Calvià film set

• Location: Santa Ponça beach
• Title: Bahía de Palma
• Year: 1962
• Director: Juan Bosch
• Main Cast: Arturo Fernández & Elke Sommer

Santa Ponça is one of Mallorca’s most iconic bays, a place where cinema not only captured the beauty of the landscape but also marked a milestone in Spain’s cultural history. In 1962, this beach witnessed part of the filming of Bahía de Palma, a box-office hit that symbolised the openness and cosmopolitanism that tourism was bringing to the island.

A historic milestone: the first bikini

Santa Ponça beach passed on to cinematic posterity for a revolutionary detail at the time: it was the setting where German actress Elke Sommer wore a bikini for the first time in a Spanish film. This event transformed the film into a symbol of modernity and the municipality of Calvià into the epicentre of a new lifestyle that would attract the attention of all of Europe.

El triángulo amoroso bajo el sol

Starring the charismatic Arturo Fernández and the internationally acclaimed Elke Sommer, the film tells the story of Mario, a melancholic pianist who arrives on the island to work in a nightclub. Amidst the sophisticated nightlife and the luminous landscapes of the bay, Mario finds himself entangled in a love triangle between Olga (Elke Sommer), the rebellious daughter of a local businessman, and Clara (Teresa del Río), a former piano student. The plot culminates in a moving tribute to Chopin

Today, Santa Ponça beach remains a favourite destination for residents and visitors alike:
• The expansive stretch of sand: located between Punta des Castellot and Caló d’en Pellisser, this beach is notable for its width and calm waters.
• The pine forest: its characteristic pine forest offers a natural shaded refuge.

Maritime refuge: thanks to its natural configuration, the bay is an excellent place for anchoring boats, protecting them from north and west winds.

Relive the 1960s as you walk along the same sand that Arturo Fernández and Elke Sommer made cinematic history.

• Location: Playa del Mago (Portals Vells)
• Title: The Magus
• Year: 1968
• Director: Guy Green
• Main actors: Michael Caine & Anthony Quinn

Part of the group of coves in Portals Vells became known worldwide as Playa del Mago beach after the filming, in the summer of 1967, of the film with same name starring screen legends such as Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, Candice Bergen, and Anna Karina.

A Greece in the heart of Calvià

While the literary universe of The Magus is set in the Greek archipelago, this Calvià coast ended up becoming the film’s real-life setting after an unexpected change of plans by the production. Due to the unstable political climate in Greece following the “Coup of the Colonels” in 1967, director Guy Green found the perfect location in this area. The crystal-clear waters and the beauty of Portals Vells cliffs masterfully recreated the atmosphere of the Aegean, demonstrating the astonishing ability of our geography to blend seamlessly with other corners of the world.

A labyrinth of mystery and psychology

John Fowles’ novel (The Magus), which serves as the basis for the film, is a highly influential literary work and is often cited on lists of the best modern novels.
The Magus is a cult classic that navigates between existential drama and psychological suspense. The story follows Nicholas (Michael Caine), a young teacher who arrives on an island where he falls under the influence of Maurice Conchis (Anthony Quinn), an enigmatic millionaire who draws him into a game of manipulation, illusions, and mind experiments. On this island, reality and imagination blur together in this unsettling and complex tale.

Fictional architecture: Caló d’en Monjo

Unlike other locations where filmmaking leaves no trace, here fiction became forever intertwined with the landscape. Besides the beach’s name, it’s still possible to glimpse remnants of the original sets built for the film amongst the rocks and natural surroundings.

In the Caló d’en Monjo area, situated on a point between two coves, a structure designed by architect Carlos Sobron was erected in 1967 solely to support the filming. This structure, more akin to a set than a functional dwelling, featured an atypical design for the Mallorcan coast, with a distinctly Hellenic feel. Although only the concrete platform on which it stood remains today, its presence ultimately transferred the film’s name to the cove, solidifying its current identity as Playa del Mago.

Walk along this sand and let yourself be enveloped by the same light that captivated Hollywood stars in one of the most enigmatic filmings in the history of Mallorca.

