17 Reasons to Visit Greece, As Told by the Movies!

1. The Big Blue

One movie that perfectly captures the allure of Greece’s mesmerizing coastal landscapes is “The Big Blue.” Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Luc Besson, this enchanting film takes us on a journey beneath the surface of the azure Mediterranean waters. Released in 1988, “The Big Blue” is a captivating drama with elements of romance and adventure that will leave you breathless.

The movie tells the story of Jacques Mayol (played by Jean-Marc Barr) and Enzo Molinari (played by Jean Reno), two free divers who have a deep and profound connection with the sea. Their passion for diving takes them on a quest to break records and explore the mysteries of the ocean depths. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Greek islands, particularly the picturesque island of Amorgos, “The Big Blue” beautifully captures the essence of Greece’s coastal beauty.

2. Mama Mia! 

Mamma Mia is a fictional movie set on the Greek island of Skopelos and was originally written by Catherine Johnson as a stage show. The play was based on the original Abba songs written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and can still be seen in London’s Westend.

The movie tells the story of Sophie, played by Amanda Seifried, a 20-year-old who is set to marry her childhood sweetheart Sky, played by Dominic Cooper, in the small hotel run by her mother Donna, played by Meryl Streep.

The whole movie has a feel-good theme and is full of catchy Abba songs, singing, and dancing. Throughout the movie, you can see the beautiful background of Skopelos and the Aegean Sea and it makes you want to run off to the romantic destination of Greece for a summer of love.

3. Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life

Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure as we dive into the action-packed world of “Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life.” Released in 2003, this thrilling sequel to the popular “Tomb Raider” franchise stars the iconic Lara Croft, portrayed by the talented Angelina Jolie. Combining elements of action, adventure, and fantasy, the movie takes us on a pulse-pounding quest across multiple continents, including the captivating landscapes of Greece.

One notable location featured in the film is the breathtaking island of Santorini. Known for its mesmerizing sunsets and white-washed buildings perched atop dramatic cliffs, Santorini sets the stage for intense chase sequences and heart-pounding action. The film captures the juxtaposition of ancient ruins and modern city life, giving viewers a taste of Greece’s rich historical heritage.

4. Summer Lovers

Get ready for a sun-soaked romance as we dive into the world of “Summer Lovers.” Released in 1982, this charming film takes us on a whirlwind love affair set against the stunning backdrop of Greece’s idyllic islands. With its blend of romance, comedy, and breathtaking scenery, “Summer Lovers” is the perfect movie to transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.

​The film follows the story of Michael (played by Peter Gallagher), a young American who, along with his girlfriend Cathy (played by Daryl Hannah), embarks on a summer vacation to the picturesque Greek island of Santorini. Known for its whitewashed buildings, vibrant blue-domed churches, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini becomes a character of its own in this enchanting film.

​5. For your eyes only

Prepare for an exhilarating espionage adventure as we dive into the world of “For Your Eyes Only.” Released in 1981, this action-packed James Bond film takes us on a thrilling mission across various stunning locations, including the breathtaking landscapes of Greece.

With its blend of action, intrigue, and captivating scenery, “For Your Eyes Only” provides a thrilling glimpse into the beauty of Greece’s diverse landscapes. One of the notable filming locations in Greece featured in the movie is the captivating island of Corfu. Situated in the Ionian Sea, Corfu serves as the backdrop for several exhilarating scenes.

6. Shirley Valentine

The uplifting British romantic comedy, “Shirley Valentine”, is guaranteed to take you on a witty, poignant, and adventurous journey to the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos. Shirley (Pauline Collins) is a middle-aged housewife from Liverpool who finds herself caught in the monotony of suburban life. However, her mundane routine takes an unexpected turn when she has an opportunity to escape it all.

​Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Mykonos’ turquoise waters and iconic windmills, “Shirley Valentine” captures the true essence of this idyllic Mediterranean haven. At its core, “Shirley Valentine” is a tale of friendship and self-rediscovery. Through her encounters on the island, Shirley finds the courage to break free from societal expectations and embrace her own desires.

7. My Life in Ruins

My Life in Ruins is a rom-com starring Canadian Nia Vardalos, who wrote and starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the highest-grossing rom-com of all time. 

In My Life in Ruins, Vardalos plays Georgia, an unhappy Greek-American professor who is forced to work as a tour guide in Greece after losing her local teaching job. Upset about how her life has turned out, she hates the gig and how her tour groups seem disinterested in Greek history.

My Life in Ruins, released in 2009, was filmed in Spain and on location in Greece. In fact, it was the first American movie that was allowed to film at the Acropolis, the ancient citadel overlooking Athens. It’s one of the movie’s most touching scenes, making it worth any effort it took to get permission. Parts of the movie were also filmed at historic sites like Olympia and Delphi.

8. The Swimmers

The Swimmers is a touching 2022 film that tells the inspiring true story of Yusra and Sara Mardini, portrayed by Nathalie and Manal Issa (who are actually also sisters!). These two teenage Syrian sisters were training as competitive swimmers, with the dream of making it to the Olympics, before they had to flee their war-torn home as refugees in 2015.

