24 Hidden Filming Locations That Most Tourists Overlook

In the world of cinema, some locations don’t just set the scene—they steal it. While fans flock to famous landmarks immortalized on screen, countless breathtaking filming locations remain under the radar, quietly lending their magic to unforgettable moments in film. These hidden cinematic gems—far from the crowds and tourist traps—offer filmmakers raw, untouched beauty and a sense of authenticity that can't be faked on a soundstage. Now, we’ve expanded our list to bring you 24 secret filming locations that deserve their own spotlight. From eerie abandoned towns to lush, remote landscapes, these lesser-known sites have helped shape some of cinema’s most captivating scenes. Join us as we step off the beaten path and into the frame—where mystery, history, and movie magic converge in places most people never knew existed.

1. The Enigmatic Charm of New Zealand's Fiordland

New Zealand's Fiordland, with its dramatic landscapes and unspoiled beauty, has long been a favorite among filmmakers seeking ethereal settings. Though its fame rose with blockbusters like *The Lord of the Rings*, there are still secret corners that elude the average tourist. Fiordland's hidden valleys and remote fjords offer a pristine backdrop that few places on Earth can rival. The dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and mist-shrouded peaks create an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for fantasy and adventure films. These lesser-known areas offer filmmakers the chance to capture the raw, untouched beauty of nature, providing a canvas that enhances the narrative and draws audiences into a world of wonder.

2. The Untold Stories of Italy's Basilicata Region

While Tuscany and Rome steal the spotlight, Italy's Basilicata region remains a well-kept secret among filmmakers. Known for its rugged landscapes and ancient towns, Basilicata offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The town of Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings, has been a backdrop for numerous films, yet many areas remain unexplored by tourists. The region's dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and serene beaches provide a versatile setting for various genres, from historical dramas to contemporary thrillers. Filmmakers are drawn to Basilicata not only for its stunning visuals but also for its rich cultural heritage, which adds depth and authenticity to their stories.

3. Iceland's Hidden Valleys and Volcanic Wonders

Iceland's otherworldly landscapes have made it a popular choice for filmmakers, yet there are still hidden valleys and volcanic wonders that remain off the beaten path. These secret locales offer a stark, dramatic beauty that captivates audiences and enhances the storytelling experience. The remote highlands, with their vast lava fields and glacial rivers, provide a surreal backdrop for science fiction and fantasy films. Filmmakers are drawn to these untouched areas for their raw, elemental beauty and the sense of isolation they convey. Iceland's hidden gems offer a unique opportunity to capture the power and majesty of nature, creating a visual spectacle that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

4. The Mystical Allure of Scotland's Outer Hebrides

Scotland's Outer Hebrides, with their windswept beaches and rugged landscapes, have long been a source of inspiration for filmmakers seeking a mystical setting. These remote islands, often overlooked by tourists, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and ancient stone circles provide a captivating backdrop for historical dramas and fantasy films. Filmmakers are drawn to the Outer Hebrides for their ethereal beauty and the sense of timelessness they evoke. These secret locales offer a glimpse into a world where nature reigns supreme, providing a perfect setting for stories that explore themes of isolation, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

5. The Surreal Landscapes of Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, offers a surreal and otherworldly setting that few places can match. While it has gained some recognition, its vast expanse and reflective surfaces remain a hidden gem for filmmakers seeking a unique backdrop. The stark, white landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see, creates an illusion of infinity, making it ideal for science fiction and fantasy films. Filmmakers are drawn to Salar de Uyuni for its ethereal beauty and the sense of wonder it evokes. The salt flat's unique visual properties allow for creative cinematography, transforming the landscape into a canvas for storytelling that transcends the ordinary.

