On the 1st of March, we're gearing up for the epic second part of Dune. Remember the breathtaking landscapes that had us all dreaming of spices and sandworms? Well, get ready to take a journey even closer to Arrakis, without leaving the earth. While a lot of the filming was done in Jordan and Namibia, there are certain destinations a little closer to home that will make you feel like you’re in another world. We can’t promise Timothée Chalamet or Zendaya, but we can guarantee an impressive view, which is why we’ve put together seven destinations that could be Dune filming locations. And the best news? You can travel to all these destinations with a campervan!
1. Dune of Pilat, France
Location: 44°35'32.2"N 1°12'52.7"W, Bordeaux
We’re starting off strong with The Dune of Pilat - the highest dune in Europe! Of course, a fantastic view is guaranteed. Once you have completed the 110-metre climb, you’ll likely see two very different types of visitors. Sports enthusiasts will be paragliding or sandboarding down the sand. Then you’ll find tourists frolicking through the dunes, enjoying a drink as they gaze over the ocean. We highly recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the evening to get that ‘alone in the world’ feeling, as during the summer it can be busy, and nothing quite beats a sunrise after all!
Combine your dune adventure with a city trip to Bordeaux, where you can indulge in wine tastings and explore the charming streets lined with historic architecture. Or, venture to the Aquitaine coast for a relaxing beach holiday, soaking in the sun and surfing along the stunning beaches.
2. Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, England
Location: 55°40'40.2"N 1°48'05.5"W, Northumberland
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve in Northumberland, England, holds a special allure for visitors, particularly due to its enchanting dunes. These windswept, sandy landscapes offer a unique, ever-changing environment that captivates the imagination.
The dunes are a vital habitat for a variety of rare and specialised plant species which adapted over time to the harsh coastal conditions. Visitors to the area can expect bursts of colour from vibrant sea thrift, delicate harebells, and the striking purple hues of sea lavender. This botanical richness creates a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the North Sea. Not forgetting to mention the variety of birds and wildlife that nest along the shores.
Northumberland is renowned for its historic castles, and Alnwick Castle stands out as one of the most magnificent. Dating back to the 11th century, this castle boasts stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich history that includes being featured in films like Harry Potter, so you can really dive into a film location holiday!
3. Porto Pino, Italy
Location: 38°57'52.6"N 8°35'46.0"E, Sardinia
When you say Sardinia, it’s almost always followed by “Ah, la dolce vita”. In the far south of this enchanting Italian island, an idyllic paradise awaits where sun, sea, beach, and dunes flow in perfect harmony. Welcome to Porto Pino, a hidden gem known for its snow-white beaches and crystal blue waters—a slice of the Seychelles, but with an Italian twist!
Picture yourself waking up to the gentle sound of waves and the promise of a sun-kissed day ahead. Our tip for the quintessential Porto Pino experience? Set your alarm for 5 am, and hop out of bed to witness the breathtaking sunrise painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. As the first light kisses the dunes and the sea, it's a moment of pure magic that belongs in any Hollywood movie.
4. Tabernas Desert, Spain
Location: 37°04'49.7"N 2°31'08.8"W, Amería
Step into a realm where the film world breathes, not because Timothée Chalamet appears to be battling life-or-death scenes around every bend, but because for years, this captivating wasteland was the centre for shooting iconic westerns. Hidden in a remote corner of Andalusia, Tabernas exudes a cinematic allure unlike any other and could have certainly been a Dune filming location.
Picture this: as you wander through Tabernas, the rugged landscapes transport you to the wild frontiers of Arizona, the dusty plains of Texas, or even the otherworldly realm of Dune’s Akkaris. Here, the echoes of Clint Eastwood's gunfights and Sergio Leone's epic tales seem to linger in the air. With no fewer than 17 films immortalising its dramatic scenery, Tabernas invites you to step into the shoes of your favourite Western characters. Explore the arid terrain, where cacti stand tall against the vast sky and the sun casts long shadows over the rugged canyons.
For the ultimate experience, plan your visit between April and June, when the desert blooms with a subtle vibrancy, dusting the landscape in hues of gold and crimson. The temperatures are mild, making it more enjoyable to wander around this cinematic playground.
Easily combine your Tabernas visit with a jaunt to the Sierra Nevada National Park, where snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows intertwine. Then, for a change of pace, venture to Costa Tropical for a blissful beach holiday along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Yes, you really can have it all!
5. Råbjerg Mile, Denmark
Location: 57°38'58.1"N 10°24'36.2"E, Skagen
Meet Råbjerg Mile, the northern sibling of the Dune of Pilat. This magnificent walking dune stands proudly in the far corners of Denmark, meaning fewer people experience its surreal beauty. Here, nature's work takes centre stage, creating a landscape that seems plucked from a dream—no wonder it's a favourite location for filmmakers seeking otherworldly backdrops.
Just a short drive from Råbjerg Mile is Grenen, the northernmost tip of Denmark where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet. It's a unique natural phenomenon, where you can walk to the end of the sandy spit to witness the meeting of the two oceans. The surrounding area of Skagen offers fantastic cycling routes, allowing you to explore the coastal scenery at your own pace. Bike rentals are available in town, and you can pedal along the coast, through heathlands, and past picturesque villages. Thinking about visiting Denmark by motorhome?
6. Fataga Valley & Maspalomas, Spain
Location: 27°44'28.2"N 15°34'49.3"W, Gran Canaria
Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of Gran Canaria, it makes perfect sense that Fataga has a place on the prestigious World Heritage List. Its white villages are like ancient art itself, seemingly created from the very walls of the landscape. Each village is an oasis in itself, but in the heat of summer, the entire valley takes on an ethereal, otherworldly aura. A short drive away you’ll find the Arco del Coronadero, a unique rocky structure located on the edge of one of the most impressive ravines on the island. Hiking in the region is very popular, and if you look hard enough, it’s the exact location you might expect a ship to land…
As you wander through this enchanting island, it's not hard to imagine the mythical sandworms of Dune emerging from the sands. The best part? You can easily hire a campervan in Gran Canaria via our sister platform Yescapa.
7. Stadlandet & Kill, Norway
Location: 62°12'12.6"N 5°10'14.5"E
This destination doesn't just take you to any place—it leads you to the cool, wild North. Journey to the northwest of Norway, where the islands of Kinn and the rugged terrain of Stadlandet have served as backdrops for cinematic masterpieces. It was even a Dune filming location for the first film! The very spot where Paul Atreides watches his last sunset before embarking on his journey to Arrakis was filmed in this exact location.
As you step foot on these remote shores, it feels as though you're walking into the very world of Caladan, the fabled homeworld of the House of Atreides. It’s no surprise to learn that the island is inhabited by only a couple of people and a herd of goats. Norway, with its majestic fjords, mist-shrouded mountains, and dramatic seascapes, is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts and road-trippers alike. Be aware though, the weather here is wild so wrap up warm! It’s said that this location was the inspiration Denis Villeneuve simply needed to make plane Arrakis with its unique howling winds.
But what truly sets Norway apart is the 'everyone's right to roam' principle, allowing travellers to camp freely amidst this breathtaking scenery. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves on the shore, surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine wilderness—a true escape into the heart of nature.
Whichever location you choose, the otherworldly landscapes will certainly ignite something within you, and before you know it you’ll be planning another adventure.
Don’t forget that everywhere is better explored behind the wheel of a motorhome. Hire one on Goboony, and let the journey begin!