• Location: Cala d’en Monjo (Cala Fornells)
• Title: Evil Under the Sun 
• Year: 1982
• Director: Guy Hamilton
• Main cast: Peter Ustinov, Maggie Smith, Jane Birkin

The natural gem Caló d’en Monjo, the natural set for an Agatha Christie plot

This is one of the most pristine and cinematic spots in Calvià. Caló d’en Monjo is a U-shaped natural gem, surrounded by mid-height cliffs and a lush pine forest that extends right to the pebble and rocky shore. This privileged setting, now part of a hiking route from Cala Fornells, captivated director Guy Hamilton (known for directing four iconic James Bond films) in 1982, who eventually settled in Mallorca after retiring.

Filming: From Mallorca to the Adriatic

Although Agatha Christie’s novel is set on an exclusive Adriatic island, the production team chose this location to film the exterior shots of Daphne Castle’s luxurious hotel (played by Maggie Smith).

In these scenes, the Caló d’en Monjo serves as the natural entrance to the island. While the panoramic views of the island seen in the film are of Dragonera, it is here, in these crystal-clear waters and under these pine trees, that the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) attempts to solve the murder of the frivolous actress Arlena Stuart.

The film boasts a cast of legendary stars, including Jane Birkin, James Mason, and Diana Rigg. The plot begins when actress Arlena Stuart is found strangled on a secluded beach. Poirot discovers that all the hotel guests had reasons to hate her, but all present seemingly airtight alibis. The detective will have to use his ingenuity to unravel the enigma in this paradisiacal setting.

The Caló d’en Monjo is notable for its connection to the world of cinema. Located on the border between Calvià and Andratx, it is one of the municipality’s two officially nudist beaches, along with Playa del Mago beach. Dominating Caló d’en Monjo, on the border with Andratx, stood a 1952 building designed by architect Joaquín Izquierdo Sancho and developed by Roberto Merlín, which would gain international fame in 1982. The house, with its rectangular floor plan and symmetrical design, featuring a large porch opening onto the cove, was the main setting for “Evil Under the Sun.” An attempt was made to renovate the house in 1986, but since the intention was to rebuild it, permission could no longer be obtained, as it is located within a protected natural area of special interest where new construction is prohibited.

• Location: Santa Ponça beach
• Title: Búsqueme a esa chica
• Year: 1964
• Director: Fernando Palacios
• Main cast: Marisol & Dúo Dinámico

Santa Ponça beach was the setting for one of the most memorable musical encounters in Spanish cinema of the 1960s. In 1964, the sun-drenched beach of Santa Ponça became the natural backdrop for Búsqueme a esa chica (also known as Los novios de Marisol), a film that captured the effervescence of burgeoning tourism and the joy of Mediterranean holidays.

Marisol and the Dúo Dinámico: A meeting of three icons

This sandy beach witnessed the talent of the great star of the moment, Marisol, who, in the midst of her transition into her teenage years, shared the stage with the national pop idols: Ramón Arcusa and Manuel de la Calva, members of the Dúo Dinámico. In the film, Marisol plays a young woman who sings to help her father and who meets Tony and Mario (the Dúo Dinámico), two students from Madrid, at a campsite in Mallorca. Together, they filled the setting with rhythm and songs before the eyes of the tourists who were already beginning to populate our coasts.
Filmed amidst sand and pine trees

The plot uses Santa Ponça beach to portray the freedom and charm of outdoor life. The film shows a spontaneous Marisol dreaming of success while enjoying the sun and sea of ​​Calvià. The scenes filmed here perfectly reflect the visual richness of the municipality: from the vast expanse of the sandy beach to the welcoming shade of its pine trees.

Directed by Fernando Palacios, the film is an emotional and musical journey that culminates in the protagonist’s triumph after overcoming sabotage and misunderstandings. Búsqueme a esa chica was not only a box office success but also served as a magnificent window to the world, showcasing the modernity of Mallorca and the beauty of its bays.
Walk along this promenade today and let the breeze carry the echoes of those melodies that made Santa Ponça an icon of Spanish musical film history.

• Location: Hotel Hospes Maricel & Spa Mallorca and Puerto Portals
• Title: The Hustle
• Year: 2017
• Director: Chris Addison
• Main cast: Anne Hathaway & Rebel Wilson

Calvià is one of the key filming locations for The Hustle, the hilarious comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. This film, directed by Chris Addison and written by Jac Schaeffer, is a remake of the 1988 feature film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

You’ll love The Hustle if you enjoy daring characters, champagne, and the stunning sea views that were filmed in Calvià.