6. The Untamed Beauty of Canada's Yukon Territory

Canada's Yukon Territory, with its vast wilderness and untamed beauty, offers a cinematic experience unlike any other. While the region is known for its stunning landscapes, many areas remain unexplored by filmmakers and tourists alike. The Yukon's remote mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests provide a breathtaking backdrop for adventure and survival films. Filmmakers are drawn to the region for its raw, untouched beauty and the sense of adventure it inspires. The Yukon's secret locales offer a unique opportunity to capture the majesty of the natural world, creating a visual spectacle that enhances the storytelling experience and immerses audiences in a world of exploration and discovery.

7. The Forgotten Villages of Spain's Galicia

Spain's Galicia region, with its lush landscapes and ancient villages, offers a unique setting that is often overlooked by filmmakers and tourists alike. The region's misty forests, rugged coastline, and historic towns provide a versatile backdrop for various genres, from historical dramas to contemporary thrillers. Filmmakers are drawn to Galicia for its rich cultural heritage and the sense of mystery it evokes. The region's forgotten villages, with their stone houses and narrow streets, offer a glimpse into a world where time seems to stand still, providing a perfect setting for stories that explore themes of tradition, identity, and the passage of time.

8. The Enchanted Forests of Romania's Carpathians

Romania's Carpathian Mountains, with their dense forests and mystical landscapes, offer a captivating setting for filmmakers seeking a touch of enchantment. While the region is known for its association with vampire lore, many areas remain unexplored by tourists and filmmakers alike. The Carpathians' hidden valleys, ancient castles, and serene lakes provide a perfect backdrop for fantasy and horror films. Filmmakers are drawn to the region for its ethereal beauty and the sense of mystery it evokes. The Carpathians' secret locales offer a unique opportunity to capture the magic and intrigue of the natural world, creating a visual spectacle that enhances the storytelling experience and transports audiences to a world of wonder and imagination.

9. The Rugged Coastlines of Portugal's Alentejo

Portugal's Alentejo region, with its rugged coastlines and rolling hills, offers a unique setting that is often overlooked by filmmakers and tourists alike. The region's dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and ancient towns provide a versatile backdrop for various genres, from historical dramas to contemporary thrillers. Filmmakers are drawn to Alentejo for its stunning visuals and the sense of tranquility it evokes. The region's secret locales offer a glimpse into a world where nature and history coexist, providing a perfect setting for stories that explore themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

10. The Exotic Landscapes of Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Morocco's Atlas Mountains, with their exotic landscapes and vibrant culture, offer a captivating setting for filmmakers seeking a touch of adventure. While the region is known for its association with classic films, many areas remain unexplored by tourists and filmmakers alike. The Atlas Mountains' hidden valleys, ancient villages, and vibrant markets provide a perfect backdrop for adventure and historical films. Filmmakers are drawn to the region for its rich cultural heritage and the sense of mystery it evokes. The Atlas Mountains' secret locales offer a unique opportunity to capture the magic and intrigue of the natural world, creating a visual spectacle that enhances the storytelling experience and transports audiences to a world of wonder and imagination.

11. The Serene Beauty of Japan's Yakushima Island

Japan's Yakushima Island, with its ancient forests and serene landscapes, offers a unique setting that is often overlooked by filmmakers and tourists alike. The island's dense forests, pristine beaches, and ancient trees provide a versatile backdrop for various genres, from fantasy films to nature documentaries. Filmmakers are drawn to Yakushima for its ethereal beauty and the sense of tranquility it evokes. The island's secret locales offer a glimpse into a world where nature reigns supreme, providing a perfect setting for stories that explore themes of isolation, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

12. The Hidden Valleys of China's Yunnan Province

China's Yunnan Province, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a captivating setting that is often overlooked by filmmakers and tourists alike. The province's hidden valleys, ancient villages, and vibrant markets provide a versatile backdrop for various genres, from historical dramas to contemporary thrillers. Filmmakers are drawn to Yunnan for its stunning visuals and the sense of mystery it evokes. The province's secret locales offer a unique opportunity to capture the magic and intrigue of the natural world, creating a visual spectacle that enhances the storytelling experience and transports audiences to a world of wonder and imagination.

