We all know the feeling of seeing a destination on a movie or tv show and thinking ‘wow, I would love to be there right now’. There are so many stunning destinations around the world that we have all added to our bucket list thanks to the big screen making them look so desirable.
Here’s eight of our favourite holiday destinations that feature in some recognisable flicks!
Tunisia – Star Wars
In the Star Wars movies, the dusty desert world of Tatooine was filmed in Tunisia, in an area actually known as Tataouine. Although a few scenes set on Tatooine were filmed in Death Valley in the United States, the majority of desert scenes in the original Star Wars were filmed in Tunisia, and crews returned to the country during filming for other films in the series to capture more footage.
Many of the original Star Wars sets are still standing in Tunisia and they have since become some of the most popular attractions in the country. Filming for the original Star Wars film first began in Tunisia in March of 1976 near the Sahara desert.
Some of the best preserved set locations can be found in Ksour, Matmata, Nefta and Ong Jemal. Matmata is close to the resort of Djerba so you can plan a day trip to the site from your hotel. There are a couple of organised tours which take you right through the desert to each site, but it’s best to check with your hotel if there are any that operate closeby.
Thailand – The Beach
The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed on Thailand’s beautiful beach of Hat Maya, the main beach on Phi Phi Leh island in 1999. Phi Phi Island is reached by a daily passenger ferry from both Krabi and Phuket Pier, and takes about 90 minutes.
There’s no wonder this location was chosen for the movie, the beach is sheltered by 100-metre high cliffs and has silky soft white sand, with inviting waters filled with underwater colourful coral and exotic fish.
Relaxing on this tranquil beach will have you feeling like you’ve walked right onto The Beach’s movie set, and if you squint just enough, your other half might look like Leonardo DiCaprio!
Las Vegas – The Hangover
The Hangover movie series is loved by many, and probably hits a little too close to home for some with a reminder of messy nights on holiday! The first movie in this iconic series is set in Las Vegas, otherwise known as Sin City.
Doug (Justin Bartha) and his three best men head to Caesars Palace for his stag do and despite the wild antics, I think we have all experienced envy over the stunning suite they stayed in.
The movie gives an insight into the amazing nightlife that you can experience in Las Vegas including trying your luck in one of the many casinos. Holidays to this lively city will give you memories to last a lifetime!
Dominican Republic – Pirates of the Caribbean
As the name suggests, Pirates of the Caribbean is set in the beautiful collection of Caribbean islands. The Curse of the Black Pearl, the first in the movie series, was filmed in the Dominican Republic.
Samana, the town which hosted some of the filming, is based on the Dominican’s north easterly coast and has been dubbed as ‘the real Caribbean’. Here you can find beautiful coral reefs, towering coconut trees and white sandy beaches that are calling your name.
If you’re a seafood lover, you will be spoiled in Samana, thanks to the fresh catches on offer. The local specialty dish is pescado con coco, which is literally fish with coconut.
New York – Sex and the City
Though many film producers choose the Big Apple as their film set locations, New York is the iconic location of the Sex and the City movies and TV series. Samantha, Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte boss the streets of New York and make you envious of their lavish lifestyles.
The shopping, the restaurants, the bars – you can experience it all on your trip to the Big Apple and when it comes to choosing a hotel, you can really splurge on the high life if you wish.
There’s also a handful of Sex and the City themed tours you can embark on during your visit which will take you around iconic filming locations throughout the city.
Skopelos – Mamma Mia
When watching Mamma Mia, it’s hard to resist doing a Donna Sheridan and running off to Greece to live in the sun! The fictional island of Kalokari was based on and filmed on the island of Skopelos.
The white sands of Kastani beach are the location for some of the more theatrical numbers in Mamma Mia including ‘Does Your Mamma Know’. Here you will find beautifully clear waters, perfect tor paddling in and taking a dip on a warm day.
The church atop of the hill is also a very iconic scene in Mamma Mia, and this church still stands proud to this day. It is the church of Agios Ioannis Kastri and though the marriage scene wasn’t filmed inside this church, it is an unforgettable part of the movie and definitely worth visiting if you get the chance.
Austria – Sound of Music
The true story, that The Sound of Music is based on, took place in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Large parts of the movie were filmed in and around Salzburg, some scenes even in the original locations.
There are plenty of tours, packages and concerts available to attend throughout your stay and they will immerse you in the story behind the well-known movie. Austria is a perfect destination for those who love to explore mountain trails and green meadows.
Though quaint and peaceful, the villages are rich with history and enchanting old folk tales. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the mountains in Austria are home to some of the world’s best known ski resorts.
Venice – Casino Royale
James Bond is one of the best known screen stars in the world and Daniel Craig was definitely a great 007. One of the most iconic film set destinations throughout his time in MI6 was the basis of Casino Royale, Venice.
Craig took to the streets and even the canals in The Floating City throughout the movie and Venice was sadly the place where Vesper Lynd, the love of Bond’s life, lost her life.
Wandering through the narrow streets and over bridges crossing the network of canals, you can take in so much historic architecture and aye-inspiring art. Venice has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is fondly known as a living museum.
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