Cinema of great actresses in Lanzarote

This route bears a woman’s name—actually, several of them. Lanzarote has long had a special magnetism for great actresses. From classic Hollywood icons such as Rita Hayworth and Raquel Welch, to today’s shining stars like Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Their origins are equally diverse: Mexican Salma Hayek, British Kristin Scott Thomas, Greek Irene Papas, Portuguese Maria de Medeiros, and a long list of acclaimed Spanish actresses. 

We begin the journey in the south, precisely with actresses from Spain. Our starting point is the Salt Pans of Janubio, a site steeped in history. These are the largest salt flats in the Canary Islands, their striking geometry shaped by human hands and volcanic forces. The natural seawater lagoon that feeds them was formed during the Timanfaya eruptions, and the visit is worthwhile not only for its impressive landscape but also for its ecological value: it is a Site of Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA). Several films have been shot here, but we must highlight above all Mararía, based on a highly successful novel of the same name, deeply inspired by Lanzarote itself. Mararía tells the story of a strikingly beautiful island woman with a tragic fate. The role was played by Goya Toledo, Lanzarote’s most internationally renowned actress. 

Also filmed here was Oro Rojo (1978), starring the award-winning Mexican actress Isela Vega, who also developed a notable career as a singer-songwriter and screenwriter. Behind Oro Rojo was writer Alberto Vázquez-Figueroa, who lived in Lanzarote and also brought Irene Papas, the legendary Greek actress, to the island for a television production titled Océano. 

Very close to Janubio lies Los Hervideros, a dramatic coastal stretch where the ocean crashes violently against 18th-century volcanic cliffs. Several films have been shot here, but one stands out: Cómo ser mujer y no morir en el intento (1991), directed by Ana Belén, the renowned singer who adapted a book by Carmen Godoy. The lead role was played by Carmen Maura, one of Spain’s greatest actresses, with awards from Cannes and San Sebastián, and three Goya Awards for Best Actress—the most ever won by a woman in that category. 

Continuing along the route, we reach El Golfo, a striking location known for the Charco de Los Clicos, a natural green lagoon set beside a volcanic crater and the Atlantic Ocean. Here, we find another parade of big names: Penélope Cruz, directed by Pedro Almodóvar, filmed Broken Embraces (2009), while singer and child star Rocío Dúrcal shot Más bonita que ninguna (1965) here. 

Not far from El Golfo lies the entrance to the Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote’s most famous natural and tourist attraction. This unique volcanic landscape, forged by eruptions between 1730 and 1736, has its own dedicated film route, so we will only mention a few highlights: Maria de Medeiros (the Portuguese-French actress and director, winner at the Venice Film Festival), Arielle Dombasle (French-American singer and actress who worked with Eric Rohmer and Roman Polanski), and the world-famous Raquel Welch, who shot here the iconic One Million Years B.C. (1966)—a true generational milestone, remembered especially for the impact of her prehistoric “bikini.” 

Speaking of Hollywood legends, after leaving Timanfaya, we continue through La Geria, Lanzarote’s emblematic vineyard landscape (with its own specific film route). Here was filmed one of the last great appearances of Rita Hayworth in Road to Salina (1969), the legendary “Gilda” of cinema. 

Following the same road through La Geria, we reach the Volcano of El Cuervo, the first to erupt in 1730–36, now a stunning natural monument. Here was filmed Eternals (2021), a Marvel blockbuster starring Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, directed by Chloé Zhao, only the second woman in history to win the Academy Award for Best Director. Another great name tied to Lanzarote is Catherine Zeta-Jones, who appeared in Blue Juice (1995) alongside Ewan McGregor, although the film features very few images of the island. 

The final stops are urban. First, Teguise (La Villa de Teguise), Lanzarote’s former capital and one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Canary Islands. Here (and in nearby Haría) many scenes of Gräsler, the Good Doctor (1989) were shot, starring two major British actresses: Kristin Scott Thomas and Miranda Richardson, both BAFTA winners. 

Lastly, we finish in Arrecife, Lanzarote’s modern city and main port, which also has its own dedicated film route. Many of the films already mentioned were partly shot here, but we highlight Salir del ropero (2019), the debut film of Ángeles Reiné, remarkable for its extraordinary cast of Spanish actresses: Rosa María Sardá, Verónica Forqué, Candela Peña, alongside rising star Ingrid García-Jonsson and Canarian actress Mónica López, who won a Goya Award in 2023. 

Beyond cinema, Arrecife also offers a wealth of cultural, commercial, and leisure activities: cinemas, galleries, museums, parks, promenades, restaurants, and shops.