Portugal Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews
Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Portugal? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in Portugal
For an introduction to shooting in Portugal see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, fringes, premiums, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
Portugal Film Locations
Portugal is a small country that offers a rich variety of locations a short drive from each other. You can drive the length of the country in 5 hours. Film locations of note include the cities of Lisbon and Porto, picturesque villages, palaces, medieval castles, contemporary architecture, lighthouses, beaches, sea caves, big wave surfing locations, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and roads ideal for car commercials. Portugal has excellent light for filming.
Agricultural film locations include olive groves, vineyards, timber, cork plantations, cattle farms, cheese production, as well as wheat, barley, corn, and sunflower fields. Fishing boats are available for filming. Factories produce textiles, machinery, electronics, automobiles, and ships. Portugal mines copper, tin, tungsten, uranium, marble, and salt. Energy locations include hydroelectric dams, and wind farms.
Portugal has hosted productions such as The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018), The Promise (2016), The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009), The Ninth Gate (1999), Gulliver’s Travels (1996), On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Thunderball (1965), as well as a long list of TV commercial productions.
Film locations can be divided into the following regions:
Lisbon
This region includes the district of Lisboa.
Lisbon is the largest city and capital of Portugal. A hilly port city, Lisbon is the main film production centre where film crew and equipment are based.
Praça do Comércio is an iconic harbour-facing square.
Belém Tower was the point of embarkation for Portuguese explorers.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
Parque das Nações was built for the 1998 Lisbon World Expo. Buildings of note include the Lisbon Oceanarium, Casino Lisboa, Altice Arena, Lisbon Oriente Station, Vasco da Gama Tower, Vasco da Gama Mall, and Portugal Pavilion.
Castles and palaces of note include the São Jorge Castle, Palace of Ajuda, Queluz National Palace, São Bento Palace, Palace Fronteira, and Mafra National Palace who’s library was filmed for Gulliver’s Travels (1996) as the Great Chamber of War for the Emperor of Lilliput.
Religious buildings of not include Lisbon Cathedral, Jerónimos Monastery, Church of Santa Engrácia, Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, Church of Sao Roque, Basílica da Estrela, Carmo Convent Ruins, and Sanctuary of Christ the King monument.
Lisbon museums of note include the Museum of Art, Architecture, & Technology, Gulbenkian Museum, National Tile Museum, Centro Cultural de Belém, National Coach Museum, National Museum of Ancient Art, Oriente Museum, National Museum of Natural History and Science, National Museum of Archaeology, Navy Museum, Lisbon Army Museum, Pavilhão do Conhecimento, CARRIS Museum, Money Museum, Popular Art Museum, and LxFactory.
Entertainment venues of note include São Carlos Theatre, Queen Maria II National Theatre, Eden Theatre, Campo Pequeno Bullring, Teatro Romano de Lisboa, Estádio da Luz, and Estádio José Alvalade.
Champalimaud Foundation was designed by Charles Correa.
Parks of note include Eduardo VII Park, Tapada das Necessidades, Botanical Garden of Lisbon, and Jardín Botánico de Ajuda.
Markets of note include Mercado da Ribeira, and Mercado Municipal which was designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Transport locations include the Santa Justa Lift, Bica Funicular, Telecabine Lisbon, Metro Lisbon, Port of Lisbon, Humberto Delgado Airport, and Lisbon Oriente Station which was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Bridges of note include the 25 de Abril Bridge, and Vasco da Gama Bridge.
The Águas Livres Aqueduct is a historic aqueduct.
NOVA University Lisbon is a beautiful modern structure.
Lisbon skyline establishing shots can be filmed at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Mirador de Graça, and Panorâmico de Monsanto which is an abandoned location.
There are several interesting locations just outside of Lisbon.
Sintra is known for its Moorish mansions, beautiful parks and gardens. Monserrate Palace doubled for Ottoman Turkey in The Promise (2016). Chalet Biester and Praça República featured in The Ninth Gate (1999). Other film locations in the Sintra area include Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Castelo dos Mouros, and Sintra National Palace.
Cascais is a coastal resort town known for its beaches, marina, Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort, and Boca do Inferno sea cliffs. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) filmed in Cascais.
Azenhas do Mar is a beautiful whitewashed coastal town.
