The film that launched the Spaghetti Western – and Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name – is set on the Mexican border, but filmed in the deserts of Almería in southern Spain, with interiors built at Rome’s Cinecittà.
Where was A Fistful of Dollars filmed?
A Fistful of Dollars was filmed in Almería, Spain – Cabo de Gata and the Tabernas desert – with studio work at Cinecittà in Rome.
Every A Fistful of Dollars location, explained
1
San Miguel – Almería
The border town used the desert of Cabo de Gata and a hotel near Níjar in Almería, Spain.
2
The deserts – Tabernas
The film’s arid landscapes used the Tabernas desert in Almería.
3
Cinecittà – the interiors
Interiors were built at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, Italy.
4
Madrid – additional scenes
Some scenes used towns near Madrid, Spain.
Planning a visit
The deserts of Almería in Spain – the birthplace of the Spaghetti Western – are real, spectacular, accessible landscapes.
A Fistful of Dollars Fun Facts
1
Spain plays Mexico The border town used the deserts of Almería in southern Spain.
2
The first Spaghetti Western The film launched the whole Spaghetti-Western genre.
3
The Man With No Name It made a star of Clint Eastwood as the poncho-clad drifter.
4
A Yojimbo remake The plot is loosely based on Kurosawa’s Yojimbo.
5
Morricone's score Ennio Morricone’s music helped define the genre’s sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was A Fistful of Dollars filmed?
In Almería, Spain – Cabo de Gata and the Tabernas desert – with studio work at Cinecittà in Rome.
Is it set in America?
It’s set on the Mexican border, but filmed in Spain.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Almería deserts are accessible.
Who directed it?
Sergio Leone.
Who stars in it?
Clint Eastwood.
