- Who is this for: Travelers who enjoy journeys with a narrative—those who want to discover the real-world settings of iconic films and TV series, beyond just admiring scenic views.
- What to see first: Start with Llanes and its “Llanes de cine” route, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Doctor Mateo in Lastres, explore Gijón’s Universidad Laboral, follow the footsteps of Vicky Cristina Barcelona in Oviedo and Avilés, and venture west to Tapia de Casariego and its surroundings.
- How to plan the trip: For a one-day visit, focus on either the eastern coast or the urban center; for two to three days, create a comprehensive film-themed itinerary across the entire region.
- Timing: A comfortable minimum is one day, with two to three days ideal for a fuller experience.
- Budget: Walking parts of the route are virtually free; budget for transport, parking, meals, and museum tickets according to your itinerary.
- What to keep in mind: Some locations are spread along the coast, Lastres involves steep climbs and stairs, and western and mountainous areas require extra time for exploration.
Contents
- Main film locations
- Llanes
- Lastres
- Gijón
- Oviedo and Avilés
- The “Volver a empezar” route
- Tapia de Casariego
- More locations
- How to build the route
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Why Asturias Looks So Good on Screen
Asturias has long served as a natural film set, offering a diverse range of landscapes within one region: dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, charming fishing villages, industrial backdrops, historic urban quarters, and lush mountain scenery. It’s no surprise that the Asturian coast is celebrated as an excellent filming location. Recent productions, including the 2025–2026 installment of the Hunger Games franchise, filmed extensively in the Somiedo and Teverga areas, reaffirming Asturias’ ongoing appeal to filmmakers.
Asturias’ Main Film Locations: A Quick Reference
| Location | Filmed Productions | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Llanes | The Orphanage (El Orfanato), The Grandfather (El Abuelo), among others on the “Llanes de cine” route | The most concentrated coastal film area |
| Lastres and Faro de Lastres | Doctor Mateo | A dedicated TV series route with a distinctive atmosphere |
| Gijón | Brain Drain (Fuga de cerebros), part of the Volver a empezar route | Striking architecture in an accessible urban setting |
| Oviedo and Avilés | Vicky Cristina Barcelona | A cinematic city break without leaving urban comforts |
| Cudillero, Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, San Esteban | Volver a empezar | Classic Spanish cinema route through varied landscapes |
| Tapia de Casariego | Fire Will Come (O que arde) | A less explored western branch of the film route |
Llanes – The Premier Stop for Film Enthusiasts
If you must choose one key film destination in Asturias, Llanes stands out. The official Llanes de cine route features 25 locations where over 42 scenes from 18 feature films, three TV series, and one short film were shot. This concentrated film map within a single municipality offers an ideal experience for travelers.
Highlights in Llanes
Palacio de Partarríu – This mansion is arguably the most iconic filming location, famously featured in El Orfanato (The Orphanage). It is prominently marked on official tourism materials as a must-see for genre film fans.
Torimbia Beach, Puertas Cliffs, Toro Beach, Niembru Cemetery, and Posada Station – These sites form the scenic route inspired by El Abuelo (The Grandfather), perfectly blending cinematic history with stunning coastal views.
Llanes offers more than isolated film spots; its historic center, bustling port, and varied coastline make it a destination worthy of a full day’s exploration, showcasing why filmmakers are drawn to this part of Asturias.
Lastres – A TV Series Haven in the Footsteps of Doctor Mateo
While Llanes represents Asturias’ cinematic breadth, Lastres is synonymous with the beloved TV series Doctor Mateo. Though multiple productions have filmed here, this series brought the village widespread recognition, inspiring an official tourist route highlighting its most memorable filming locations.
Must-See Spots in Lastres
Playa de Lastres / Playa L’Estilleru – Known as one of Asturias’ most “televisual” beaches, it features prominently in Doctor Mateo.
Faro de Lastres – This lighthouse is a key landmark on the official “Ruta de los faros” and a recognizable setting from the series.
Mirador de San Roque and the Old Town – Even without prior knowledge of the series, the panoramic views and charming streets are well worth the visit. Fans will particularly enjoy recognizing familiar scenes as they explore.
Gijón – Cinema Meets Grand Architecture
Gijón’s standout film location is the impressive Universidad Laboral. In the film Fuga de cerebros (Brain Drain), this building was transformed into a fictional “Oxford.” Its striking architecture and urban setting make it an accessible and visually captivating stop for visitors.
Additionally, Universidad Laboral featured in a scene from Mortadelo and Filemon, adding to its cinematic significance.