Lisbon region lighthouses of note include Bugio Lighthouse, Cabo da Roca Lighthouse, Gibalta Lighthouse, Guia Lighthouse, Santa Marta Lighthouse, and Cabo Raso Lighthouse.
Beaches of note include Praia Ericeira, Praia do Tamariz, Praia da Duquesa, Praia da Torre, Praia da Poça, Praia da Adraga, Praia de São Julião, and Praia do Magoito.
Centro
This central region includes the districts of Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Guarda, and Castelo Branco.
Leiria. The city of Leiria is known for Leiria Castle.
Impressive monasteries of note include Alcobaça Monastery, and Batalha Monastery.
Obidos is a beautiful historic walled town famous for the Castle of Óbidos.
Caves of note include Caves Mira de Aire, and Grutas de la Moneda.
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is an Asian garden.
Nazaré is famous for its monster waves. Beaches of note include Praia do Pedrogão, Praia da Foz do Arelho, Praia da Consolação, Praia dos Supertubos, Praia de Paredes da Vitória, Praia da Gambôa, and Praia de São Martinho do Porto.
Seaside forts include Peniche Fortress, and Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo.
Berlengas archipelago includes the island of Berlenga Grande, and the uninhabited Farilhões-Forcados Islets. Locations in include The Fort of the Berlengas is a unique film location.
Lighthouses of note include Berlenga Lighthouse, Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse, and Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse.
Coimbra. Coimbra is a riverfront city and Portugal’s former capital. The beautiful University of Coimbra is known for beautiful Biblioteca Joanina, Courtyard of the old Royal Palace, and the University Botanical Garden. Other film locations in Coimbra include the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, New Cathedral, Santa Cruz Monastery, and National Museum Machado de Castro.
Sotto Maior Palace is located in Figueira da Foz.
Beaches of note include Praia de Quiaios, Praia de Claridade, Praia da Tamargueira, and Praia Da Cova Gala.
Aveiro. The city of Aveiro is known for Aveiro Museum, Museu de Arte Nova, Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo e Aquário dos Bacalhaus, Salinas de Aveiro salt ponds, and Aveiro Train station.
The Bussaco Palace Hotel is one of the most impressive hotels in the world.
Castle of Santa Maria da Feira is a beautiful film location.
Lighthouses of note include Farol de Aveiro, and Praia da Barra Lighthouse.
Beaches of note include Praia da Costa Nova, Praia da Barra, Praia do Furadouro, Praia da Torreira, and São Jacinto Beach.
Viseu. The city of Viseu is known for Viseu Cathedral, and Igreja da Misericórdia de Viseu.
Guarda. The city of Guarda is known for Guarda Cathedral.
Serra da Estrela is a ski resort in Guarda.
Fortress of Almeida is a star fort.
Castelo Branco. The city of Castelo Branco is known for Jardim do Paço Episcopal, Centro de Cultura Contemporânea de Castelo Branco, and Cathedral of Castelo Branco. House of the Dragon (2022-) filmed in Castelo Branco.
Alentejo
This central region includes the districts of Santarém, Setúbal, Beja, Évora, and Portalegre.
The Alentejo region is known for its cork plantations, wheat fields and vineyards.
Santarém. The city of Santarém is known for Santarém Cathedral.
Almourol Castle is a medieval castle atop the islet of Almourol in the middle of the Tagus River.
Sanctuary of Fátima is an important Catholic pilgrimage site.
The Convento de Cristo was a Knights Templar stronghold located in Tomar. The location was filmed for The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018).
Setúbal. Arrabida National Park is known for the beaches of Galapinhos, Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha. Arrabida National Park featured in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).
Lighthouses of note include Azeda Lighthouse, Cape Espichel Lighthouse, Sines Lighthouse, and Cacilhas Lighthouse.
Beja. The city of Beja is known for Beja Castle.
Mina de São Domingos is a deserted mine offering post-apocalyptic looks.
Évora. The city of Évora is known for Évora Cathedral, Chapel of Bones, Roman Temple of Évora, Graça Church, Giraldo Square, Royal Palace of Évora, University of Évora, and Prata Aqueduct.
The towns of Estremoz, Borba, and Vila Viçosa are known for their fine marble.
Monsaraz is a beautiful hilltop village.
Portalegre. The city of Elvas is known for the Castle of Elvas, Old Cathedral of Elvas, Amoreira Aqueduct, and the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça star fort.
