Check out this list of documentaries about Spain to enrich your trip to the Iberian Peninsula. They offer unique cultural insights and essential historical information about Spain’s fascinating past and present.

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Top Spain Documentaries

Learn more about Spain

These days, there is no shortage of resources to help plan an epic trip. On this blog, you’ll find plenty of helpful articles to explore Spain like a travel pro and create your own Spain Bucket List. In the Books & Movies section, you can discover many inspiring Spanish books and movies to enjoy from home. Don’t miss: Spain Virtual Tours, Spain Coffee Table Books, Contemporary Spanish Novels & Writers, and Spain Books for Kids.

However, if you’re a history buff, travel documentaries are some of the most unique and engaging ways to learn more about local culture, traditions, legends, and historical mysteries. Spain is not only incredibly diverse in its landscapes and festivities but also rich in unique landmarks and historical events.

Therefore, I’ve put together this list of documentaries, perfect for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Spain as a nation. In this list, you will find many free YouTube channels, as well as travel documentaries from Amazon that, while not accessible for free, could be a great addition to what you can find on YouTube.

spain documentaries travel
Photo by Daniel Prado

Documentaries about Spain to watch before your visit

Free Spain Documentaries on Youtube

Let’s begin with free documentaries about Spain that anyone can watch on YouTube right now:

1. Reconquista

If you plan to visit Asturias and Northern Spain, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basic historical context of the Spanish Reconquista.

The Reconquista was a Christian campaign aimed at reclaiming the Iberian Peninsula from centuries of Moorish domination. It officially began around 718 with the famous Battle of Covadonga in Asturias. Although this battle was initially more of a local resistance effort, it held immense symbolic importance for the Spaniards, marking the start of a long struggle to reclaim their homeland. The Christians made significant progress only in the 11th century when they began to steadily regain lost territories.

The documentary also offers fascinating insights into the roles of Navarra and the Basque Country during this pivotal period.

2. How Spain Bacame Worlds First Super Power

If you’re fascinated by the Age of Discovery and plan to explore Columbus’s landmarks in Spain, be sure to check out this captivating documentary that delves into how Spain transformed into the mighty empire where the sun never set.

Another excellent recommendation is The Conquistadors, a compelling series that explores the life stories of legendary Spanish conquistadors, including figures like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro. It provides a deeper look into their adventures and the impact of their conquests on the world.

3. El Cid – The Knight of Spain

If you’re captivated by medieval castles, fairs, and knights, then learning about El Cid, one of the most legendary figures in medieval Spain, is a must. Known for his valor and leadership, El Cid, whose full name was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, became a symbol of honor and strength in Castilian history.

Born in the small village of Vivar, near Burgos, El Cid’s story is deeply entwined with the history of medieval Spain. For those wanting to explore his life further, several popular Spanish TV shows, such as El Cid, bring his incredible journey to life on screen.

If you’re planning a trip to the Castile-León region, be sure not to miss the renowned Camino del Cid. This historic route follows the footsteps of the hero, allowing travelers to experience the landscapes, landmarks, and towns that were significant in his life and legacy. It’s a journey that connects you not only to his personal story but also to the cultural and historical richness of Spain.

Additionally, El Cid’s tomb lies inside the stunning Burgos Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and important religious sites in Spain. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a must-visit destination in Northern Spain.

4. The Gaudi Code

There’s no Barcelona itinerary without visiting the vibrant Gaudí landmarks. To truly appreciate his masterpieces, it’s essential to learn more about the legendary architect. One great way to do this is by watching The Gaudí Code, one of the latest documentaries about his life and work. For a deeper dive into Gaudí’s world, you can also check out God’s Architect and Vida de Gaudí (in Spanish), which offer more insight into the iconic architect’s creative journey and vision.

Another great way to learn more about Gaudí is by visiting his birthplace, Reus (as many travelers associate him with Barcelona and don’t realize he was originally born in another town). You can read more about it in this post.

5. Don Quixote

If you’ve ever dreamed of embarking on a book-themed Don Quixote road trip, be sure to check out the following documentaries about Don Quixote available on YouTube: A Deep Dive into the Tale of Don Quixote (in English), Buscando a Cervantes (in Spanish), Cervantes y la leyenda de Don Quixote (in Spanish), and Historia detrás del Quixote (in Spanish).

Unfortunately, many of the most insightful documentaries are currently only available in Spanish, but they offer a fascinating exploration of Cervantes’ work and its influence on Spanish culture and literature.

6. Camino de Santiago / The Way of Saint James

The Camino de Santiago is a must-do for any Spain bucket list and is often described in books as a life-changing journey.

