We’re stepping into the scenes of some of your favourite films and TV shows. So, whether you’re dreaming of living out your Mamma Mia! fantasies or you’re dying to get a selfie atop that Iron Throne, we’ll shine a spotlight on exactly where you need to be to make that happen. Pass us the popcorn…
Skopelos and Skiathos, Greece
It’s impossible to watch the feel-good, toe-tapping extravaganza that is Mamma Mia! without the burning desire to abandon all your life plans and hop on a plane to Greece. The swoon-worthy landscape, turquoise waters and authentic tavernas are all brought to life courtesy of two idyllic Greek islands. Most of the outdoor scenes were filmed on location at various beaches and towns on the island of Skopelos – better known in Mamma Mia! world as Kalokairi.
Head to Kastani Beach and belt out your best Does Your Mother Know? or trek up to the clifftop chapel of Agios Ioannis where Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfried) wedding unfolds. If you want to relive your favourite Mamma Mia! moments, you’ll have to fly to nearby Skiathos and catch the ferry over to Skopelos. It won’t be a fruitless detour though, the port on this pine-covered island provides the backdrop to a fan-favourite scene where Sophie’s three potential dads first meet.
Remember when the whole crew leaps into the sea after the showstopping Dancing Queen number? How could you not, it’s iconic. Well, if you’re looking to recreate this moment – and we totally think you should – you need to be heading away from the islands and towards Mainland Greece and the pocket-sized fishing village of Damouchari.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Cue the Game of Thrones theme tune. Even though the last instalment of the series aired back in 2019, year after year, thousands of fans continue to descend on Dubrovnik for a Game of Thrones pilgrimage. The UNESCO-stamped Old Town was a regular filming location for the hit series, and it’s easy to see why. The town’s beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque architecture made it the ideal setting for the fantasy city of King’s Landing. Recollect Cersei’s walk of shame down the Spanish Stairs (probably the most famed set of steps in the world of TV) or meander through the Pile Gate – the mythical entrance to King’s Landing.
Among the maze of church steeples and terracotta roofs, there are enough selfie-snapping spots to satisfy any Game of Thrones buff. If you fancy delving a little deeper into the history of the franchise, why not book on to a city tour for some behind-the-scenes trivia. Personally, we think booking a Dubrovnik Jet2CityBreak is the perfect excuse to settle down and rewatch the show’s eight epic series all over again. We’ll be here if you need us.
Paris, France
Few cities in Europe have welcomed as many filmmakers as the City of Love. Its scene-stealing landscapes have been shining bright on the big screen for over a century. Perhaps one of the most well-known films shot here was the 2010 blockbuster Inception featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. We might not be able to explain the plot, but we can direct you to one of the film’s most well-known and mind-bending scenes which was filmed at Paris’ Bir-Hakeim Bridge. In short, it’s movie magic. The bridge’s imposing steel structure is a sight to behold, straddling the River Seine and connecting the 15th and 16th arrondissements.
If TV series are more your cup of tea, Netflix’s Emily in Paris is an epic love letter to the city. Follow in the well-heeled footsteps of fashionista Emily and explore some picture-perfect Parisian hotspots. Dine in the historic Le Grand Véfour – one of Paris’s oldest and most distinguished restaurants, attend an opera at the flamboyantly opulent Palais Garnier or relax in the green oasis of the Luxembourg Gardens. Journey out of the centre to the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre to discover one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city – Rue de’Abreuvoir.
Expansive underground ice caves, larger-than-life glaciers and towering volcanoes – it’s no surprise that Iceland’s exceptionally beautiful landscape is a no-brainer for filmmakers. In fact, Svinafellsjokull Glacier situated on the south coast has been nicknamed the ‘Hollywood Glacier’ due to the sheer number of films that have been shot here.
Looking out at the lunar landscape, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d crash-landed on another planet. It’s this other-worldly quality that has tempted scores of sci-fi filmmakers to the area. True Hollywood royalty has traversed across this frozen fairytale, we’re talking the likes of Matthew McConaughey in Interstellar and Harrison Ford in Star Wars. It’s another Game of Thrones filming locale too, used to showcase the bitterly cold landscapes north of The Wall. Although it’s a lengthy drive out from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, we think views like this are worth every mile.
If you love thrillers and mysteries, we’re sure you’ve read Dan Brown’s bestselling book Inferno. With a storyline steeped in legend, it’s no wonder Florence, home to some of the world’s greatest artistic treasures, was the location of choice for the screen adaptation. The film takes us on a tour through some of Florence’s most recognised landmarks as Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) delves into the city’s history. One of our favourite scenes plays out along the Vasari Corridor – a hidden passageway that connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace. It’s possibly one of Florence’s best-kept secrets (we won’t tell if you don’t) – and it’s only accessible if you book on to a guided tour. Relive the adrenaline-fuelled chase scene as Robert flees across the Arno along the Ponte Vecchio, scaling a wall and escaping into the lush green arms of the Boboli Gardens. Although we recommend using the less-exciting visitors’ entrance, this botanical masterpiece is well worth a visit.
Canary Islands
With its lunar-like landscape and dramatic geological spots, not to mention its year-round balmy climate, it’s no wonder the Canary Islands are a popular choice for filmmakers. And Tenerife’s sandy oasis certainly came in handy when it came to setting the scene for the adrenaline-fuelled Fast & Furious 6, starring Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker. Fans of the franchise will remember the iconic bridge scene, which took place on one of Tenerife’s largest highways. Crashes, explosions and tank chases were seemingly welcomed by the locals, who flocked to see the scenes shot in real-time.
Over in Fuerteventura, it was all about intergalactic adventures when the filming for the 2017 Solo: A Star Wars Story began. Enter the island’s Pecenescal Valley, a virgin landscape with sandy dunes, which proved itself more than worthy for the setting of the fictional planet of Tatooine, where a young Han Solo meets Luke Skywalker.
These camera-ready destinations certainly get our vote!
*Please note that Mamma Mia!, Game of Thrones, Inception, Emily in Paris, Interstellar, Star Wars, Fast & Furious, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Inferno are not responsible for any element of this blog and have in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered this blog.
Posted: 25th Mar 2022. Updated: 19th Apr 2023.