The coast of Garafía, The Witcher’s magical academy

In the fictional world of The Witcher —not only in the TV show, but also in the game and the books— there is a school called Aretuza. It’s not an ordinary school, but a magical academy for sorceresses. However, it’s nothing like Hogwarts. In the heart of a dark island, desolate Aretuza stands up like a stark tower, connected to the palace of Garstang through a narrow bridge. The palace stands on the Isle of Thanedd. In order to depict both sceneries, Netflix picked locations from the Canary Islands, mainly in the coast of Garafía, in the island of La Palma.

Garafía is also the name of the municipality itself. The landscapes there, steep and struck by the sea, keep a hidden treasure of underwater caves and coral reefs. Many marine species dwell in this ecosystem, and that’s why this land is protected by Red Natura 2000, a European network devoted to preserving areas that are rich in biodiversity. The show’s producers decided to use Roque de las Tabaidas, near the beach of Bujaren, to resemble the mightiness of Aretuza.

The landscape that witnessed the rise of Yennefer of Vengerberg can be seen in the real world from the heights of Santo Domingo in Garafía. Likewise, the travellers who wish to get a closer view of the academy for sorceresses might do so by visiting the beach. It’s wild and difficult to access, but a favourite for many surfers. When the sea is calm and there’s no danger ahead, one can go down there and enjoy the embrace of the waves, contemplating the breathtaking view of a place that could perfectly belong to the Continent.