Mallorca transforms into the French Riviera

Although the plot of The Hustle is set on the glamorous Riviera, the southeastern coast of France, the film was shot here in Mallorca. Locations such as Puerto Portals and the terrace of the luxurious Hospes Maricel & Spa Mallorca were transformed by the production team to recreate that French glitz and glamour:

• Breathtaking sea views: The film transports you to exclusive venues and high-society events, with a spectacular terrace overlooking the sea.

• Luxurious atmosphere: The dazzling costumes, casinos, and chosen locations create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication.

Filming took place in late 2017 over approximately two weeks in various locations on the island, including this area, Puerto Portals, and a private house on the east coast.

The comedy centres on two master con artists with contrasting styles: Josephine Chesterfield (Anne Hathaway), a seductive and calculating British woman adept at swindling wealthy men; and Penny Rust (Rebel Wilson), a spontaneous and fun-loving Australian. Despite their differences, their talent and cunning combine in an explosive mix as they attempt to pull off a major heist, deceiving Thomas Westerburg (Alex Sharp), a naive tech billionaire.

• Location: Portals Vells and Caló d’es Monjo
• Title: The Mallorca Files
• Year: 2023
• Director: Dan Sefton
• Main cast: Elen Rhys & Julian Looman
  

The beautiful bay of Portals Vells and the unique landscape of Caló d’en Monjo in Calvià were chosen as the natural setting for the acclaimed BBC crime drama series, The Mallorca Files (2019-2022). This series, starring two detectives, a British woman and a German man, aimed to reflect the true essence of the island, exploring its natural beauty and aspects such as its gastronomy and lifestyle.

In the television series, two completely opposite detectives, the meticulous detective Miranda Blake (Ellen Rhys) of the London Metropolitan Police and the German detective Max Winter (Julian Looman), are hired by the Chief of Police of Palma de Mallorca, Inés Villegas (María Fernández Ache), to solve crimes committed on the island, generally those that threaten the international community.

The Calvià coast, including the unique Portals Vells area, is a recurring location. Its cliffs and rocky areas provide the perfect backdrop for the most dramatic scenes, action sequences, investigations, and exciting nautical chases.

In season 1, the theft of the famous icon of Saint Nicholas and its links to a Russian oligarch lead Miranda and Max to the Portals Vells cave, where the plot culminates in a chase and escape by boat out to sea.

• Location: Galatzó Public Estate
• Title: Maria Enganxa
• Year: 2024
• Director: Luis Ortas
• Main performers: Guiomar Caiado, Catalina Carrasco and Marta Gràcia

The legend of Maria Enganxa lives on the Galatzó stones
Cinema and Mallorcan oral tradition have joined forces in an exceptional setting. For four intense days, the historic Galatzó Houses were transformed into the set for a horror short film that revives one of the most unsettling figures in Balearic imaginary: Maria Enganxa.

The Galatzó well, where the spectre of Maria Enganxa dwells
The choice of location was not accidental. This large, traditional Mallorcan estate, or “predio,” preserves the essence of the great estates, the centre of economic and social activity in the countryside during the Middle Ages. The film crew, led by director Luis Ortas, took advantage of this protected space to imbue the film with an atmosphere of absolute realism.

The heart of the filming took place in the clastra (central courtyard), a cobbled space where time seems to stand still. At its centre, the imposing cistern becomes the silent protagonist and the gateway to the realm of darkness.

Other key spaces in the house served as backdrops:
• The tafona (olive oil mill): where the old stone cylinder, a rotating mechanism for grinding olives, stands out. Inside the mill, some elements are preserved, such as the beam press and the cuixeres (wooden troughs) inserted on both sides.
• The traditional kitchen: a space that retains the wood-fired oven and utensils such as clay pots. The room filters natural light from the courtyard, creating the perfect atmosphere for the winter tales.

Sa Madona forest: the lush Mediterranean woodland surrounding the estate completed the atmosphere of isolation and mystery.

