Looking to keep the audience on the edge of their seats? Or delight them with an exotic backdrop? Film locations in Portugal come to fulfill both. From continental landscape to endless green islands, filmmakers find all they need here. Eye-catching architecture, rugged coastline, blue-tiled buildings, you can find unexpected, scenic angles here.
Exotic Film Locations in Portugal
Thanks to a highly motivating incentive scheme, Portugal has gained the attention of filmmakers. Without a doubt, its scenic landscapes also play a part in its growing popularity. Both foreign and local videographers pick this country to shoot in for pleasure. The well-developed infrastructure and multilingual pool of specialists make filming here a breeze. But how are filming locations in Portugal?
Do not limit your perspectives to only blue-tiled houses or rugged coastline. Because there are many telegenic backdrops available. Lisbon’s iconic landmarks have indeed made it to the screen more frequently. A recent production that featured them is the Netflix massive hit Money Heist.
On the continent, there is an abundance of architecture built to impress. These make a great pick for a blast-from-the-past film. However, Portugal also boasts lush green scenery. Its islands provide an accessible exotic backdrop, without crossing over the seven seas. A flight away from the capital, you can switch historical landmarks for endless blue. The Azores and Madeira archipelagos offer plenty of options for wild, jungle-like sets. Black sand beaches, steep cliffs, massive waves, or unique traditions, they have it all. An example of a production that trusted the islands in the Azores is the Brazilian comedy S.O.S.: Women to the Sea 2.5 (2015).
Film locations in Portugal can prove an excellent choice for any type of production. Whether for a documentary or a historical drama, landscapes here complement any idea. These micro-climates across the continent and ocean should match any film.
When Action Meets Portugal’s Film Locations
There have been dramas finding their matching backdrops here. Just as there have been Bond movies shot across this country too. Film locations in Portugal have become a top choice for filmmakers and with a good reason.
The spy drama Gloria (2021) is a Netflix production filmed in the Alentejo and Ribatejo regions. The seasonal endless green and golden yellow landscapes also matched The Domain (2019).
Even larger productions, with atop-notch cast, benefitted from Portugal’s telegenic potential. The House of Spirits (1993) is one such film. The cast included Jeremy Irons, Meryl Streep, Winona Ryder, and Antonio Banderas.
Some action movies also helped to put Portugal on the filmmaking map. The Bond movie, Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) used the Guincho beach, near Cascais, as a set. Other scenes also include the massive 25 de Abril suspension bridge in Lisbon. And as we are talking about 007 agents, Sean Connery also shot Lisbon for the spy thriller Russia House (1990).
The charming area of Sintra fits even thrillers like a glove. Roman Polanski’s The Ninth Gate (1999) proves that. The movie keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as Johnny Depp explores the castles here.
Which film locations in Portugal caught your eye first?