We all enjoy binging a TV show or settling down to watch a film from time to time. What makes watching the screen so satisfying for many people is the escapism it affords, especially when the location setting is a thing of beauty. Whilst a lot of films now use CGI, there are equally as many that don’t. What this means is that for some of the most iconic cult favorites, you can retrace the steps of your most beloved characters.
Many of the most famous filming locations are also excellent vacation destinations, making them the ideal spot for your next getaway. We’ve put together a list of some of the top film locations you need to visit.
Skopelos, Greece – Mamma Mia!
Released in 2008 and with a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth, Mamma Mia! Instantly became a global hit. It grossed over $602 million at the box office, and the sequel was released in 2018 which was just as warmly received and grossed over $402 million at the box office.
Apart from the dashing cast and singalong songs, Mamma Mia! Was widely adored for its stunning set. Filming mostly took place in Greece, with Skiathos and Damouchari featuring, although the main location for the outdoor scenes was Skopelos. The good news is, the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are well within your grasp, so if you fancy living out your Abba dream like Donna and Sophie, book your next holiday in Skopelos.
Oxford, England – Harry Potter
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t watched at least one of the Harry Potter films. Even if you don’t like it, you can’t deny the impact it’s had on society, with Harry Potter World becoming a world-famous attraction. The eight films grossed over $7.7 billion at the box office, with filming locations being set around the globe.
Despite the many iconic sets, perhaps the most iconic is the Great Hall. It was filmed at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, England. Whilst the cathedral draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors in its own right due to its lengthy history, thousands more go there to trace the footsteps of the most beloved wizards in the world. If you’re looking to holiday in England, it’s well worth reserving a day to explore Oxford and the Harry Potter set.
Wadi Rum, Jordan – The Martian
The Martian was a cinematography masterpiece, and following its 2015 release date, it drew attention to our red neighbor. The unique thing about the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan is that it looks a lot like the surface of Mars, hence why it was picked by Ridley Scott for the film’s setting. Wadi Rum is a protected desert which means you’ll need to go through a tour operator to visit, but it’s well worth the effort to see the striking red landscape and dramatic canyons.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is one of the most respected and highly rated TV shows of all time. Several countries were used to portray the various areas of Westeros, including Ireland for Winterfell and Iceland for beyond the wall, and CGI for the rest. However, one of the most iconic locations, King’s Landing, was filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia. A quick visit to the sunny coast will reveal the terracotta roofs and rugged rocks that were seen is so many episodes. If you loved Game of Thrones, book a holiday to Dubrovnik and go on one of the specialised tours.
Summary
What’s your favorite film? Will you be visiting some of these locations for your next holiday?
