Anybody who has seen the movie may wonder: where is the Gangs of Galicia Film Location? First, the “Gangs of Galicia” redefined modern cinema with its breathtaking visuals and compelling narrative, capturing the essence of Galicia’s rugged beauty and vibrant culture. It narrates the tale of Ana, a just-arrived attorney in Cambados, who defies the established order and attracts the interest of the son of a deadly drug dealer. Though the region is more famous for its seafood than its criminal underground, Galicia and Cambados are genuine places, and the Netflix series was filmed there.
Visiting these filming spots offers fans a unique opportunity to step into the world of “Gangs of Galicia,” retracing the steps of their favorite characters and experiencing the landscapes that brought the story to life.
This guide will showcase the main filming destinations of “Gangs of Galicia,” detailing what fans can see and do at each location and providing practical tips for visiting.
Galicia, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)
Transportation Options: Rent a car for flexibility; buses and trains are available but less frequent to remote areas.
What Scenes: Key confrontations between rival gangs, showcasing Galicia’s dramatic cliffs and serene beaches.
Galicia is unique for its Celtic heritage, which sets it apart from the rest of Spain. The region is known for its bagpipes (gaitas), stone crosses (cruceiros), and circular stone houses (pallozas). Its lush green landscapes, earned it the nickname “Green Spain.” Galicia’s coastline, with its dramatic fjord-like inlets called rías, creates a stunning backdrop for seafood farming, particularly mussels. The region is also famous for its Albariño white wine and its spiritual significance as the end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The film’s dramatic opening scene was shot at Playa de las Catedrales, a beach known for its natural rock formations.
Things to Do: Visit Santiago de Compostela, explore the Rías Baixas wine region, and hike the Camino de Santiago.
Where to Eat: Casa Solla in Pontevedra offers Michelin-starred cuisine. O’Pazo in Cambados is known for its seafood.
Where to Stay: Parador de Santiago de Compostela, a historic hotel, or the charming Pazo a Capitana in Cambados.
Madrid, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Transportation Options: Madrid is well-connected by public transport including metro, buses, and taxis.
What Scenes: Tense city-based encounters and hideouts.
As the capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid is unique for its blend of historic grandeur and modern vibrancy. It’s home to world-class art museums forming the “Golden Triangle of Art”: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Madrid’s food scene is unparalleled, with the oldest restaurant in the world, Botín, and numerous food markets like Mercado de San Miguel.
The city’s nightlife is legendary, with its “movida madrileña” culture of staying out until dawn. Madrid’s central location makes it a hub for exploring the rest of Spain.
Things to Do: Explore the Prado Museum, visit the Royal Palace, and enjoy a flamenco show.
Where to Eat: Sobrino de Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world, and Mercado de San Miguel for tapas.
Where to Stay: Hotel Ritz, favored by celebrities, or the boutique Only YOU Boutique Hotel.
A Coruña, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for the best weather.
Transportation Options: Accessible by train, bus, and car.
What Scenes: Coastal chase scenes and dramatic confrontations.
A Coruña is unique for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which is the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world. The city is known for its glass-enclosed balconies called galerías, which give it the nickname “The Crystal City.” A Coruña’s location on a peninsula provides it with beautiful beaches right in the city. It’s also famous for its fashion industry, being the birthplace of Zara and home to Inditex, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers. Known for its maritime heritage and the ancient Tower of Hercules lighthouse. Summer festivals like the Festival Noroeste offer additional cultural experiences.
Things to Do: Visit the Aquarium Finisterrae, explore the Old Town, and walk along the Paseo Marítimo.
Where to Eat: Restaurante Árbore da Veira for fine dining and Marisquería Rías Altas for seafood.
Where to Stay: NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre or the beachfront Melia Maria Pita.
Cádiz, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Transportation Options: Well-connected by train, bus, and car.
What Scenes: Beachfront dialogues and intense action sequences.
Cádiz is unique as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. Its location on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the sea gives it a distinct island-like feel. Cádiz is famous for its carnival, considered one of the best in Spain, known for its humor and satirical songs. The city’s beaches, particularly La Caleta, are among the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. Cádiz also played a crucial role in Spanish history as the site where the first Spanish Constitution was proclaimed in 1812.
Things to Do: Explore the Cathedral, stroll through the Genovés Park, and visit the Tavira Tower.
Where to Eat: Restaurante El Faro de Cádiz for traditional Andalusian cuisine and Casa Manteca for tapas.