Marvão is a hilltop village.
Norte
This northern region includes the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Vila Real, and Bragança.
Viana do Castelo. The city of Viana do Castelo is known for Santuário de Santa Luzia, Cathedral of Viana do Castelo, Castelo Santiago da Barra, and Ponte Eiffel which was designed by Gustave Eiffel.
The village of Soajo is known for its impressive traditional espigueiros granite granaries.
Peneda-Gerês National Park is in this region.
Montedor Lighthouse is located in Viana do Castelo.
Alto Lindoso Dam is the country’s largest dam.
Braga. The city of Braga is known for Braga Cathedral, Sameiro Sanctuary, Congregados Basilica, Monastery of St Martin of Tibães, Episcopal Palace, Braga Castle, Braga City Hall, D. Diogo de Sousa Museum, Garden of Santa Barbara, Ponte de Prozelo stone bridge, and Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte which has a beautiful staircase.
Guimarães is known for Plataforma das Arte e Criatividade, Guimarães Castle, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, Sanctuary of Penha, and Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Casa do Penedo is a unique house built between boulders.
Porto. The city of Porto is Portugal’s second largest city. It is known for its museums, azulejo tile churches, bridges, narrow cobbled streets, cafe culture, and port wine production.
Historic buildings include Bolsa Palace, and Porto City Hall.
Ribeira Square is known for its colourful buildings.
Museums of note include Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, Portuguese Centre of Photography, Museum of Transport and Communication, and the Tram Museum.
Religious locations include Porto Cathedral, São Francisco Church, Chapel of Souls, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, Clérigos Church, Carmo Church, Monastery of Serra do Pilar, Leça do Balio Monastery, and Capela do Senhor da Pedra which is located on a beach.
Casa da Música is a concert hall designed by Rem Koolhaas.
Livraria Lello bookstore is an impressive Art Nouveau building.
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a beautiful garden location.
Transport film locations include São Bento Railway Station, Cruise Terminal of the Port of Leixões, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Guindais Funicular, Luís I Bridge, Arrábida Bridge, and Maria Pia Bridge by Gustave Eiffel.
Lighthouses of note include Felgueiras Lighthouse, Regufe Lighthouse, and Leça Lighthouse.
Valongo Sanatorium is an abandoned location.
Estádio do Dragão is home to FC Porto.
Porto beaches of note include Matosinhos Beach, Praia do Carneiro, Praia dos Ingleses, Praia de Leça da Palmeira, Praia da Madalena, Praia do Homem do Leme, and Praia do Molhe.
Vila Real. The city of Vila Real is known for Mateus Palace, and Vila Real Cathedral.
Montalegre Castle is located in Montalegre.
Bragança. The city of Bragança is known for Bragança Castle.
Algarve
This southernmost region includes the district of Faro.
Faro. Algarve is known for its sunny weather, beautiful Mediterranean beaches and sea caves, whitewashed fishing villages, and rugged interior that attract productions from all over Europe and the world.
The city of Faro is known for Faro Cathedral, Faro Castle, and Estói Palace.
Tavira, Ferragudo, Albufeira, and Carvoeiro are whitewashed coastal towns.
Algarve has some exceptional modern homes such as Villa Escarpa in Luz.
Benagil Caves is a beautiful seaside cave.
The Algarve has many beautiful beaches including Ponta da Piedade, Praia de Tavira, Praia da Marinha, Praia de Odeceixe, Foz de Minho, Praia da Bordeira, Praia do Camilo, Praia da Fuseta, Praia do Peneco, Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Falésia, Meia Praia, Praia da Figueira, Praia da Arrifana, Praia do Carvalho, Praia dos Salgados, Praia da Oura, Praia da Rocha Baixinha, Praia de Albandeira, Praia dos Alemães, Praia de Monte Gordo, Praia de Vilamoura, and Praia da Galé which featured in The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009). Praia do Barril is a unique location with hundreds of rusted anchors buried in the sand dunes.
Lighthouses of note include Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse, Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse, Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse, and Alfanzina Lighthouse.
Azores Islands
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic consisting of the islands of São Miguel, Pico, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, Flores, Santa Maria, Graciosa, and Corvo.
