Given how much Greece and its various islands does resemble a filming location, you won’t be shocked to learn that this part of the world has more than a passing association with Hollywood.
It’s just one more of the many charms of sail boat cruises in and around the Greek islands; just how many gorgeous movie spots can you find?
Here are five of our favourites to get you started.
1. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Adapted from the immensely popular West End and Broadway musical and starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, “Mamma Mia!” has given fans plenty of inspiration to visit its three filming locations in Greece – Skopelos and Skiathos in the island complex of Northern Sporades, and Pelion, which is a mountainous area of mainland Greece.
2. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
The John Glen-directed “For Your Eyes Only” marked Roger Moore’s fifth appearance as James Bond and took in several Greek backdrops, including the island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea, as well as the stunning Meteora, where there are monasteries built on rocks hundreds of feet in the air. Well, it is a Bond movie, after all…
3. Zorba the Greek (1964)
This classic British-Greek comedy drama starred Michael Quinn as Alexis Zorba, a fictionalised version of the mine worker George Zorbas. As one might expect, extensive use was made of Greek filming locations, such as the region of Chania and other locations on the island of Crete. If you’re wondering where the famous scene was shot of Quinn dancing on a beach to the rhythms of Syrtaki, it’s the beach at the village of Stavros.
4. Summer Lovers (1982)
This fluffy American romantic comedy starring Peter Gallagher, Daryl Hannah and Valerie Quennessen may not have offered much substance – only enjoying a 17% Rotten Tomatoes rating – but it did at least give its viewers an extra reason to visit Greece. It was filmed mainly, but not exclusively on the island of Santorini, with Mykonos, Crete and Delos also being used.
5. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Angelina Jolie’s return as Croft took in various Greek locations, including Santorini. ‘Lara’ herself evidently appreciated the backdrop, given the reports in 2010 that Jolie and her then-partner Brad Pitt had purchased a home on the island.
Could you possibly require any more inspiration yourself to set off on a yacht trip around the Greek islands with Sail Puppy? We are the trusted experts in exciting and often surprisingly affordable sail boat cruises in Greece, so don’t hesitate to check out our latest no-nonsense special offers.