Drive-In Cinemas in Spain

8 drive-in cinemas across Spain

Currently Open

Drive-In Cinemas in Spain

Spain has six operating drive-in cinemas, known locally as autocines. This is the largest active count in southern Europe. The Valencian coast has the longest tradition, with three venues dating from 1979 to 1981. Madrid and Malaga added larger modern venues in 2017 and 2021. The Canary Islands gained their first autocine in 2022.

Early History

Spain’s first drive-in, called the Motocine, opened in Madrid in the late 1950s opposite Barajas Airport. Its owners were Antonio Garrigues Diaz-Canabate and Pepin Bello. It closed within months.

A second early autocine operated in Barcelona along the Castelldefels highway near El Prat airport until the 1980s. Neither venue lasted.

The Valencian Heartland

The format found its lasting home on the Mediterranean coast. Autocine Drive In in Denia, Alicante, opened in June 1979. Founded by former film producer Carles Miralles, it is the oldest autocine still operating in Spain. The venue occupies a 12,000 square meter plot with capacity for 300 cars. Miralles deliberately cultivated family-friendly programming.

Autocine El Sur in Mutxamel, Alicante, opened in 1980 with space for 400 cars in an amphitheater-style layout. Autocine Star near Valencia followed in 1981 with 350 car spaces, broadcasting audio on FM 104.1 MHz. These three Valencian venues are among the oldest continuously operating drive-ins in Europe.

Modern Growth

Autocine Madrid RACE opened in 2017 on a 25,000 square meter site in the Chamartin district. Capacity is 350 cars with a 250 square meter screen. It is marketed as the largest drive-in in Europe. Its inaugural screening was Grease.

Autocine Malaga opened in late 2021 as Spain’s second-largest venue, with 250 car spaces plus 200 terrace seats on a 16,000 square meter site five minutes from Malaga airport.

AutoCinema Tenerife opened in March 2022 in San Miguel de Abona, becoming the first autocine in the Canary Islands. It accommodates 300 cars on 16,000 square meters.

Closed Venues

Autocine Gijon in Asturias operated for 32 years before closing on August 28, 2025. The site was displaced by residential development in the Infanzon area.

Autocine Getxo in the Basque Country opened in 2013 and closed in late 2023, also forced out by urban development.

Visiting Tips

Audio is transmitted via FM radio. Portable radios are available for rent at most venues for around 1 euro. Autocine Malaga offers dual FM channels for Spanish and English audio.

Ticket prices typically range from 4 to 8 euros per person. Madrid offers midweek specials from 6.50 euros. Double features are standard at several venues. Sessions begin at nightfall.

Most venues are pet-friendly and welcome children. On-site dining ranges from food trucks to American-style diners. Spain’s Mediterranean climate allows year-round operation at most locations.

Sources

autocines.com — Official site of Autocine Madrid RACE
autocinedrivein.com — Autocine Drive In Denia, Spain’s oldest operating autocine
autocine-elsur.com — Autocine El Sur, Mutxamel
autocinestar.com — Autocine Star, Valencia
autocinema.es — AutoCinema Tenerife
es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autocine — Spanish-language history of the autocine format