São Miguel Island is the largest and greenest of the islands. Ponta Delgada is the archipelago’s largest city. São Miguel Island locations of note include the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, Hotel Monte Palace abandoned hotel, Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse, and Ponta da Ferraria Lighthouse. Off the coast, Vila Franca Islet is a spectacular islet.
Pico Island is home to Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal.
Terceira Island is a volcanic island.
São Jorge Island is a long thin island with tall cliffs. Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse is located on the island.
Faial Island is known for Capelinhos Lighthouse.
Flores Island is known for Ponta das Lajes Lighthouse, and Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau.
Santa Maria Island is known for its white sand beaches, basalt columns, and Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse.
Graciosa Island is a volcanic island known for Ponta da Barca Lighthouse.
Corvo Island is the smallest and northernmost island of the Azores archipelago.
Madeira Islands
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa comprising of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, and Savage.
Madeira is the largest and most populous island known for its volcanic, green and rugged landscapes. Funchal is a major port city. Museu CR7 is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport is a dangerous airport known for its strong crosswinds.
Porto Santo Island is known for its rugged landscapes and white sand beaches.
Desertas Islands are an archipelago of uninhabited islands.
Savage Islands are also an archipelago of uninhabited islands.
Portugal Film Location Permits
City hall typically requires 6 working days for processing permits. Expo requires 1-2 days. It is not possible to shoot at Expo on weekends or public holidays. Beaches require 1-2 days for permits. The city does not require up front payment for locations so our local fixer / service producer is able to file for permission for several locations so that clients have options up to the final days before the shoot. Please contact us for more location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Portugal is one of Europe’s sunniest countries. Southern Portugal has a climate much like that of Southern California. Summer weather peaks from June to September with very good light for filming. Winter from November to March is rainy with some snow on the Serra da Estrela mountains. Spring through to fall (April to October) are the best months to film for weather. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include the following:
• Carnaval celebrations take place in February.
• Lazarim Carnival in February / March.
• Festa da Coca in Monção takes place in May.
• Festival of the Three Saints takes place in June.
• Festa dos Tabuleiro every four years in July.
Portugal is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Portugal.
Unique Local Stories
Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.
If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.
If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.
Costs & Tax Incentives
Costs. Portugal trades in the Euro. It is one of the least expensive service centres in Western Europe. Portugal typically comes in less expensive than Spain. Our locally based fixers and service producers will negotiate deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget. See here for the current VAT rate.
Tax Incentives. Portugal offers a cash rebate of 25-30% for qualifying productions. There are no tax incentives for commercial shoots.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Portugal has a small but good pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Local crews are non-union. Crews speak fluent English and are of a high international standard as you would expect anywhere in Western Europe. There is a considerable depth of good local crews and in most cases there is no need to bring key crew from abroad. If you do need to bring in crews Portugal’s close proximity to other major European production centres makes that easy.
Contact us if you are looking for a Lisbon or Algarve based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew in Portugal.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable.
Portuguese is the official language.
Portugal is predominately Portuguese. The country’s proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those more multicultural talent pools.
Fringes and Premiums. No hidden extras. Crews work a 10 hour day with 1 hour lunch included. Time and a half after 10 hours. Double time after 16 hours. Rest period between days worked is 8 hours. Saturday is time and a half. Sunday is double time. Models are an hourly rate after 10 hours depending on the agreement.
Portugal Film Equipment
Equipment. All standard camera, grip and lighting equipment is available. The Russian Arm, Flying Cam and high speed cameras can easily be brought in from larger nearby European production centres. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Portugal is an ATA carnet country.
Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.
Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production
Art department and set construction is of a very high standard in Portugal.
Studios There are some very good studios in Portugal, offering a range of facilities including motion control.
Post Production. Quality of post production is also good.
Visas & Work Permits
Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area. US film crews can enter visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. Only certain countries need visas and there is no need for work permits. Contact your local Portuguese embassy / representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. The road infrastructure is of a high standard. You can drive the length of the country in 5 hours. Portugal is serviced well by many regional and international airlines.
Accommodation. Contact us for recommended film friendly hotels in Lisbon. For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. Portugal is a very safe and reliable filming centre. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Portugal has excellent seafood. Traditional dishes of note include caldo verde, bacalhau, samosas, tempura, bifana sandwich, francesinha sandwich, piri piri chicken, polvo à lagareiro, and pastel de nata.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Portugal, please see below:
Hire Portugal Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Portugal, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Portugal, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
