Are you planning on visiting Spain soon and needing Andalusia travel inspiration? To get you started, here are some films, novels, series and movies set in Andalusia that feature the region’s culture at the center of their stories, from Córdoba to Málaga, and from the Alhambra to the pueblos blancos. Enjoy!
Summer Rain (El Camino de los Ingleses)
Directed by actor Antonio Banderas, Summer Rain tells the story of a young man suffering from a kidney disease. The film’s scenes are set in various locations throughout the downtown area of Málaga, Banderas’ hometown, where the actor owns several popular restaurants and bars known for their lively atmosphere under the Grupo Tercer Acto banner. In Summer Rain, you can spot La Merced, Paseo del Parque, the Churriana neighborhood, and Guadalmar Beach.
Marshland
Directed by Alberto Rodríguez, the gripping Spanish crime thriller is set in the hauntingly beautiful wetlands of the Guadalquivir Marshes in Andalusia. The film follows two detectives with contrasting methods as they investigate the disappearance of two teenage girls in a remote, oppressive rural town. The movie’s atmospheric cinematography captures the eerie, desolate landscape, reflecting the dark and unsettling mood of the story. Marshland received critical acclaim for its intense plot, complex characters, and its stark portrayal of post-Franco Spain, earning multiple Goya Awards, including Best Film.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Indiana Jones embarks on a mission to find the Holy Grail while searching for his missing father. Several scenes from this famous film were shot in Spain, particularly in the Tabernas Desert, on Mónsul Beach, and in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park—locations chosen to stand in for the Middle East in the story.
Where Stars Dream by Éric Marchal
This novel transports readers back to June 1863 in a rapidly evolving Europe. The story unfolds in a vast plain in Andalusia, where two men passionate about progress—Clément Delhorme and Gustave Eiffel—cross paths.
Rick Steve’s Andalucia: the Best of Southern Spain, to Discover Must-Visit Cities in Andalusia
Famous traveler Rick Steves presents the best of southern Spain in this episode. The 60-minute special covers culture, cuisine, history, and natural wonders. Highlights include Seville’s Plaza de España, Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, along with stunning white villages in Andalusia and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Knight and Day
Blending action and romantic comedy, Knight and Day follows a woman who unwittingly gets caught up in a dangerous mission while falling for a secret agent. Starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, part of the film was shot in Seville during the San Fermín festival (which usually takes place in northern Spain). An exhilarating chase scene also unfolds through the city during the encierro, the tradition where bulls are released into the streets and alleys.
The Stranger by Olga Merino
Suspense and mystery abound in this novel that follows Angie, who returns to Spain to live alone in her ancestral home. The villagers view her as an outsider and avoid her, especially after she stumbles upon the body of the region’s wealthy landowner, Don Julián, on a hillside.
Game of Thrones
The hit series was filmed in several iconic locations across Europe, including southern Spain. Various episodes feature well-known landmarks, such as the Alcázar of Seville, the Castle of Almodóvar del Río, the Roman ruins of Itálica, the Tabernas Desert, and the fortress of Almería, to name just a few.
Kaos, to Discover Andalusia’s Most Beautiful Places
Starring Jeff Goldblum, the British television series Kaos offers a satirical adaptation of Greek mythology, following three characters with intertwined fates at the mercy of corrupt and arrogant gods. The episodes are primarily shot along the Costa del Sol, including Marbella, Vélez-Málaga, and Málaga, in Andalusia.
We Were the Lucky Ones
This epic series tells the tragic story of Polish Jews during World War II. Starring Logan Lerman and Joey King, part of the filming takes place in Spain, specifically in Málaga and Cádiz.
The Great Andalusia by Dihya Timzemt
Al-Mahdî, “the rightly guided one,” is recognized as the last Caliph with plans to rebuild the Great Andalusia. This narrative, set in mysterious times and places, touches on current events, politics, history, and fiction.
Rendezvous in Gibraltar by Peter May
This gripping crime novel is set in Málaga and follows Cristina Sánchez Pradell, whose life changes abruptly when she covers for a colleague on a burglary call. What was supposed to be a routine incident in a wealthy expatriate neighborhood in La Paloma turns into a series of unexpected events. A unique way to set the mood for a trip to Andalusia!
The Andalusian Sultan by Muriel Romana
Set in the past of the Arab-Andalusian civilization in Granada, this love story unfolds between an Andalusian sultana and a calligrapher. The illiterate dancer quickly becomes the scribe’s muse, around whom he weaves a deadly web.
Star Wars. Episode II – Attack of the Clones
In Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, the stunning landscapes of Andalusia were featured as part of the planet Naboo. Key scenes were filmed in the Plaza de España in Seville, an iconic location with its grand semicircular building and expansive plaza, which provided the perfect backdrop for the romantic moments between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A modern classic beloved by readers around the world! The novel follows Santiago, a young shepherd from Andalusia, Spain, who dreams of finding a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. Beginning in the picturesque hills of Andalusia, Santiago’s journey takes him across the deserts of North Africa, where he learns profound lessons about following one’s dreams, listening to the heart, and understanding the deeper meanings of life. Infused with the mysticism and spiritual richness of Andalusia, the novel reflects the region’s historical role as a crossroads of cultures and ideas, making it a timeless and universally cherished tale of self-discovery and personal legend.
Andalusia: Recipes from Seville and Beyond by José Pizarro
A vibrant cookbook that captures the essence of Andalusian cuisine. The book offers a delicious journey through the rich culinary traditions of southern Spain, featuring authentic recipes inspired by the region’s diverse landscapes—from the bustling markets of Seville to the coastal towns along the Mediterranean. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, Pizarro brings the flavors of Andalusia to life, showcasing dishes that reflect the region’s unique blend of Moorish, Jewish, and Christian influences.
