If you’re a movie buff, you’ve most certainly noticed that a lot of films are set in beautiful islands located all over the world. Why not take inspiration from your favourite movies when deciding your next vacation spot?
This list we’ve put together is definitely one for those who love the sun, sand and waves!
VIS, CROATIA – Mamma Mia 2
If you’re a fan of ABBA and also the Mamma Mia films, you’re in luck because Vis was the island portrayed in Mamma Mia 2. For scenes from the film, go to Kozima, a fishing village that dates back to the 12th century! This is where you will be able to find the taverna where a few of the movie’s large dance numbers were filmed.
The first Mamma Mia film however, was shot on the island of Skopelos, Greece. Notable spots include the Agios Ioannis Chapel near Glossa where the wedding procession scenes were filmed. The island is a wonderful place to go for a walking tour and also to enjoy fresh seafood!
MAKAPU’U BEACH, OAHU, HAWAII – 50 First Dates
For those who enjoyed the romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, it was set in the Hawaiian islands. Makapu’u Beach was where some of the scenes were shot and is famous for bodyboarding and bodysurfing.
KOH PHI PHI LE, THAILAND– The Beach
This island was popularised by this film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and rightly so because it looks like a slice of paradise! Do be warned that due to tourists overcrowding the beach, Koh Phi Phi Le has imposed a limit of 2000 tourists per day to be allowed on Maya Beach and boats must be docked outside the bay to prevent further destruction of coral reefs.
BALI, INDONESIA– Eat, Pray, Love
Bali is the place to visit especially for those who felt a connection to Julia Roberts’ character in Eat, Pray, Love. The island is a well-known tourist spot. Do like her character did and walk through the streets of Ubud and also cycle past rice paddies.
MAMANUCA ISLANDS, VITI LEVU, FIJI – Castaway
If you resonated with Tom Hanks’ character’s struggles in the film ‘Castaway’, Fiji is the place to be. In the film, Tom Hanks’ character’s plane crashes on Viti Levu, one of the Mamanuca Islands, which is a great place to do all sorts of water sports, family-friendly snorkelling and also surfing.
References: Smithsonian; TripAdvisor.
