Lloret de Mar: A Rising Star in Screen Tourism

The first day at Fitur Screen 25 concluded with a presentation hosted by Lloret de Mar’s Film Office, showcasing how the once small fishing village has transformed into a major tourist destination on the Costa Brava in Spain’s Catalonia region. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Film Office detailed its ongoing efforts to reposition the town as more than just a sun-and-sea destination. By capitalising on the growth of streaming platforms in the last decade, it has cemented itself as a sought-after filming location.

20 Years of Helping Film Productions

Lloret de Mar has firmly established itself as a reliable filming destination, supported by well-defined processes and robust infrastructure. Central to this success is the Film Office’s visionary approach to turning filmmakers’ ideas into reality. This commitment to aligning Lloret de Mar with the creative vision of filmmakers was emphasised during the opening part of the presentation by Lloret Tourism, with a quote from Stanley Kubrick: “Everything that can be written or thought can be filmed.”

Part of creating a frictionless process, the Film Office has worked closely with local authorities to ensure that filming permits and logistical needs are handled with efficiency. Procedures have been streamlined to save time for production teams, while the office offers comprehensive support throughout the entire filming process. This professionalism and preparedness have been critical in positioning Lloret as a standout destination within Spain’s competitive audiovisual sector.

Due to the establishment of the Film Office and creating a supportive set up for filmmakers, more than 800 productions have been filmed in Lloret de Mar over the last 20 years. Recent high-profile productions include HBO’s House of the Dragon, Sony’s Uncharted, and Peacock’s Mrs. Davis. These international titles sit alongside Spanish hits such as The Innocent, Iron Reign, and the highest-grossing Catalan film of 2024, House on Fire.

As demand for more content from streaming platforms surged following the change in viewing habits due in part to the lockdown during the pandemic, Lloret de Mar presented an attractive offer for production looking for the perfect location with good facilities and stunning locations. Elizabeth Keegan, Manager of Lloret Tourism, speaking at Fitur Screen said, “We could say that, in Lloret, the stars have aligned. We have the infrastructure, we have the landscapes, and we have the professionals. Moreover, the COVID period, the significant boom of streaming platforms and audiovisual content creation, came at a time when we already had a well-established Film Office, created in 2005 and fully consolidated in the region,” Keegan added.

Streamlined Access: Lloret Film Office’s New Website

Looking ahead and to continue to remain an attractive destination in an increasingly competitive market, the Lloret Film Office unveiled its overhauled website to streamline the experience for production teams and location scouts. This resource consolidates all essential information—filming procedures, locations, filmography, and local services—into a user-friendly platform. The site also features a dedicated press section to share the stories behind the productions filmed in Lloret, reinforcing the town’s position as a major player in screen tourism.

Stunning Beaches to Iconic Cultural Landmarks

Part of Lloret de Mar’s allure lies in its breathtaking locations, which offer filmmakers remarkable versatility. Pristine beaches like Cala Sa Boadella have doubled as Morocco and Thailand in productions, while cultural landmarks such as the Santa Clotilde Gardens have featured prominently in House of the Dragon.

With over 70% of the region covered by forests and a mix of urban and natural settings, Lloret provides an array of backdrops suited for diverse productions. This versatility, paired with the robust support offered by the Film Office throughout production, makes the town an attractive proposition for both national and international filmmaking teams.

Local Ecosystem and Benefits to the Economy

One of Lloret’s greatest strengths for productions is its integration of local professionals and the community into the filmmaking ecosystem. From technical specialists and auxiliary production teams to caterers and accommodation providers, the town’s residents are deeply involved in supporting productions.

Keegan, highlighted how filming has brought tangible benefits to the local economy. “The direct impact generated in the destination when we host film shoots, and in our case, major international productions, which often take place during mid or low seasons, also energises our municipality, creating an economic impact, requiring industrial suppliers, accommodation, catering, and all kinds of specialised services. So that is, evidently, the primary goal for the destination during filming.”

World-Class Access and Infrastructure

One big advantage this town in Catalonia has is the proximity to one of Europe’s main cities, the city of Barcelona. With its world-class audiovisual facilities, a further rich pool of creative professionals practically on the doorstep, together with excellent international transport connections, makes it even easier for productions to operate efficiently in Lloret de Mar. 

Keegan underscored Lloret’s unique advantages, saying, “We are just an hour away from a major audiovisual hub like Barcelona. It is easy for professionals, producers, and location scouts to work with Lloret de Mar, especially due to the professionalism achieved over all these years.”

Appealing to Screen Tourism Audiences

Lloret Tourism, working in tandem with the Film Commission, aims to facilitate these productions not only for the local economic benefits but also for the international exposure that gets cut through in different ways to traditional tourism promotion. The broader goal for the area is to boost off-peak tourism and win over new and existing audiences when it comes to making decisions for their next trip. Something Lloret Tourism is very conscious of. 

Keegan remarked, “What is absolutely strategic is Lloret’s appearance on screens worldwide, reaching countless viewers, with major flagship productions that showcase not only this mature Spanish destination but also its spectacular natural surroundings, its beaches, and its heritage.”

The Film Office has so far invested in developing themed tourism experiences, such as House of the Dragon tours, allowing visitors to engage with on-screen locations. These initiatives highlight the integrated ways of working between the audiovisual and tourism sectors, showcasing how productions act as extended promotions for Lloret as a destination. 

The Future of Screen Tourism: Lloret’s Vision

As part of its forward-looking strategy, the Lloret Film Office also screened a new promotional video showcasing the highlights of the Catalan seaside town. The video celebrates Lloret’s evolution into a premier filming location, blending stunning visuals of its natural landscapes with the cultural and professional infrastructure that makes it a filmmaker’s dream.

Keegan summed up the town’s ambitions perfectly going forward: “Our goal is to continue positioning Lloret de Mar as a benchmark in screen tourism. Productions filmed here not only provide significant economic benefits but also elevate the town’s global profile, making it a destination not just for filmmakers, but for tourists seeking the magic of the big screen brought to life.”

Lloret de Mar: Future of Screen Tourism 

For a small town, Lloret de Mar’s transformation over the past 20 years to broaden its economy and its tourism base has been a Spanish success story. It has earned recognition as a standout filming destination, not only within Catalonia but across Spain’s broader network of film offices. This solid reputation for streamlined services and expertise has built trust among national and, increasingly, international production teams. Much like the town’s evolution from a small fishing village to a major tourist destination, the website and promotional video highlight Lloret Tourism’s vision, in their anniversary year. These efforts underscore their long-term focus on attracting global productions and enhancing screen tourism.

Explore Lloret de Mar’s new website for its Film Commission

Watch the promotional video here: