The world of cinema is constantly shifting, seeking locations that offer the essence, atmosphere, and authenticity required by each production. In this relentless quest, Bilbao has emerged as a gem of northern Spain, offering a perfect balance between natural beauty, modern architecture, and tradition.

The visual beauty of Bilbao

• Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Not just a masterpiece of architectural design, but also a backdrop chosen by filmmakers looking for a modern and audacious setting. Since its inauguration in 1997, this museum has been a beacon for Bilbao, and has appeared in films such as “La vida padre”.
• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: More than just a religious site; it’s a gateway to myths, legends and, of course, the world of HBO’s “Game of Thrones”.
• Laga Beach and the Azkuna Centre: While the beach provides a panoramic view of the Basque coast, the Azkuna Centre, a former wine warehouse, offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a choice for productions like the series “Intimacy”.
• Bizkaia Bridge and Otzarreta Beech Forest: While the former represents an achievement in global engineering, the latter is a magical forest, chosen by filmmakers looking for an enigmatic and captivating environment.

Bilbao: Opening doors to the cinematic world

The facilities that Bilbao offers to productions are substantial. With tax incentives that can reach up to 60% depending on the expenditure generated in the region, Bilbao presents itself as a highly attractive option for both national and international producers.

Its strategic location is a gateway to northern Spain, with international air connections, making logistics straightforward and efficient. Moreover, the support provided by the Bilbao Bizkaia Film Commission is invaluable, facilitating everything from workspaces to accommodation, with a hotel capacity exceeding 13,000 places.

Services and Connectivity of Bilbao: All in Favour of Cinema

One of the essential elements when choosing a location for a film production is ease of access and connectivity with the outside world. In this respect, Bilbao shines brightly, offering a transport infrastructure that eases both the arrival of film crews and internal mobility.

Internal Transport:

Metro Bilbao: With 88 million passengers a year, Bilbao’s metro ensures efficient and fast travel throughout the city, easing logistics and equipment movement.

Tram: Adding another 3 million annual passengers, the tram is another means of internal transport that facilitates movement within Bilbao.

Bilbao International Airport: connection to the world

With over 4 million passengers a year, Bilbao International Airport is not just a point of entry but a direct link to major cities worldwide. Leading airlines like Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Iberia, Alitalia, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines, among others, operate in Bilbao, ensuring that both the technical and artistic teams have direct access to the city.

Bilbao on the Big and Small Screen

Productions that have chosen Bilbao as their home bear witness to its capability to host high-quality films. From world-renowned series like “Game of Thrones” and “Intimacy” to acclaimed films like “El hoyo” and “20,000 species of bees”, the list keeps growing.

Bilbao is not just a city of unparalleled beauty and rich culture; it’s a haven for filmmakers and producers seeking the best. In the weave of its modernity and tradition, in its mountains, beaches, and historic buildings, Bilbao promises and delivers: it is the perfect filming set.