Where to Stay: Parador de Cádiz with stunning sea views or the historic Hotel Argantonio.
Cambados, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for the best weather.
Transportation Options: Accessible by car and bus.
What Scenes: Key meeting points and dramatic confrontations by the water.
Cambados is unique as the capital of Albariño wine, hosting an annual wine festival that attracts thousands of visitors. The town is known for its well-preserved pazos, traditional Galician manor houses. Cambados’ location in the Rías Baixas region makes it a prime spot for seafood, particularly scallops. The town’s historic center, Fefiñáns, is a beautiful example of Galicia Baroque architecture. Cambados is also home to the ruins of the Santa Mariña Dozo church, a hauntingly beautiful Gothic structure without a roof. The town’s annual Albariño Wine Festival is featured is worth experiencing.
Things to Do: Tour the wine cellars, visit the Church of Santa Mariña Dozo, and explore the ruins of the Santa Mariña church.
Where to Eat: Yayo Daporta for Michelin-starred dining and Taberna do Trasno for local cuisine.
Where to Stay: Parador de Cambados, a charming historic hotel, or the family-run Hotel Bodega.
Málaga, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Transportation Options: Well-connected by train, bus, and car.
What Scenes: Urban chases and harbor scenes.
Málaga is unique as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and has a museum dedicated to his work. The city combines ancient history, with structures like the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba fortress, with modern flair, exemplified by the “Soho” arts district. Málaga’s climate is one of the warmest in Europe, allowing for year-round beach activities. The city is also known for its sweet Málaga wines and is a gateway to the Costa del Sol, one of Spain’s most popular tourist regions. Málaga offers a blend of modern culture and ancient history, with beautiful beaches and a lively arts scene.
Things to Do: Visit the Picasso Museum, explore the Alcazaba fortress, and relax at Malagueta Beach.
Where to Eat: El Pimpi for traditional Andalusian cuisine and La Cosmopolita for contemporary dishes.
Where to Stay: Gran Hotel Miramar for luxury or the boutique Room Mate Larios.
Dakar, Senegal
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November to May)
Transportation Options: Accessible by flights, local taxis, and buses.
What Scenes: Vibrant street scenes and critical plot developments.
Dakar is unique as a vibrant West African metropolis that blends French colonial influence with Senegalese culture. It’s known for its colorful fabric markets, particularly HLM Market, and its modern African art scene. Dakar hosts the famous Dakar Rally, an off-road endurance race. The city is home to the African Renaissance Monument, the tallest statue in Africa. Nearby Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as a powerful reminder of the Atlantic slave trade.
Things to Do: Visit the African Renaissance Monument, explore Goree Island, and shop at Sandaga Market.
Where to Eat: Restaurant Lagon for seafood and La Fourchette for French cuisine.
Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel for comfort or La Résidence for a boutique experience.
Porto, Portugal
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to June) and Autumn (September to November)
Transportation Options: Well-connected by train, bus, and car.
What Scenes: Atmospheric riverfront scenes and key character moments.
Porto is unique for its production of port wine, stored in cellars along the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning azulejo-tiled buildings. Porto is famous for the Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel. The city has a rich literary tradition, with the beautiful Lello Bookstore often cited as an inspiration for the Harry Potter series. Porto’s francesinha sandwich is a local culinary icon.
Things to Do: Tour the Livraria Lello bookstore, visit the Clérigos Tower, and taste port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Where to Eat: Restaurante DOP for gourmet dining and Taberna dos Mercadores for local flavors.
Where to Stay: The Yeatman Hotel with stunning views of the city or the historic Infante Sagres.
Gibraltar
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Transportation Options: Accessible by car, bus, and flights.
What Scenes: High-stakes action sequences and dramatic reveals.
Gibraltar is unique as a British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, creating a fascinating blend of British and Mediterranean cultures. The Rock of Gibraltar is home to Europe’s only wild monkey population, the Barbary macaques. Gibraltar’s strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean has made it historically significant, with a network of tunnels and fortifications within the Rock itself. Despite its small size, Gibraltar has its own airport, where the runway intersects the main road, creating a unique traffic situation.
Things to Do: Explore the Great Siege Tunnels, visit St. Michael’s Cave, and enjoy Dolphin Watching tours in the bay.
Where to Eat: The Rock Hotel for traditional British dining and The Little Rock for Mediterranean cuisine.
Where to Stay: The Rock Hotel offers historic charm and stunning views, or Sunborn Gibraltar, a luxury yacht hotel for a unique stay.
