10 Iconic Islands from Netflix Series You Can Actually Visit in 2025

Real-Life Film Sets: 10 Netflix Islands Waiting for You In 2025

Ever watched a Netflix series and thought, “Where is that insanely beautiful island?” You're not alone. From crime dramas to fantasy epics, some of the most unforgettable scenes were filmed on real-life islands you can actually visit. These dreamy destinations aren't just backdrops—they're characters in their own right. In this guide, we're diving into 10 incredible islands where Netflix magic happened, so you can turn your screen-time favorites into your next passport stamp. Let’s explore the reel-to-real journey

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands – The Witcher

When The Witcher leveled up in Season 2, it wasn’t just the monsters that got bigger—the landscapes did too. Enter Tenerife, the crown jewel of Spain’s Canary Islands, where fire-forged mountains meet black-sand beaches. The island’s raw, volcanic terrain gave life to the fantasy realm of Redania, a kingdom as wild and unpredictable as the continent’s famed monster slayer, Geralt. Its surreal diversity—dense pine forests, lunar-like lava fields, jagged cliffs—allowed the crew to shoot epic battles, mystical quests, and moody wanderings all in one location. Tenerife didn’t just host The Witcher; it became an essential part of the show’s storytelling magic.

Main Shooting Locations

• Teide National Park
  With its moonlike plains and volcanic ridges, Teide doubled as cursed wastelands and battlegrounds. The stark contrast of lava rock against blue skies made every shot feel otherworldly.
• Roques de García
  These jagged, gravity-defying rock formations were used for dramatic chase scenes and mystical visions, offering a fantasy-like terrain straight from a storybook.
• Anaga Rural Park
  A cloud forest of twisting trees and moss-covered trails created the perfect eerie backdrop for forest scenes with magic, mystery, and shadowy danger.
• Masca Village
  Hidden deep in a rugged gorge, this timeless mountain village brought Redanian settlements to life, capturing the feel of an ancient world untouched by time.
• Teno Mountains
  Sweeping shots of these remote, wind-carved mountains gave a grand, cinematic scale to the series, enhancing the epic sense of journey and isolation.

Behind the Scenes

• A herd of local goats wandered into a sword-fighting scene. Instead of stopping the take, the director kept rolling—and the goats made the final cut.
• Some of the Redanian costumes were handcrafted by Tenerife artisans using local fabrics, adding a genuine touch of island craftsmanship to the fantasy wardrobe.
• The crew nicknamed Teide “Mount Doom Lite” after several night shoots in freezing winds had them joking they were filming The Lord of the Witchers.

2. San Blas Islands, Panama – Money Heist

The adrenaline-fueled third season of Money Heist brought Rio and Tokyo to a secret hideaway far from the chaos of Spain: the San Blas Islands in Panama. This dreamy archipelago, made up of 365 tiny islands scattered across the Caribbean Sea, is home to the Guna people, who have preserved their vibrant culture and traditions. The crew needed a setting that looked like true escape—and the untouched beaches, turquoise waters, and secluded vibes of San Blas delivered in every frame. Filming here added a raw, sun-drenched charm to the show, capturing the freedom the characters desperately craved.

Main Shooting Locations

• Isla Perro (Dog Island)
  Famous for its crystal-clear waters and a shipwreck visible just offshore—ideal for underwater shots and beach hideout scenes between Tokyo and Rio.
• El Porvenir
  The gateway to the archipelago, this island served as a logistical hub and low-key backdrop for scenes showing life among the locals.
• Chichime Island
  Chosen for its vibrant coral reefs and wide beaches, it offered the tropical paradise setting essential for the series’ fugitive fantasy.

Behind the Scenes

• During a break in shooting, actors Úrsula Corberó (Tokyo) and Miguel Herrán (Rio) joined a traditional Guna celebration and danced with locals in full costume.
• One scene was delayed when a curious dolphin repeatedly swam into the frame, becoming an unofficial cast member for the day.
• Filming equipment had to be transported by dugout canoes and small boats—adding logistical challenges but also allowing deeper immersion into island life.

