Gran Canaria Becomes Westeros for HBO Prequel Filming

Gran Canaria is fast becoming a top spot for major international TV and film productions. Right now, it's hosting the filming of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," a new HBO series based on George R.R. Martin's fantasy world. This project, which was confirmed by DIARIO DE AVISOS (correcting earlier reports about "House of the Dragon"), is a huge boost for the island's economy and helps put Gran Canaria on the global film industry map.

This big production tells a story set roughly a century before the famous "Game of Thrones," drawing from the "Dunk and Egg" tales. The main filming location is around the Las Niñas reservoir. This choice makes sense for the series' more down-to-earth, adventurous feel, as it follows Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg through a Westeros where dragons are absent. Since February 23, the Gran Canarian summit has been bustling with activity. Crews are busy building medieval wooden structures and artificial orchards to create realistic camps, cavalry tournament grounds, and scenes of life on the road.

The Island Council estimates this massive project will inject around 20 million euros into the island's economy. HBO's decision to base its production in Gran Canaria wasn't random; it was influenced by the Canary Islands' appealing tax breaks and the island's reliable logistics, which are perfect for such a large-scale operation.

However, the global film industry is highly competitive. While Gran Canaria is improving its standing, other regions like Saudi Arabia and Morocco are heavily investing in modern studios and offering cash rebates of over 40% to attract major Hollywood productions. This means Gran Canaria must constantly adapt and enhance its local offerings.

With more productions wanting to use natural landscapes, Gran Canaria's Island Council, through its Environment Department, is looking into a new tax rule. This rule would charge for using protected natural areas. Similar measures are already in place in municipalities like Gáldar, aiming to balance the economic benefits with the need to protect the island's natural heritage.

The Las Niñas reservoir will remain transformed into medieval Westeros until May 15, which is when the reservation for the camping and recreational area expires. Meanwhile, hikers and other regular visitors to the summit can use alternative spots like Ana López, Llanos de La Pez, or Tamadaba for their outdoor activities.