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is a vast network of ancient pilgrimage routes that span across Europe, all converging at the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, in Northern Spain. These routes have been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years, making it one of the most historically significant journeys in the world.

More than just one of the oldest hiking routes, the Camino de Santiago is steeped in centuries-old Catholic tradition and offers a deeply meaningful experience. Pilgrims embark on this journey for many reasons, including spiritual reflection, a personal challenge, and the desire to reconnect with nature.

There are several well-known documentaries you can watch to delve deeper into the Camino’s history and significance: Way of St. James: Full Documentary, Pilgrimage to Santiago, and The Way of Saint James Video Guide. These films offer insight into the rich cultural and spiritual layers of this remarkable journey.

7. The Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War took place shortly before World War II, but it remains a topic of debate in modern society.

Many famous writers, such as Hemingway and Orwell, actively supported the Republican side and served as war correspondents in Spain. The conflict ended with the rise of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. To learn more about him, you can watch the documentaries Franco: The Spanish Dictator and The Truth About Franco.

However, be aware that this is not a topic typically discussed openly with Spaniards. During the Civil War, many families had relatives fighting on both sides. Following political developments in 2019, the remains of Franco were moved from a vast mausoleum to a more modest grave. Interestingly, I visited the Valley of the Fallen, where Franco was originally buried, on a day trip from Madrid just a few months before the exhumation. The mausoleum, built inside a mountain, was impressive in its scale and elaborate decorations, though the atmosphere was somewhat unsettling.

If you’re a fan of Hemingway, consider watching The Spanish Earth, one of the classic films he was involved in. You might also find interest in The Spanish Civil War and Literature or the Spanish-language documentary Hemingway y los Corresponsales Extranjeros.

8. The Canary Islands

If you enjoyed my posts about the stunning natural beauty of the Canary Islands, Go Wild Canary Islands is sure to be a top pick on your list of Spanish documentaries. This film showcases the breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes of the Canary Islands, offering an immersive look into the unique ecosystems, wildlife, and volcanic terrain that make this Spanish archipelago so extraordinary.

9. Northern Spain

If you plan a Northern Spain road trip, you might enjoy this travel documentary Spain´s Atlantic North Full Nature Film.

10. Alhambra in Southern Spain

If you’re dreaming of exploring the top landmarks of Southern Spain and planning an Andalusian road trip, you can’t miss the Alhambra, one of the most iconic landmarks in Spain. This impressive fortified complex was primarily constructed by the Nasrid dynasty, a 13th-century Arab ruling family.

Behind the imposing exterior of this vast fortress (featuring over 2,000 meters of defensive walls and 27 towers) lies a breathtaking display of intricate design, lush gardens, and marble fountains. It stands as a grand testament to the Moorish architectural tradition and Islamic art that flourished on the Iberian Peninsula during that time.

11. The Basque Country

The Basque Country is a fascinating region with deep historical roots and a captivating past.

I briefly mentioned during my trip to the Basque Country that the local language, Euskera, is entirely different from any other language in Europe. Historians still debate its origins, how it developed, and why it remains so unique. Some researchers believe the Basques descended from Neolithic farmers who were genetically isolated from other European populations due to the region’s geographic isolation.

The rugged terrain of the Basque Country helped its people preserve their land and traditions through the periods of Arab and Roman influence in Spain. Even during the Spanish Civil War, while the Basque Country endured the banning of its language and the destruction of Guernica, the region was granted limited economic and political autonomy under the Spanish dictator Franco.

Amazon Prime Spain Documentaries – (Get a 30-day Amazon Prime Free Trial)

Subscribe to Prime Video to check out these documentaries:

More Spain Documentaries to Buy on Amazon:

  • Rick Steves Episodes on Spain (get it now)
  • Anthony Bourdain Season 2 (get it now)
  • Bon Appetit: Gerard Depardieu’s Europe (get it now)/Catalonia: episode 6 and the Basque Country: episode 3

Planning your trip to Spain:

  • 10 Epic Reasons to Visit Spain (read it)
  • An Ultimate A to Z Spain Packing List (read it)
  • Cool Spain Captions for Instagram (read it)
  • Top Spain Virtual Tours to Enjoy Right Now (read it)
  • Best Luggage for European Travel: My Honest Review (read it)
  • My Travel Beauty Essentials & Hacks On The Go (read it)
  • Favorite Clean Makeup for Traveling (read it)
  • What to wear in Spain: My Favorite Spain Outfits (read it)
  • Favorite Carry-On Essentials: What I Never Travel Without (read it)
  • Unique Spain Coffee Table Books You’ll Enjoy (read it)

If you know other cool Spain Documentaries, please, let me know in the comments below.

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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