcantara. Most episodes depict a futuristic dystopia based on new technologies, a spectacular type of science fiction.
Genius Picasso
Genius is a biographical series starring Antonio Banderas, based on the life of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. The Plaza de la Merced, where Picasso was born, is one of the filming locations.