The Canary Islands are always an ideal holiday destination for thousands of Spanish and international tourists. Within the archipelago, there is one island that is a must-see destination if you pass through any of the other seven islands, due to the number of gems it holds, from different perspectives: historical, natural… Tenerife, with its impressive diversity of landscapes, has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations for filming of all kinds. The Tenerife Film Commission is the bridge between production companies and this film paradise, offering a wide range of services, tax incentives and an unparalleled location.

Everything in a little over 2,000 square kilometres

With just over 2,000 km², Tenerife surprises with its diverse landscapes, located within a short distance of each other. From exotic black or white sand beaches to volcanic landscapes like the majestic Teide, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, the island offers a variety of settings that can replicate scenes from anywhere in the world. This includes not only Mediterranean or subtropical environments but also Latin American, Asian, or African countries. This ability to recreate different cultures and geographies makes it a versatile canvas for directors and producers alike.

Colonial towns such as La Laguna, also declared a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, provide a historical charm that blends perfectly with the island’s modern contemporary cities. Moreover, the lush forests, pine groves, and even remote lighthouses complete a catalogue of locations that could compete with any corner of the planet.

Weather conditions and filming facilities

One of the most attractive factors of Tenerife is its mild climate year-round, with an average annual temperature of 23ºC, allowing for outdoor filming in any season without weather-related setbacks. This advantage is essential for productions that require continuous planning without interruptions due to adverse weather conditions.

In addition, the Tenerife Film Commission provides everything necessary for production companies to carry out their filming efficiently. With more than 90 local companies specialising in audiovisual services —from camera and equipment rental to “film-friendly” hotels and transport— Tenerife has become an established destination, where providers fully understand the specific needs of audiovisual projects, whether they are series, feature films, advertising, or photo shoots.

Fiscal incentives and support services

Productions that choose Tenerife not only benefit from its extraordinary landscape and climate but also from attractive tax incentives of up to 54%. This makes the island a highly competitive destination from a financial perspective. Moreover, the Tenerife Film Commission takes care of managing filming permits, advising on accommodation, transport, and, if necessary, coordinating the acquisition of private locations through its private location bank.

One noteworthy aspect is the Location Bonus offered for the first location scouting visit, provided that the production meets certain requirements, which further facilitates the selection of Tenerife as a filming destination.

Successful productions in Tenerife

The numbers speak for themselves: in 2023, Tenerife hosted 163 audiovisual productions, a significant increase compared to the previous year, generating revenues of over €103 million. Among the most prominent projects are feature films like ‘Den of Thieves 2’ starring Gerard Butler, and ‘In the Grey’ directed by Guy Ritchie, which received the green sustainability seal awarded by the Tenerife Film Commission. In the realm of TV series, the island has served as the setting for international productions such as the German ‘STAGS’ and ‘Für Immer Sommer’, or the Norwegian series ‘La Palma’ for Netflix.

As for national productions, Tenerife has hosted the filming of feature films like ‘Padres’, ‘La bandera’, and ‘Disco Ibiza Locomía’, among others. Even the popular series ‘La casa de papel’ (T5), from Netflix, has used the island as one of its key locations, as have major international productions like ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, ‘Jason Bourne’, and ‘Fast & Furious 6’.

A bright future for Tenerife as an audiovisual destination

Tenerife is not only an attractive destination for live-action productions. Local animation studios have participated in major projects such as the film ‘SuperKlaus’, the fifth season of the French series ‘Miraculous Ladybug’, or the Christmas special ‘Merry Little Batman’.

All of this, combined with the growing recognition of sustainability in productions, makes Tenerife a destination in constant evolution and growth within the global audiovisual industry.

In summary, Tenerife offers an unbeatable combination of landscapes, infrastructure, tax incentives, and ideal weather for audiovisual production. Its natural and architectural diversity means that any production can find the perfect setting without having to travel to different continents. With the support of the Tenerife Film Commission and extensive industry experience, the island has become a leading destination for production companies from around the world, from feature films and series to advertising and animation. For film professionals, Tenerife is not just a location, it is the perfect stage to bring any story to life.