Tenerife’s Hollywood Spotlight: Movies & TV Shows Filmed on the Island

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, boasts a stunning coastline, golden beaches, dramatic lava fields, and the iconic Mount Teide volcano. With such a diverse landscape, it’s no surprise that the island has attracted filmmakers from around the world. However, separating fact from fiction when it comes to Tenerife’s Hollywood connections can be tricky. Contrary to popular belief (and some overzealous tour guides), classics like The Ten Commandments, Planet of the Apes, and Star Wars: Episode III were not filmed here. But Tenerife’s real cinematic legacy is just as impressive.

Tenerife’s Early Role in Cinema

Hollywood took its time discovering Tenerife’s potential as a film location. Until the 21st century, the most famous movie associated with the island was 1966’s One Million Years B.C., starring Raquel Welch. Though the film is perhaps best remembered for Welch’s iconic fur bikini, it showcased Tenerife’s prehistoric-like landscapes to a global audience.

In 2001, Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo released Intacto, a critically acclaimed thriller starring Max von Sydow. Though it remained relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, the film helped shine a spotlight on Tenerife as an attractive filming destination.

Sci-Fi Blockbusters & Fantasy Films Shot in Tenerife

Given the island’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes, it’s a natural fit for science fiction and fantasy films.

• 2005: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy brought Douglas Adams’ sci-fi classic to life, featuring stars like Bill Nighy, Zooey Deschanel, Sam Rockwell, and John Malkovich. The movie even included a cameo from the dolphins at Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz.

• 2010: Clash of the Titans used Teide National Park to stand in for ancient Greece as Perseus (Sam Worthington) battled mythological beasts.

• 2012: The sequel, Wrath of the Titans, returned to Tenerife, further cementing the island as a prime location for epic adventures.

Action Thrillers & High-Speed Chases

Tenerife’s diverse terrain and modern infrastructure also make it a top choice for action-packed movies.

• 2013: The Fast & Furious franchise found a home on Tenerife when location scouts needed a stand-in for the U.K. for high-speed chase sequences in Fast & Furious 6. The island was chosen for its newly built highway, which was still unopened at the time, and for its generous tax incentives.

• 2015: Two episodes of Doctor Who (Season 9) were filmed on Tenerife, bringing the famous British sci-fi series to the island.

• 2016: Jason Bourne (a.k.a. Bourne 5), starring Matt Damon, transformed the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife into Athens, complete with Greek street signs. The film premiered in July 2016 and showcased Tenerife’s urban and coastal scenery.

More Recent Productions (2016-2025)

Tenerife has continued to attract major film productions well into the 2020s. Here are some of the latest blockbusters and TV shows filmed on the island:

• 2019: Rambo: Last Blood - Starring Sylvester Stallone, this action-packed sequel used locations in Santa Úrsula, Teide National Park, and El Rosario to double for Arizona and Mexico.

• 2023: Gleich - This Spanish-German film, directed by Jennifer Castañeda, was shot entirely in Tenerife and El Hierro, telling the story of a German boy spending a transformative summer on El Hierro.

• 2024: The Night Manager (New Series) - Starring Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie, the anticipated new series filmed extensively on Tenerife, using its diverse landscapes as an international thriller setting.

• 2024: Sarah Jessica Parker's Fashion Campaign - The actress and style icon chose Tenerife, specifically the historic city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, to film a high-profile fashion advertisement.

• 2024: UD Costa Adeje Tenerife Documentary - A documentary series chronicling the history and rise of the UD Costa Adeje Tenerife women's football team, filmed across Tenerife and Madrid.

Tenerife’s Growing Film Industry

With its breathtaking scenery, accessibility, and attractive tax benefits, Tenerife continues to be a sought-after filming destination. More recent productions have taken advantage of the island’s versatility, ensuring that its cinematic legacy continues to grow. Whether you're a film buff or a traveler looking to explore real-life movie locations, Tenerife offers a unique mix of Hollywood magic and natural beauty.

Plan Your Visit: If you're inspired to visit Tenerife and explore these filming locations firsthand, don’t miss Teide National Park, Santa Cruz, and the coastal towns that have graced the big screen. Who knows? You might just stumble upon the next blockbuster in the making!At Quest Travel Adventures, we can customize your trip with any Itinerary.  Our most popular trips include Best of Tenerife & La Gomera, Canary Islands Adventure Seeker, Taste of the Canary Islands and Canary 3-Island Tour.