All across the world, movies are being made every day. While some films are shot entirely within a closed studio setting, most make use of the natural beauty and wonder around us, and create film sets in real-world locations. The good news is that this means film buffs can visit many of these exotic filming locations after the director yells that final “cut!” Here, we explore some of the world’s most impressive exotic film sets – have you visited any of these extraordinary places yet?
1. The Atlas Mountains
Beloved holiday spot Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are the home to one of the most incredible real-life filming locations in the world. Many of the hotels that you can stay in here have had scenes filmed within them, but the most unusual attraction for film buffs is Atlas Studios, the largest film set in the world.
A variety of Hollywood movies have been shot in the desert landscape, and the film set is never taken down, instead expanding with each movie filmed here. You may be interested to know that the latest movie in the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise has shot scenes here – so don’t miss out on seeing where all the action happens.
2. Maya Bay
Thailand’s Maya Bay was made famous by the 1999 movie ‘The Beach’, starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio. While the film puts a darker spin on the backpacker’s paradise, you can enjoy a much more idyllic visit by savouring some of the more beautiful sights the ‘Land of Smiles’ has to offer. The Koh Phi Phi area is known as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, ideal for stretching out on picturesque beaches and seeing some of the areas where the 1999 film was set.
3. Malta
Another unexpected filming location is the island of Malta. Many movies across the years have taken inspiration from this lovely area of the world, and 2000’s ‘Gladiator’ was filmed partially in some of the island’s ruins. Aside from the ancient wonders around Valletta, you can also visit an actual film set that still stands. Malta was used as the filming location for the 1980s ‘Popeye’ movie and the higgledy-piggledy houses are still there, brightly coloured and ready for action. Popeye Village is one of the best attractions here, especially if you want to see exactly where the cult classic film took place.
4. Skopelos
There aren’t many destinations around the world more exotic than the Greek Islands. From the rugged beauty of Santorini, to the lunar landscapes of Milos, a visit to this enchanting corner of the globe can truly feel like you’ve travelled to a whole new world. It’s no wonder, then, that film crews have been drawn to the Greek Islands for decades, to immortalise the region’s endless beauty on the silver screen. Some of the biggest and most successful movies of recent times have been shot here, and they hardly come much bigger than ‘Mamma Mia’.
Skopelos was a main filming location for this cult classic, and there are lots of instantly recognisable spots all across the island. Kastani Beach in particular is a must-see for anyone visiting the island. Lined by lucious vegetation, this small, white-sand beach provides the perfect backdrop for you to sunbathe and soak up the Aegean sun, or re-live your favourite scenes and dance around to some ABBA classics – both acceptable ways to pass the time in this part of the world.
Whatever your favourite kind of film may be, visiting one of these current or former film sets is a great way to enjoy both some pop culture nostalgia and an exotic getaway to a brand new country. Which location awakens your wanderlust, and where will you explore next?