Oviedo and Avilés – Urban Asturias in the Footsteps of Vicky Cristina Barcelona
For travelers who prefer urban exploration over rural drives, the Oviedo-Avilés corridor offers a cinematic city break. Locations featured in Vicky Cristina Barcelona include Monte Naranco, Faro de San Juan, and Parque Ferrera, making it an ideal choice for combining film tourism with city walks.
Oviedo also features a unique cinematic touch: a statue of Woody Allen on Milicias Nacionales street, linking the city to the director’s legacy. This dual-layered experience combines specific filming sites with a broader homage to cinema.
The “Volver a empezar” Route – A Classic Road Trip
For those seeking a road trip rather than isolated stops, the Volver a empezar route is an excellent choice. It encompasses filming locations across Gijón, Cudillero, Covadonga, Lake Enol, Cangas de Onís, San Esteban, Pola de Lena, and El Molinón.
This journey reveals multiple facets of Asturias—from coastal ports to mountain sanctuaries—making it an ideal introduction to the region’s diverse cinematic and natural landscapes.
Tapia de Casariego – The Western Route for the Off-the-Beaten-Path Traveler
Western Asturias is less frequented in film tourism but offers unique appeal. According to Laboral Cinemateca and Film Commission sources, Fire Will Come (O que arde) was filmed in Tapia de Casariego, with director Óliver Laxe highlighting the local eucalyptus forests as a key visual element.
Visitors to Tapia can enjoy the photogenic Paseo de la Guardia, Os Cañois viewpoint, the historic fishing quarter, the port, and the island lighthouse. Even without a specific film in mind, this western route offers a rewarding and tranquil cinematic experience.
Additional Locations to Expand Your Film Route
Mining Asturias: Mieres, Moreda, Bustiello, Rioturbio
La torre de Suso was filmed in Aller, Castrillón, Boo, Mieres, and Plaza del Campo de Moreda, while Pídele cuentas al rey used locations in Mieres, Pozo Tres Amigos, Rioturbio, Bustiello, and Figaredo. This route reveals Asturias’ industrial and working-class heritage.
Natural Asturias: Teverga and the Camino Real de la Mesa
Scenes from the comedy Para qué sirve un oso? were shot in the forests of Teverga and along the Camino Real de la Mesa. This route is perfect for travelers seeking lush greenery and mountain landscapes over urban settings.
TV Series
For those interested in TV productions, Asturias has been featured in series such as Doctor Mateo, Los jinetes del alba, Segunda enseñanza, La Señora, and Vientos de agua. While not a formal tourist route, these titles offer further avenues for exploring Asturias’ screen presence.
How to Build Your Film Route Through Asturias
- Choose your format. With only one day, focus on either Llanes + Lastres or Gijón + Oviedo + Avilés.
- Build your core itinerary. For a first visit, the best combination includes Llanes, Lastres, Gijón, and Oviedo.
- Add a unique location. Consider including Tapia de Casariego in the west or the mining areas around Mieres for a less conventional experience.
- Allow extra time. Asturias may appear compact, but expect numerous photo stops and short walks that require additional time.
- Plan for travel time. Even without the film focus, this route offers a compelling journey through the region’s coast and cities.
| Scenario | Route | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Llanes – Torimbia – Lastres | Travelers seeking sea views, charming villages, and TV series ambiance |
| 1 day | Gijón – Oviedo – Avilés | Those preferring an urban experience |
| 2 days | Llanes – Lastres – Gijón – Oviedo | The ideal basic film route for a first visit |
| 3 days | Basic route plus Tapia de Casariego or Mieres | Travelers wanting to explore Asturias’ less obvious sides |
Conclusion
Asturias’ greatest strength as a film destination is that it never feels like a mere backdrop for photos. Whether you are a dedicated film enthusiast or a casual traveler, the region’s landscapes and urban scenes appear as if perfectly framed for the camera, offering a rich and immersive experience.
FAQ
Where is the best place to start a film route through Asturias?
For the highest concentration of filming locations, begin with Llanes, which offers an official Llanes de cine route featuring numerous sites within a compact area.
Where in Asturias can you most feel the atmosphere of TV series?
Lastres is the clearest association with TV series, especially Doctor Mateo, and features an official route highlighting key filming spots.
Can you build a good route without long drives?
Yes. The Gijón – Oviedo – Avilés combination provides a compact itinerary featuring Fuga de cerebros, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and enjoyable city walks suitable for a short trip.
Are there filming locations in western Asturias?
Indeed. Tapia de Casariego is linked to the film O que arde and offers a quieter, less touristy part of the cinematic route.
Which Asturias-related TV series are worth knowing besides Doctor Mateo?
Other notable series include Los jinetes del alba, La Regenta, Segunda enseñanza, La Señora, and Vientos de agua, providing additional depth to Asturias’ screen heritage.