The legend: the hook lurking in the depths

Who is Maria Enganxa? Oral tradition describes her as a spectre or creature in the shape of a woman who dwells at the bottom of wells. Her most distinctive feature is a hook or grappling hook that she uses to ensnare unsuspecting children who peer over the edge of the well, dragging them into the cold water, never to be seen again.

The short film explores the two sides of the myth:
• The historical version: the possibility that she was a real woman accused of witchcraft during the Inquisition, who, before being captured, threw herself into the well swearing eternal vengeance.
• The folk version: the one grandparents told to warn children about the dangers of wells.

Synopsis: Pig slaughter Day, winter 1975
The film transports us to Mallorca in 1975, during a pig slaughter Day. As the cold bites, a grandmother tells her grandchildren the story of the woman in the well. What begins as a game of dares between the cousins—Marina and Joana—ends in a terrifying encounter. In the silence of the backyard, a noise emerges from the depths… and the legend becomes flesh.

“I swear you won’t take me alive, I swear that from hell I will take your children…” — The echo of Maria Enganxa resounds once more in Galatzó.

• Location: Cala Comtessa
• Short film title: Hôtel Hennes Spring/Summer 2022 Season H&M, International campaign for the H&M fashion house Spring/Summer 2022
• Year: 2022
• Director: Bardia Zeinali
• Main cast: Gigi Hadid, Jill Kortleve & Precious Lee

Cala Comtessa: A dream setting for fashion
Cala Comtessa, located in the heart of Ses Illetes (Calvià), is much more than a Mediterranean gem; it’s a privileged enclave that has cemented its position as one of Mallorca’s most photogenic natural settings for high-profile productions.

A fashion and style set: The universe of “Hôtel Hennes”
The versatility and aesthetic magnetism of Cala Comtessa were evident in H&M’s global campaign for the Spring/Summer 2022 season. Under the direction of Bardia Zeinali, the cove was transformed into the Hôtel Hennes, a fictional fashion destination inspired by the artist residencies of the 1970s, where freedom and style knew no bounds.

In this short film, iconic figures like Gigi Hadid and Jill Kortleve, along with a cast of international celebrities, top models, fashion journalists, dancers, and content creators, transformed the sand and rocks of Cala Comtessa into a wonderland. The shoot took advantage of the area’s unique light to recreate beachfront fashion shows, choreographed gala dinners, and scenes of pure hedonism, demonstrating the space’s capacity to host sophisticated and avant-garde visual concepts.

Features of the surroundings and scenic value

Located between Punta des Bufador and Ses Illetes beach, Cala Comtessa is a sandy and rocky beach that forms a small inlet (100 metres long by 20 metres wide). Its rectangular shape is flanked by low rocks, ideal for filming logistics, and surrounded by a dense pine forest that provides natural shade.

From the shore, the landscape is enhanced by the presence of “S’illot de sa Caleta,” an islet that overlooks the cove and offers a spectacular backdrop from the sand, the air, or the water. Its crystal-clear waters add a vibrant blue hue that defines the paradisiacal character of Calvià.

Its combination of unspoiled nature, easy access, and that aura of Mediterranean exclusivity make Cala Comtessa a preferred destination for filming tourism in the municipality of Calvià.

• Location: Portals Vells
• Short film title: Slow Dancing music video
• Year: 2023
• Producer and director: Min Hee Jin & Shin Dongle
• Main actor: Kim Tae-Hyung

“Slow Dancing” in Portals Vells: A dreamy cinematic atmosphere
The music video for “Slow Dancing,” the title track from Kim Tae-Hyung’s debut solo album, Layover, released on September 8, 2023, is a love letter to freedom, youth, and melancholy, with the beach of Portals Vells serving as the backdrop for its bohemian summer vibe. Under the direction of producer Min Hee Jin, the Korean artist Kim Tae-Hyung, a member of the popular band BTS, immerses us in a jazzy calm within a natural setting that seems frozen in time.

Critics and audiences alike agree that the music video transcends the musical format to become an introspective piece of visual art. The atmosphere of “Slow Dancing” has been described as ethereal and enveloping, where Taehyung’s natural performance blends seamlessly with the languid rhythm of the waves at Portals Vells. Reviews highlight how Shin Dongle’s cinematography avoids rapid cuts and contrived effects, opting instead for a visual narrative that evokes a “lucid summer dream.” This aesthetic choice not only enhances the warmth of the Mediterranean landscape but also allows the audience to feel the nostalgia of a shared memory, solidifying the video as a sensory experience where the music and the surroundings of Calvià breathe in perfect harmony.

