8 filming locations that are also great summer vacation destinations
All the time we spent at home watching movies during lockdowns gave us a serious urge to travel. After being grounded for over a year, one thing we look forward to this season is to finally be allowed to travel again.
Grab your passport and get ready to use send yourself into the air: here are some of the most iconic filming locations you could visit in person this summer.
Skopelos, Greece ("Mamma Mia!")
Now that travel restrictions are easing, why not head to the idyllic island of Skopelos, Greece, where most of Mamma Mia's scenes! have been shot? While the tour requires flying and then taking the ferry ride, the breathtaking views are well worth it. With its lush greenery, perfect blue waters and charming cobblestone streets, this secluded island is a dreamy summer getaway.
InterContinental Carlton Hotel, Cannes, France ("La Main au collet")
Slip into Grace Kelly's shoes at this luxury hotel where Hitchcock's classic La Main au Collet was filmed.
Griffith Park, Los Angeles, USA ("La La Land")
Recreate Mia and Sebastian's performance on "A Lovely Night" surrounded by the twinkling lights of Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The site is near the art deco style Griffth Observatory, which offers magnificent views of the city as well as a planetarium.
Cascate del Serio, Italy ("Call Me By Your Name")
Explore the roaring waterfalls where Elio and Oliver hiked to make the most of their days. Located in Bergamo, they are the second highest waterfalls in all of Europe. Listen to "Mystery of Love" by Sufjan Stevens during your hike for a maximum of sensations. Next, head to the quaint town of Crema, Lombardy, where they spent their mornings sipping espresso and reading, when they weren't spending their evenings dancing.
The Tiffany & Co. store on 5th Avenue, New York, USA ("Breakfast At Tiffany's")
Fulfill your Old Hollywood movie fantasies at the Tiffany & Co. store in New York City, where Audrey Hepburn had her croissant and coffee. For an immersive experience, the store's Blue Box Cafe (which will reopen in 2022) offers a full breakfast menu with fancy fare like eggs with truffle, or a Tiffany tea set with sandwiches and small desserts. Located on Fifth Avenue, there are tons of nearby shopping destinations to enjoy.
Chippewa Square, Savannah, Georgia, USA ("Forrest Gump")
Visit the filming site of the famous bench scene from the film where Forrest waits for the bus in Chippewa Square. The city of Savannah, GA is an underrated tourist destination, with its rich history, magnificent architecture, and numerous shops and restaurants.
Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan ("Inception")
Although the mind-blowing movie set up a setting to recreate this Japanese castle, you can visit the location in Kyoto. Nijo Castle is a historic site that housed the first shogun of the Edo period. Today, tourists can visit the castle, the Ninomaru Palace and the accompanying garden.
Alsace, France ("Beauty and the Beast")
The quaint, bustling town that Belle lives in in Beauty and the Beast is partially inspired by the fairy-tale towns of Alsace, France, specifically Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. Punctuated with adorable colorful houses, charming libraries and delicious wines, this French town is the perfect summer getaway.