3. Paxos, Greece – Maestro in Blue

The Greek island of Paxos, nestled in the Ionian Sea, played a central role in Netflix’s Maestro in Blue, a story about music, healing, and emotional rediscovery. With just the right amount of serenity and drama in its natural surroundings, Paxos brought an intimate Mediterranean soul to every scene. Cobblestone alleys, peaceful olive groves, and serene beaches served as quiet witnesses to the characters’ unfolding journeys. Unlike tourist-heavy Greek islands, Paxos gave the cast and crew a personal, uninterrupted filming environment. Its unspoiled beauty and slow pace added a melancholic elegance to the show’s emotional narrative.

Main Shooting Locations

• Gaios Harbor
  The island’s main port with pastel-colored houses and bobbing fishing boats—perfect for capturing everyday village life with cinematic charm.
• Lakka Village
  Its amphitheater-shaped bay and colorful facades added a picturesque backdrop to intimate scenes and emotional confrontations in the series.
• Mongonissi Bay
  A secluded spot where music scenes were filmed, its calm waters mirrored the internal reflections of the characters.

Behind the Scenes

1. Several local fishermen appeared as extras and ended up teaching the cast traditional island songs between takes.
2. A wild goat photobombed a critical emotional scene—causing multiple retakes but ending with laughter and the goat named “Maestro.”
3. The lead actor reportedly composed some of the piano pieces used in the show while staying in a beachfront villa on Paxos.

4. Isle of Skye, Scotland – The Crown

The windswept and mystical Isle of Skye in Scotland added raw beauty and solemn grandeur to Netflix’s royal drama The Crown. Its craggy coastlines, foggy mountains, and secluded glens were perfect stand-ins for emotionally complex moments in the royal storyline. Skye’s dramatic landscapes weren’t just scenic—they mirrored the inner turmoil and evolving legacy of Britain’s most famous family. Filming in such an untamed environment wasn’t easy, but it rewarded the series with an authentic, brooding atmosphere. It became a favorite location for reflective scenes and symbolic visual storytelling throughout the later seasons.

Main Shooting Locations

• The Quiraing
  A dramatic landslip with jagged rock formations, often used to symbolize transition or tension in the characters’ lives.
• Fairy Glen
  A dreamlike landscape of mossy hills and spiraling stone paths, perfect for portraying the isolation and weight of royal responsibility.
• Dunvegan Castle Grounds
  Used to echo the history of Scottish royalty and their ties to the British monarchy in quiet, contemplative scenes.

Behind the Scenes

1. Fog rolled in so thick during a dawn shoot that the crew had to use bagpipes to guide each other back to base.
2. Actress Olivia Colman reportedly fell in love with Skye’s homemade shortbread and brought boxes back for the whole cast.
3. A local sheep wandered into the castle set during a serious monologue—refusing to leave and becoming the day’s comic relief.

5. Isle of Wight, England – The Crown

The Isle of Wight, a charming escape off England’s southern coast, was chosen for some of the most historically rich scenes in The Crown. With its regal estates, seaside views, and Victorian architecture, the island brought a touch of nostalgia and royal authenticity to the screen. Most notably, Osborne House—Queen Victoria’s beloved summer residence—set the stage for pivotal moments in the series, including Princess Margaret’s wedding. The island's elegance and tranquility served as a counterpoint to the drama unraveling within the royal family. Its preserved heritage made it ideal for recreating historical events with great visual accuracy.

Main Shooting Locations

• Osborne House
  This grand palace-like estate doubled for multiple royal interiors and provided a true Victorian feel for several emotionally loaded scenes.
• Shanklin Chine
  A hidden coastal ravine with cascading waterfalls and lush greenery, it added a romantic and ethereal quality to select montage sequences.
• Ventnor Esplanade
  Used in seaside sequences, the esplanade’s vintage charm brought in subtle nods to Britain's coastal holiday traditions.