The beauty of Portals Vells: ochre-hued rocks, natural shadows, and turquoise waters

The visual epicentre of the video is the Portals Vells area, an extraordinarily beautiful inlet located about nine kilometres from Magaluf, between the points of Xisclet and s’Estaca. This enclave, designated as a Natural Area of ​​Special Interest, lends the music video a pure Mediterranean essence.

The rocks of the Portals Vells cove play a fundamental role in the video’s aesthetic, acting as a natural backdrop that reinforces the feeling of freedom and connection with nature. In several sequences, Taehyung and the rest of the group run and perform slow dancing steps on the flat rock surfaces, reinforcing the idea of ​​spontaneity.

In other scenes, the protagonists let themselves be cradled by the water, floating and enjoying the sea breeze and each other’s company, conveying an atmosphere of camaraderie and peace.

In the scenes of “Slow Dancing”, the distinctive features that make this location unique can be seen:

• Aquamarine sea and rocks: Surrounding the turquoise waters, limestone and marés formations in ochre and golden tones, naturally sculpted by sea and wind erosion, create a dynamic backdrop. The nearby “Cova de La Mare de Déu” is a highlight, an old marés quarry whose blocks were extracted in the 14th and 15th centuries to build Palma Cathedral.
  • Forest setting: A lush, towering pine forest surrounds the beaches, almost reaching the crystal-clear water, reinforcing the sense of refuge and seclusion conveyed by the song.
  • Cinematic legacy: Director Shin Dongle’s choice of Portals Vells is no coincidence; the area has a cinematic soul. In fact, the neighbouring Playa del Mago beach owes its name to the filming of  “The Magus” (1967), starring Anthony Quinn and Michael Caine. Kim Tae-Hyung continues this legacy, transforming the cove into a contemporary global pop icon.

This use of rocks and the sea visually enhances the video and places the characters on an earthly and organic plane, far from artificial settings, underlining the theme of authenticity that runs throughout the album Layover.

A global impact with a Mallorcan touch

With over 71 million views, the music video broke records in a matter of seconds. The snorkeling shots in crystal-clear waters—for which Portals Vells offers excellent conditions thanks to its sandy and seaweed seabed at a depth of five metres—and the relaxing scenes on the sand perfectly capture the sweet melancholy that defines V’s solo debut.

Today, Portals Vells is a top destination for sailors and nature lovers, where they can experience the same “summer vibe” that Taehyung immortalised in its waters.

If you visit the beach, you’ll recognise the rocks that surround it, where Taehyung and his friends dance and soak up the sun.

• Location: Caló des Monjo
• Title: White Lines
• Year: 2019
• Directors: Nick Hamm, Luis Prieto, and Ashley Way
• Main cast: Laura Haddock, Nuno Lopes, Marta Milans
• Production company: Netflix

In episode 7 of the first season of White Lines, three Vespas travel single file along a path through pine forests. The sound of the engines mingles with laughter. On them ride a young couple and two friends. The group arrives at Caló des Monjo, a secluded and luminous cove with transparent waters and light-coloured rocks that reflect the Mediterranean sun. The movement stops. In the foreground, another couple rests, surrendering to the slow rhythm of the place. They are kissing, oblivious to everything else.

There are glances, exchanged smiles, a shared sense of freedom. The cove thus becomes an ephemeral refuge where friendship, desire, and youth converge, unknowingly foreshadowing the emotional rifts that run through the episode. While, in parallel, the dinner organised by David to honour Axel resurrects old tensions and tests relationships and loyalties, this scene in Calvià functions as a visual counterpoint: light versus darkness, hedonism versus conflict.

True to the overall tone of White Lines, the sequence combines aesthetic beauty with emotional depth. The series uses the Mediterranean landscape not just as a backdrop, but as a character in itself: a seductive setting that intensifies the excesses, passions, and decisions that will define the protagonists. In Caló des Monjo, the camera captures that moment of near-perfect happiness that defines White Lines: vibrant, sensual, and, like everything else in the series, profoundly fragile.