Castilla y León, one of Spain’s largest and most diverse autonomous communities, is undoubtedly a privileged destination for audiovisual productions. Its rich landscapes, impressive historical and artistic heritage, and strategic location make it an ideal setting for filmmakers and content creators from around the world.

Located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, Castilla y León stretches over 94,226 km², making it the largest autonomous community in Spain. This vast geographical area is home to a variety of unique landscapes, from rugged mountains to vast plains, flowing rivers, and dense forests. Every corner of this land offers a different opportunity to capture unique settings on screen. This diversity of landscapes, combined with an incomparable cultural heritage — including eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites — provides a backdrop that few places in Europe can offer.

The region has been the setting for major film productions, both national and international, that have skilfully made use of its cultural and architectural wealth. From the majestic castles of Berlanga and Ampudia to the impressive walls of Ávila or the tranquil landscapes of Riaño in León, each of these locations evokes a special and distinctive atmosphere.

Climate and accessibility

The climate of Castilla y León is another of its attractions. With an average of 3,200 hours of sunlight per year, filming crews can benefit from optimal weather conditions for shooting for much of the year. Its cold winters and hot summers offer fascinating visual contrasts, while the variety of climates, a result of its multiple landforms, provides a wide range of possibilities for shoots requiring different environments.

In terms of accessibility, Castilla y León has a modern infrastructure network that facilitates the arrival and movement of filming crews. The four airports with international connections and the high-speed train (AVE), which links key cities such as Valladolid and Segovia to Madrid in under an hour, ensure fast and efficient communication with the rest of Spain and Europe.

Institutional support and specialised services

Institutional support is another of the key pillars that make Castilla y León an attractive destination for audiovisual productions. The Castilla y León Film Commission, managed by the Regional Government of Castilla y León, plays a key role in promoting the region as a filming location. This entity provides detailed information, facilitates permits, and supports producers and location scouts throughout the entire filming process, which greatly simplifies the administrative procedures.

Furthermore, the Film Commission coordinates with provincial and local film commissions to offer a personalised service for each project, regardless of its size. This institutional support has translated into attracting major international productions, demonstrating the region’s ability to meet the logistical and technical needs of even the most demanding filmmakers.

Cinematic history

Castilla y León’s relationship with cinema is not new. Since the mid-20th century, the region has been the setting for major international film productions. During the golden era of “Runaway Productions” — when American studios opted to shoot outside their country — Castilla y León attracted renowned directors like Orson Welles, David Lean, and Stanley Kramer, who found in its varied landscape and proximity to the Spanish capital the perfect location for their films. Iconic movies such as Patton, Chimes at Midnight, El Cid, and Conan the Barbarian were filmed in this region.

In more recent times, streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, and Movistar Plus have chosen Castilla y León as the setting for successful series such as 30 Coins, Money Heist, and Berlin, as well as feature films like As Bestas and Fast & Furious. This vast previous experience in hosting productions demonstrates the region’s versatility and visual appeal.

Quality of life and hospitality

Beyond its landscapes and institutional support, Castilla y León stands out for the quality of life it offers to filming crews. The hospitality of its people and its renowned cuisine make the stay of filmmakers and technicians both pleasant and productive. With a diverse leisure offering throughout the year, Castilla y León is an ideal place not only for filming but also for enjoying free time.

A dream filming destination

In short, Castilla y León offers an unparalleled setting for the realisation of audiovisual productions. Its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, favourable climate, and logistical facilities, combined with the ongoing support of the Castilla y León Film Commission, establish it as one of the best options for any audiovisual project. From Hollywood’s golden era to the current boom in series, the region continues to prove that it is a dream filming destination, capable of offering an unforgettable cinematic experience for directors, producers, and technical teams alike.

There is no doubt that, in every corner of Castilla y León, a setting is waiting to be discovered and filmed.