Behind the Scenes

1. While filming at Osborne House, an actor was caught napping in Queen Victoria’s old writing room—completely in character.
2. The extras for the royal wedding scene were largely local volunteers, many of whom had attended real royal events in the past.
3. During one stormy day, the cast sheltered in a historic pub and ended up doing an impromptu reading of Shakespeare with locals.

6. Tierra Bomba & Barú, Colombia – Narcos

To capture the gritty glamour of Colombia’s drug trade in Narcos, Netflix turned to two secluded Caribbean islands: Tierra Bomba and Barú. Just off the coast of Cartagena, these islands provided the raw beauty and isolation needed to film high-stakes scenes between drug lords and law enforcement. Their untouched beaches, thick jungles, and historic ruins added visual depth and authenticity. Filming here helped ground the show in realism, contrasting Colombia’s violent history with its stunning natural splendor. These islands are now drawing attention not just for their beaches, but as iconic locations where the story of Narcos came alive.

Main Shooting Locations

• Playa Blanca (Barú)
  White sand and clear waters created a striking contrast to intense stand-offs and chase sequences throughout the series’ Caribbean storyline.
• Fort San Fernando (Tierra Bomba)
  A colonial-era fortress turned into a cinematic safe house and hideout, giving depth and texture to suspenseful scenes.
• Punta Arena
  Remote and visually dramatic, this location was ideal for secret rendezvous scenes, with panoramic views and minimal modern intrusion.

Behind the Scenes

• Local fishermen were cast in background scenes and insisted on being paid in both cash and fresh coconuts—Netflix happily obliged.
• An actor accidentally wandered into a real military training drill nearby and had to be escorted back to set mid-scene.
• One tense stand-off scene was interrupted by a spontaneous beach soccer game between crew members and local kids—they ended up filming it and using it in B-roll.

7. O'ahu, Hawaii – Lost (Now on Netflix)

Though Lost originally aired before Netflix's rise, it remains a streaming sensation—and Oʻahu, Hawaii, is its beating heart. This lush, diverse island stood in for the mysterious island that became the central character in the series. Oʻahu’s beaches, jungles, cliffs, and waterfalls allowed producers to film everything from plane crashes to polar bear encounters all in one place. The wild terrain shaped the show's sense of danger, beauty, and mystique. Today, fans can still trace the footsteps of their favorite characters while enjoying the tropical paradise that transformed into one of TV’s most memorable “nowhere” locations.

Main Shooting Locations

• Kaʻena Point
  This remote nature reserve served as the “end of the island,” where characters often reflected or encountered the show’s mysterious forces.
• Waimea Valley
  A sacred valley with waterfalls and botanical gardens, perfect for scenes involving hidden bunkers, jungle chases, and philosophical revelations.
• North Shore Beaches
  The site of the iconic crash scene, with plane wreckage constructed right on the sand, blending seamlessly with the landscape.

Behind the Scenes

• The wreckage from Oceanic Flight 815 remained on the beach so long, tourists mistook it for a real crash site.
• A wild chicken repeatedly wandered into scenes and became known as “the island’s unofficial extra.”
• Filming was once paused due to a nearby hula contest—so the cast joined in and danced in costume.

8. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand – The Serpent

The Serpent, a dark and stylish crime drama, took viewers deep into 1970s Southeast Asia—and the idyllic Ko Phi Phi islands in Thailand brought that era back to life. With their dramatic limestone cliffs, neon-blue waters, and hidden beaches, the islands were ideal for portraying the escapist world of backpackers unaware of the danger surrounding them. Ko Phi Phi’s off-grid vibes made it the perfect location for a series about charm and deception. As the real-life murderer Charles Sobhraj evaded authorities, the stunning beauty of the setting made viewers question what lies beneath paradise.

