6 Famous Filming Locations in Portugal from Film and TV, and How to Visit Them

If you’re a film enthusiast planning a trip to Portugal or a Portugal-bound traveler who happens to love movies, you’re in for a treat.

Portugal has been quietly stealing scenes for decades, from classic James Bond adventures to epic fantasy series like House of the Dragon, transforming its palaces, colorful architecture, and dramatic coastlines into the perfect cinematic canvas for Hollywood’s biggest productions.

These filming locations in Portugal aren’t just visually stunning; they’re surprisingly accessible and offer rich cultural experiences beyond their Hollywood fame.

Whether you’re a solo traveler on a budget or a film buff planning the ultimate movie-themed vacation, I’ll show you exactly how to visit these iconic locations.

1. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

There’s hardly a more well-known series of films made than James Bond, which means it had to be on this list of filming locations in Portugal!

The author Ian Fleming’s experiences in Portugal, including his stay at the luxurious Palácio Estoril Hotel, even inspired elements of his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale.

The 6th James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was filmed here and used picturesque Lisbon, including the beaches of Praia do Guincho, the gardens of Praça Dom Pedro IV, and the elegant Palácio Estoril, as a location for key scenes. 

How to Visit: 

• Praia do Guincho: There is limited public transport to Guincho Beach, a single bus service from Cascais, so most visitors arrive by car, which takes around 30-45 minutes from Lisbon.
• Praça Dom Pedro IV: A square in downtown Lisbon, easily visited on foot or via public transport.
• Palácio Estoril Hotel: Located about 30 minutes west of Lisbon, this 1930s gem is surrounded by manicured gardens and sea views, boasting elegant rooms, a spa, and an 18-hole golf course. Enjoy garden views from one of three restaurants for a more budget-friendly visit over a night’s stay.

2. The Ninth Gate (1999)

This enigmatic thriller stars Johnny Depp as a rare book dealer who discovers a book believed to summon the Devil. This leads him on a journey through various European locations, including France, Portugal, and Spain.

While in Portugal, he stops at the enchanting town of Sintra. Sintra’s magnificent palaces, fairytale chalets, and mysterious gardens provide a picture-perfect backdrop for the film’s supernatural elements.

The movie’s filming locations include Hotel Central, Praça República, and Biester Palace, the latter of which plays a significant role.

How to Visit: 

• Hotel Central: The hotel is located opposite the Royal Palace and has been a restaurant on the ground and first floors since 2014.
• Praça República: This charming square is surrounded by an array of vibrant cafes, shops, and historical buildings. It can be easily visited on foot or via public transport.
• Biester Palace: Nestled inside the picturesque Pena Park, Biester Palace opened to the public in 2022 after some restoration works.

3. The Invisible Circus (2001)

This 2001 film starring Cameron Diaz tells the story of a teenage girl investigating her sister’s mysterious death off a cliff in Portugal. Set in 1976, while she searches for answers, she calls for her dead sister’s former boyfriend.

Several locations within Portugal were featured, including the historic São Jorge Castle and the charming Alfama district in Lisbon, as well as Cabo Espichel (Sesimbra), Sintra, and Portinho da Arrábida (Setúbal).

How to Visit: 

• São Jorge Castle: Saint George’s Castle is a historic castle in Lisbon, located in the freguesia of Santa Maria Maior. Purchase a ticket to visit and take a guided tour.
• Alfama district: One of Lisbon’s oldest areas, Alfama is lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes. Visitors can hop on the historic tram no. 28, which winds through Alfama on its way up to 11th-century São Jorge Castle. 
• Cabo Espichel: Public transport to Cabo Espichel is limited. There is a single bus route to the Cabo Espichel, which departs from Sesimbra bus station. It is one hour south of Lisbon.
• Portinho da Arrábida: It is not easily accessed by public transport, so it is best visited by car, as it is a one-hour drive from Lisbon.

4. House of the Dragon (2022-Ongoing)

A prequel to the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, the House of the Dragon uses the historic village of Monsanto as a stand-in for Dragonstone, the island home of the Targaryens. 

Located on a hillside northeast of Guarda, Monsanto boasts a unique architectural feature: granite houses scattered on a cliff and a centuries-old castle.

How to Visit: 

• Monsanto: The best way to get to Monsanto is to drive. Alternatively, hop on a bus to visit from Lisbon without a car, which takes about 2 hours.

5. Star Wars: The Acolyte (2024)

This Star Wars series, starring Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games, The Hate U Give) and Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), filmed scenes on the beautiful island of Madeira.

Madeira stood in for several galactic destinations in the show, including the planet Khofar. The gates of the outpost on the planet Ueda were also filmed here. São Vicente and Fanal Forest were two notable locations featured on the island. 

How to Visit: 

• Madeira: Visitors can access the island via its international airport or seaport.

6. Night Train To Lisbon (2013)

This 2013 drama takes audiences on a mesmerizing solo journey through Lisbon. The film stars Jeremy Irons as a Swiss professor whose life undergoes a profound transformation when he encounters a captivating Portuguese book.

The narrative of the film is an introspective and adventurous exploration of self and the past. Its narrative allows viewers to view iconic Lisbon locations such as the Santa Apolónia Station, Bica de Duarte Belo Street, Belém Tower, and the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Not just a physical journey through Lisbon, the film is also a deep dive into the city’s culture, history, and the lives of its inhabitants.

How to Visit: 

• Santa Apolónia Station: One of Lisbon’s main railway terminals and is the oldest railway terminus in Portugal.
• Bica de Duarte Belo Street: A picturesque, winding street offering narrow, cobbled lanes and charming architecture. Connecting Travessa do Cabral to Largo do Calhariz, it was chosen as the most beautiful street in the world.
• Belém Tower: A 16th-century fortification that stands as a testament to Portugal’s maritime history and architectural grandeur. Purchase a ticket to see inside this architectural jewel. 
• Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Purchase a ticket to visit Carmo Convent, a former Catholic convent that’s now become an archeological museum.

Final Thoughts on These Famous Filming Locations in Portugal

Whether you’re a fan of classic films starring the likes of James Bond or more modern TV shows featuring dragons, there is a filming location in Portugal that you can explore. 

Those looking for (mostly) unscripted travel content will find it on my list of top travel TV shows.

As noted above, some of them are pretty easy to visit either by purchasing a ticket, going on a tour, or simply by strolling the streets of the city.

Others may be more difficult and require some advance planning via public transportation or require a car rental.

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