13. The Mystical Landscapes of Ireland's Connemara

Ireland's Connemara region, with its mystical landscapes and rugged beauty, offers a unique setting that is often overlooked by filmmakers and tourists alike. The region's dramatic cliffs, serene lakes, and ancient stone circles provide a captivating backdrop for historical dramas and fantasy films. Filmmakers are drawn to Connemara for its ethereal beauty and the sense of timelessness it evokes. The region's secret locales offer a glimpse into a world where nature reigns supreme, providing a perfect setting for stories that explore themes of isolation, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

14. The Untouched Wilderness of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula

Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, with its untouched wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, offers a cinematic experience unlike any other. While the region is known for its stunning vistas, many areas remain unexplored by filmmakers and tourists alike. The Kenai Peninsula's remote mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests provide a breathtaking backdrop for adventure and survival films. Filmmakers are drawn to the region for its raw, untouched beauty and the sense of adventure it inspires. The Kenai Peninsula's secret locales offer a unique opportunity to capture the majesty of the natural world, creating a visual spectacle that enhances the storytelling experience and immerses audiences in a world of exploration and discovery.

15. The Lava Fields of Lanzarote, Canary Islands – Spain’s Volcanic Stage

Lanzarote’s stark, volcanic landscapes are so surreal that they’ve doubled for alien worlds and post-apocalyptic settings. Though the Canary Islands are known for sunshine and beaches, Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park is a filmmaker’s dream—its blackened lava fields and jagged craters provide a naturally dramatic stage. This otherworldly terrain has been used in sci-fi and art house films alike, yet remains surprisingly under-the-radar for tourists. The island’s unique terrain allows directors to shoot visually arresting scenes without needing heavy CGI or set design. It’s raw, silent, and cinematic—perfect for stories that unfold in extreme isolation or on otherworldly frontiers.

16. Lake Resia, Italy – The Bell Tower Beneath the Surface

In northern Italy’s South Tyrol region, Lake Resia hides an eerie and cinematic secret: a 14th-century church bell tower rising from its icy waters. Submerged during the creation of a manmade reservoir in 1950, this surreal landmark has inspired ghost stories, legends, and most recently, atmospheric scenes in the Netflix series Curon. Surrounded by the Alps and often cloaked in fog or snow, this haunting location is ideal for supernatural thrillers or moody dramas. Though it’s slowly gaining attention, it’s still largely untouched by mainstream tourism—making it a pristine, emotionally charged backdrop for screen storytelling.

17. The Tunnels of Guanajuato, Mexico – Subterranean Storylines

Beneath the vibrant colonial city of Guanajuato lies a labyrinth of old mining tunnels now used as roadways. With dim lighting, stone walls, and shadowy corners, these tunnels create a natural stage for chase scenes, noir thrillers, or supernatural tales. Filmmakers have used the tunnels’ eerie, echoing atmosphere to evoke tension and mystery. The contrast between the bright, colorful city above and the quiet, winding tunnels below offers symbolic and visual richness perfect for layered narratives. Though Guanajuato hosts a renowned film festival, its underground maze remains largely undiscovered by global filmmakers.

18. Mount Roraima, Venezuela/Brazil/Guyana – The Lost World Plateau

This ancient, table-top mountain inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World—and when you see it, you’ll understand why. Towering above the clouds at the meeting point of three countries, Mount Roraima’s flat summit and sheer cliffs make it look like an alien landscape. Though hard to reach, its cinematic potential is immense. It was used as a visual reference in Pixar’s Up, but the real location is still rarely featured in live-action film. Mist-shrouded, geologically unique, and sacred to local Indigenous tribes, it’s a perfect fit for fantasy, science fiction, or spiritual dramas.