Main Shooting Locations

• Maya Bay
  Its secluded beach, surrounded by towering cliffs, set the scene for both illusion and seduction in the series.
• Loh Samah Bay
  Calm, blue-green waters gave the production team the perfect look for snorkeling scenes and tranquil escape sequences.
• Ton Sai Village
  Used to recreate chaotic 1970s street life, this area blended rustic charm with retro set dressing for high-impact storytelling.

Behind the Scenes

• A sudden monsoon flooded the set—but locals came together to help rebuild it within 24 hours using bamboo and tarps.
• The production crew found vintage postcards in a local market and recreated them as set décor.
• An actor mistook a monitor lizard for a prop and nearly stepped on it during a beach scene.

9. Jeju Island, South Korea – Our Blues

South Korea’s Jeju Island—known for its black lava cliffs, dramatic coastlines, and rural charm—set the soulful stage for Our Blues. This heartfelt ensemble series explored love, loss, and everyday life, using Jeju’s beauty as a mirror for deep emotional stories. With its fishing villages, wind-swept fields, and volcanic landscapes, Jeju became more than a setting—it became a character. The island’s slow pace and natural grace perfectly matched the show’s themes of connection and healing. Its distinct identity as a culturally unique part of Korea also brought authenticity to the series and opened viewers’ eyes to a lesser-known island gem.

Main Shooting Locations

• Seogwipo Harbor
  A working fishing port filled with life and color, used to shoot everyday interactions between characters in a small community.
• Hallasan Mountain
  Towering in the distance, this volcanic peak added a quiet power and grandeur to many of the show’s wide-angle scenes.
• Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
  This majestic tuff cone provided both visual symbolism and literal sunrise moments that defined the characters’ new beginnings.

Behind the Scenes

• The cast took part in a real haenyeo (female diver) training session to better understand local culture—and one actress completed a full dive!
• During filming at a fish market, locals mistook the camera crew for a food show and began offering real seafood samples mid-shoot.
• A sudden snowfall during a spring scene forced the script to adapt—and ended up creating one of the most emotional episodes of the series.

10. Corsica, France – The Eddy

Corsica, France’s rugged Mediterranean island, became the unexpected backdrop for several poignant moments in The Eddy, a jazz-infused Netflix drama. Though the show primarily takes place in Paris, Corsica offered the characters—and viewers—a visual and emotional escape from the city’s chaos. With its mountainous terrain, wild beaches, and timeless villages, Corsica’s presence in the series reflected themes of self-discovery and creative revival. Whether it was through sunlit road trips or introspective hideaways, the island’s soul resonated deeply with the show's emotional beat and jazzy aesthetic. It was the perfect Mediterranean getaway for a show about finding clarity amid the noise.

Main Shooting Locations

• Bonifacio Cliffs
  Towering white limestone cliffs used in sweeping cinematic shots to reflect characters on the edge of life-changing decisions.
• Cap Corse Peninsula
  Remote, wind-blown landscapes that helped create feelings of isolation and freedom in scenes involving personal reflection.
• Porto-Vecchio
  A picturesque port town with rustic charm, chosen for slow-paced, visually rich scenes filled with soft jazz and sea breeze.

Behind the Scenes

• A local jazz trio was hired as extras but ended up playing live music during breaks—much of it made it into the final cut.
• The director insisted on using only natural light in Corsica, which led to frantic “golden hour” shooting sprints every evening.
• One emotional scene was filmed during a surprise Corsican village festival; the crew adapted and filmed the celebration as part of the scene.

From Binge-Watching to Beach-Hopping

From the volcanic peaks of Tenerife to the windswept cliffs of Scotland and the tropical serenity of San Blas, these islands prove that Netflix magic isn’t just made in studios—it’s shaped by the wild, the remote, and the breathtakingly beautiful. Each location brought a unique flavor to its series, leaving us not just inspired by the storylines, but also dreaming of our own adventures in these cinematic paradises. So the next time you're streaming a Netflix hit, remember—you might just be watching your future travel destination.‍