Benidorm is also a cinematic setting that has captivated directors, producers, and screenwriters over the years. Its unique combination of modern urban landscapes, dreamy beaches, and exceptional natural light has made it an ideal set for both national and international productions.
Series, Films, and Documentaries Filmed in Benidorm
The city of Mediterranean skyscrapers has served as the backdrop for numerous productions, thanks to its excellent hotel infrastructure, year-round stable climate, and unmistakable architectural identity. This versatility has made Benidorm the perfect fit for all kinds of genres — from comedies to thrillers, as well as documentaries and reality shows. Its unique character allows it to transform and adapt, offering directors a wide range of creative possibilities on a single stage.
Series
- Benidorm (ITV, United Kingdom)
Probably the series that gave the city the most international exposure is Benidorm, a British ITV production that aired from 2007 to 2018. This comedy follows the holiday adventures of various British families at a fictional resort called “Solana,” which was actually filmed in a real hotel.
Thanks to this series, Benidorm became an icon of British tourism in Spain. Scenes filmed on Levante Beach, along the promenade, and in well-known local spots helped cement the city’s image as a place of carefree fun. The show was so successful that it even inspired guided tours of its filming locations, especially popular among British visitors.
- ‘El Inmortal’ (Movistar+)
The series El Inmortal, starring Álex García, is based on the true story of a criminal gang from the 1990s. Part of the action takes place along the Costa Blanca, with Benidorm chosen as a filming location for several scenes set in nightclubs and port areas. The city was selected for its 80s-style aesthetic and distinctive urban landscapes, which perfectly matched the tone of the series.
- Cuéntame cómo pasó (TVE)
In a few episodes, this beloved Spanish series has featured scenes set during the Alcántara family’s summer holidays. On several occasions, Benidorm was chosen as the perfect backdrop to portray the tourism boom of the 1970s. Its retro charm and iconic beachside atmosphere helped bring that era to life on screen.
Films
- ‘La Rusa’ (2022)
This film chose Benidorm for several of its exterior scenes. Blending elements of thriller and drama, the story benefits from the striking contrast between the city’s glamorous tourist hotspots and its lesser-known corners. Benidorm’s diverse scenery added depth and atmosphere to the film’s narrative.
- ‘Amanece que no es poco’ (1989)
Although most of the film was shot in villages in the province of Albacete, some urban scenes were filmed in Benidorm to emphasize the contrast between the surreal countryside and the modern city. This cult classic of Spanish cinema, directed by José Luis Cuerda, has since become a beloved and iconic film.
- ‘La Noche del Virgen’ (2016)
This horror-comedy with a B-movie vibe filmed several of its urban scenes in Benidorm, taking full advantage of the city’s chaotic and vibrant nighttime atmosphere to enhance its wild, offbeat tone.
Documentaries
Beyond fiction, Benidorm has been featured in numerous documentaries focused on tourism, architecture, and the urban evolution of Spain’s coastline. Networks such as the BBC, National Geographic, and RTVE have dedicated full episodes to exploring the city’s development model — often highlighting Benidorm as a pioneer in sustainable tourism.
It All Began in the 1960s
With the tourism boom of the 1960s and the massive arrival of visitors from Northern Europe, Benidorm became a hotspot of modernity and freedom. This social phenomenon quickly caught the attention of filmmakers during the late Franco era.
Films like the musical Un beso en el puerto, starring Manolo Escobar, and La decente, with Alfredo Landa and Concha Velasco, were shot in the city during this period. And they weren’t the only ones. This was a very different kind of cinema from today’s—more light-hearted, rooted in everyday life, and closely tied to the rise of tourism.
Did You Know…?
- It’s said that Steven Spielberg once considered Benidorm as a filming location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Although Petra (Jordan) was ultimately chosen, several Spanish sites were explored — including Benidorm’s Old Town, thanks to its seaside setting and exceptional natural light.
- The Benidorm Film Festival, which ran during the 1960s and 70s, hosted filmmakers like Luis García Berlanga, who was deeply interested in portraying the country’s evolving tourism landscape.
- Some scenes from the international reality show Geordie Shore were filmed in Benidorm nightclubs, further cementing the city’s reputation as a nightlife hotspot.
- Benidorm Island has often been proposed as a “mysterious setting” for film. While it hasn’t yet played a major role in any series or movies, its unique, isolated beauty makes it a location with great storytelling potential for thrillers and sci-fi productions.
Iconic Locations That Have Appeared On Screen
- Playa de Levante. Without a doubt, one of the most recognizable spots in Benidorm. Its wide stretch of golden sand, paired with a lively promenade, has been a frequent backdrop in numerous TV and film productions. Aerial shots of the beach have become a classic way to capture the city’s sunny, holiday essence.
- Balcón del Mediterráneo. This stunning viewpoint, perched between Levante and Poniente beaches, is one of Benidorm’s most filmed locations. With its iconic white-and-blue design and breathtaking views, it’s a favorite setting for romantic, introspective, or contemplative scenes.
- Avenida del Mediterráneo and the Benidorm Skyline. Benidorm’s vertical architecture has captured the attention of many directors, standing out as a unique feature in the European landscape. Wide shots of the city’s skyline are often used in television productions to establish location—especially when portraying a vibrant, modern coastal city.
Visiting Benidorm means stepping onto real-life film sets — walking through places where memorable scenes were filmed, recognizing corners that have captured the imagination of directors, and understanding why so many storytellers choose this city as the backdrop for their narratives.
From Hotel Don Pancho, located in the very heart of the city, we invite you to discover Benidorm’s most cinematic side. 🎥✨ Are you ready to explore it through a director’s eyes?