19. The Abandoned Resort of San Zhi, Taiwan – Futuristic Ghost Town

Just outside of Taipei, the San Zhi pod village is a failed resort turned real-life sci-fi set. Its UFO-like architecture, built in the 1970s, was never completed, leaving behind colorful, decaying pods that look like they were air-dropped from another galaxy. Though portions have been demolished, the remaining structures and eerie setting have been used for short films and photo shoots. With its retro-futuristic vibe and coastal location, San Zhi is ideal for dystopian tales or eerie, time-bending narratives. It’s a dream set for indie directors seeking something visually arresting and unconventional.

20. The Skeleton Coast, Namibia – Dunes and Shipwrecks

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is where golden sand dunes meet the rotting hulks of shipwrecks—an atmosphere so bleak and cinematic it feels tailor-made for post-apocalyptic films. Harsh winds, crashing waves, and whale bones scattered along the shore give it an otherworldly quality. This remote stretch has been used in a few survival-themed documentaries and films, but remains largely untapped by big productions. It’s especially well-suited for minimalist dramas, adventure epics, or bleak sci-fi tales. The harshness of the environment naturally raises the stakes, allowing character-driven stories to play out against a wild, unrelenting backdrop.

21. Lake Natron, Tanzania – The Red Mirror of Death

Lake Natron is one of the world’s most visually surreal places—its alkaline waters reflect a deep, rusty red hue due to salt-loving microorganisms, and its shores are dotted with calcified animal remains. While morbid, the lake’s haunting beauty is incredibly cinematic. Few films have braved this location due to its extreme environment, but for a horror, thriller, or surrealist film, it’s pure gold. The lake’s reflective surface and eerie coloring can be used to evoke dreamlike or dystopian themes. Its visual drama alone is enough to anchor a story that leans into the strange and spectral.

22. Meteora, Greece – Monasteries in the Sky

Meteora’s ancient monasteries, perched atop towering rock pillars, seem like something from a fantasy novel—but they’re real, and still active. Though featured in a few films (For Your Eyes Only being the most famous), the region is still remarkably underutilized in cinema. The high-perched monasteries, accessible only by narrow paths and ladders, offer natural tension and awe. With shifting clouds and sheer cliffs surrounding them, they’re ideal for spiritual dramas, historical epics, or fantastical quests. The visuals alone create a sense of otherworldly isolation, ideal for introspective or transcendent storytelling.

23. The Cave City of Vardzia, Georgia – Carved into Stone

Built into the cliffs of southern Georgia in the 12th century, Vardzia is a sprawling cave monastery hidden within the Caucasus Mountains. Its interconnected tunnels, chapels, and living quarters form an ancient underground city that seems plucked from a fantasy film. Yet it’s rarely seen on screen. With torch-lit passages and panoramic views of rugged canyons, Vardzia is a ready-made set for medieval dramas or mythological adventures. It’s as epic as Petra, but far more secluded—perfect for filmmakers seeking historic grandeur without modern intrusions.

24. Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar – The Forest of Knives

The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is like nowhere else on Earth—its limestone formations rise in razor-sharp spires, forming a maze of stone “needles” up to 150 feet tall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is visually stunning and treacherous, which makes it perfect for adventure and fantasy films. Very few film crews have made it here, due to its remote location and challenging terrain, but for directors wanting a jaw-dropping natural set, it’s worth the trek. It evokes a prehistoric, alien feel—ideal for stories that require an environment to be as much a character as the people in it.

The Timeless Appeal of Hidden Filming Locales

The allure of secret filming locales lies in their ability to transport audiences to worlds that are both familiar and fantastical. These hidden gems, often overlooked by tourists and filmmakers alike, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that enhances the storytelling experience. From the rugged landscapes of New Zealand's Fiordland to the mystical allure of Ireland's Connemara, each location offers a distinct setting that captivates the imagination and enriches the narrative. As filmmakers continue to seek out these elusive spots, they remind us of the timeless appeal of the natural world and the power of cinema to transport us to places beyond our wildest dreams.