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Portugal: The World’s Most Versatile Film Location

15/07/2025
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The PSP Production team spotlights Portugal as the industry’s best-kept secret for “dubbing” international locations on screen

When it comes to finding the perfect filming location, the world’s leading producers and directors are always searching for locations that can convincingly stand in for far-flung places — without the far-flung budget. Portugal, with its remarkably diverse geography and architecture, has quietly become the industry’s best-kept secret for “dubbing” international locations on screen. From the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley mimicking the hills of Tuscany, to Lisbon’s grand boulevards evoking Parisian charm, Portugal offers a visual passport to almost anywhere in the on Earth. No jet lag included.

Need the sun-soaked glamour of the French Riviera? Head to Cascais, where pastel mansions, palm-lined promenades, and glittering marinas set the scene. Seeking the rustic romance of rural Italy? The Alentejo region’s golden fields and whitewashed villages are a dead ringer for Umbria or Sicily. Craving the whitewashed villages and turquoise waters of Greece? The Algarve’s dramatic cliffs and hidden coves are a perfect match. Even the USA’s West Coast vibe can be captured along Portugal’s untamed Atlantic beaches, while the vibrant colours and colonial architecture of Alcochete double up for scenes set in Brazil and Cabo Espichel Convent around Lisbon double Mexico.


A Director’s Playground: Portugal’s Chameleon Power

Portugal’s secret lies not just in its natural beauty, but in its uncanny ability to shapeshift — one minute a Parisian boulevard, the next a sun-drenched Mexican plaza. For international productions, this means streamlined logistics, cost efficiencies, and a creative edge — without the need to fly cast and crew across continents.

Over the past decade, Portugal has been the backdrop for a growing number of high-profile projects, from global TV dramas to blockbuster commercials. Its flexible locations, experienced crews, and competitive tax incentives have put it firmly on the map for executive producers looking to maximize both production value and authenticity.


Case Study: Madeira Islands — Dubbing Hawaii’s Iconic Landscapes

Let’s talk about one of our favourite recent “undercover” missions: the Madeira islands, a lush, volcanic archipelago that recently stood in for Hawaii in a major international shoot. (Yes, you read that right—Portugal as Hawaii. Bet you didn’t see that plot twist coming.)

When a major US studio approached PSP Production with a brief that called for the unmistakable landscapes of Hawaii — think dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls — we knew exactly where to look. The islands’ subtropical climate, diverse flora, and striking topography offered a near-perfect match for the Pacific paradise.


Why Madeira Works as “Hawaii”

·      Dramatic Landscapes: Madeira’s Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a green wonderland of ancient trees, misty valleys, and vibrant ferns — virtually indistinguishable from Hawaii’s own rainforest interiors.

·      Coastal Majesty: The island’s rugged coastline, with its towering sea cliffs and hidden beaches, mirrors Hawaii’s iconic vistas. Aerial shots of Cabo Girão or the black sands of Prainha could easily be mistaken for the shores of Maui or Kauai.

·      Climate and Light: Madeira’s year-round mild weather and consistent natural light provide ideal filming conditions, reducing weather-related delays and ensuring a seamless production schedule.


On Set: Bringing “Hawaii” to Life in Portugal

For our recent shoot, every detail was meticulously planned. The result? A series of breathtaking scenes that transported audiences straight to the Pacific, all while leveraging the accessibility, affordability, and creative flexibility that Portugal is known for.


Portugal — Your Gateway to the World

Whether you’re looking to recreate the romance of Paris, the energy of Rio de Janeiro, or the wild beauty of Hawaii, Portugal stands ready to deliver. Its locations are more than just beautiful backdrops — they’re a filmmaker’s passport to the world, offering endless possibilities for storytelling and brand elevation.

For international producers and brands, Portugal isn’t just a destination. It’s the world, reinvented — one scene at a time.

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