Not only is this movie a powerful portrayal of bravery, determination, and the fight to survive, but it’s also the heartfelt story of two normal sisters who make mistakes, argue, and face regular teenage issues while helping each other to overcome extraordinary circumstances.

9. Bourne Identity 

Made in 2002, The Bourne Identity is the first movie in the Bourne series, based on the books by Robert Ludlum, and is especially known for its realistic action scenes and car chases. It stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, Franka Potente as Marie, and a number of other actors like Brian Cox, Clive Owen, Julia Stiles, and Chris Cooper.

Although the movie was not entirely filmed in Greece, it is filmed in multiple locations around Europe, the very end of The Bourne Identity is filmed on the Greek island of Mykonos.

The movie follows Jason Bourne as he searches to recover his memory and fights to stay alive against a government organization. While fleeing from capture in Zurich, Switzerland, Bourne finds a woman named Marie and convinces her to drop him off in Paris. They end up working together to recover his memory and they fall in love in the process. 

10. 3oo Spartans

While the 2006 movie “300” made the battle of the Spartans against the Persian army famous, it was actually inspired by another movie, the 1962 film “The 300 Spartans”. This “sword and sandal” picture was directed by Rudolph Maté and starred Richard Egan, David Farrar, and Diane Baker, among others. It’s worth noting that the film did not have internationally recognized stars, certainly not in the same way the later version of the movie had with Gerard Butler. 

​The story of the 300 focuses on the Battle of Thermopylae, where the Persian army led by King Xerxes was approaching Sparta. King Leonidas (played by Egan) led 300 fierce Spartan soldiers to defend a narrow pass in the battle.

​“The 300 Spartans” was filmed in many locations across Greece, although it certainly looked different in 480 BC during the battle compared to the 1960s, and especially today. For example, the movie production was not able to shoot in Thermopylae because the pass the Spartans defended doesn’t exist anymore!

11. Before Midnight

Before Midnight is a romantic drama released in 2013, directed by Richard Linklater. The movie is the continuation of the trilogy Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). The entire trilogy revolves around two main characters Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) and their romantic story since first meeting on a train to Vienna almost 20 years ago.  

Before Midnight is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking movie that will make you reflect on your own relationships. With its beautiful setting in Greece and its powerful performances by Hawke and Delpy, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

12. Inbetweeners

The Inbetweeners Movie which follows four schoolboys on their first lads holiday to Malia, Greece, was a huge hit when it was released in 2011. Filmed on location in both Britain and Malia, Crete, this classic comedy was a hit! Following the popular series “The Inbetweeners”, the film follows 4 boys Simon, William, Jay, and Neil on their first holiday abroad together. The funny chaos and adventures the boys get up to in the original series certainly follow them to Greece. 

The film was a success for all involved, particularly the actors – Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison, James Buckley, Greg Davies, Anthony Head, and Belinda Stewart-Wilson. Malia is considered one of the top party destinations in Greece so is very popular with anyone who loves the good nightlife.

13. Corelli’s Mandolin

Inspired by the beloved 1994 novel by author Louis de Bernières, “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” is a romantic story directed by John Madden and released in 2001. It stars Nicolas Cage as Captain Antonio Corelli, a charismatic Italian officer in Mussolini’s army, who plays the mandolin and finds himself stationed on the idyllic Greek island of Kefalonia during World War II alongside German troops.

Penelope Cruz portrays Pelagia, the intelligent and headstrong daughter of a local physician, who initially despises the occupying forces but gradually warms to Captain Corelli. As time progresses, the true consequences of the war begin to unfold. “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” takes audiences on a journey of love and war, immersing them in the enchanting, sun-drenched landscapes of the Greek islands and the magical allure of the Mediterranean.

14. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Based on the novel by Ann Brashers, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie came out in 2005. The movie is about a group of 4 friends, Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget, who happen to find a pair of jeans that somehow fits them all perfectly. The friends decide to share the jeans, even though they are going to be spending their first summer apart. They mail the jeans back and forth to each other as a way to stay connected.

Lena, played by Alexis Bledel, goes to visit her grandparents in Santorini Greece. Bridget, played by Blake Lively, spends the summer at a soccer camp in California. Carmen, played by America Ferrera goes to visit her dad in South Carolina while Tibby, played by Amber Tamblyn, stays home in Bethesda, Maryland.

From: Nandor Barta of Eco Lodges Anywhere

Descendants of the Sun is a South Korean drama from 2016, now available on Netflix following the love story between Yoo Si-jin a special forces captain played by Song Joong-ki and Doctor Kang Mo-yeon, a surgeon played by Song Hye-kyo. Their relationship is tested by dangerous missions, deadly viruses, personal sacrifices, and a sense of duty for their respective professions. 

According to the Korean Movie Database, the drama was filmed not only in South Korea but also in Greece. Viewers will likely recognize the famous Navagio Beach on the island of Zakynthos, where Yoo Si-jin takes Doctor Kang Mo-Yeon on a romantic date. The sand dunes of Gomati near Lemnos is the place where Doctor Kang Mo-Yeon reunites with the captain at the end. The small towns Arachova and Myrina were also featured in the drama as part of the fictional country of Uruk.