Preparing for your trip to Greece can include seeing a movie or two shot in Greece or the Greek islands. While Greece will be even more beautiful "in person", these films shot in Greece will give you a glimpse of what is waiting for you.
1. Mamma Mia! The Movie
By far the most successful movie shot in Greece, this modern musical based on ABBA songs is silly fun against a backdrop of Skopelos, Skiathos, and the Pelion coast. Singlehandedly, it has probably inspired more trips to Greece than any other film shot there, and its legions of fans continue to grow with each showing.
2. Zorba the Greek
This tremendous, life-affirming classic epitomizes the Greek spirit - which chose this time to temporarily incarnate in Anthony Quinn. Excellent. It's also being released in a restored Blu-Ray format in 2012.
3. High Season
A personal favorite, this light-hearted romantic comedy has an intriguing darker side, but all takes second place to the beautiful Greek setting. It stars Jacqueline Bisset and a young Kenneth Branagh has a small role.
4. Summer Lovers
A guilty pleasure, this light-on-substance movie is filled with Darryl Hannah and Peter Gallagher in swimsuits, slightly kinky sexual situations, an irresistibly perky soundtrack ("I'm So Excited!" is the theme song), and glorious shots of Greece. Only problem? They combine several locations in Greece into one "super-island".5. For Your Eyes Only
This lively James Bond 007 flick offers heart-stopping shots of hang gliding at the hanging monasteries of Meteora.
6. Never on Sunday
This 1960 film shot in Piraeus shocked many Greeks with its portrayal of a happy, even a bit pious prostitute (Melina Mercouri) but it has become in every sense a modern Greek classic. In Greek; some versions subtitled or dubbed. Despite its age, it holds up very well and is a fun counterpoint to the more brooding "Zorba the Greek" if you'd like to have your own black and white film festival from Greece
7. Bourne Identity
Only a part of this is shot in Greece, but readers keep writing to find out where it is so they can make their own escape there... (If you're one of them, it's on the Greek island of Mykonos.)
8. Captain Corelli's Mandolin
Starring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz, this loosely fact-based action-romance story depicts Cephalonia during World War II. It prompted a tourist deluge for the island.9. Shirley Valentine
Frustrated housewife Shirley finds romantic adventure - and her own soul - on the island of Mykonos. The "Shirley Valentine" beach is Ai Giannis.
10. Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
Angelina Jolie returns as Lara Croft in this action-packed movie which features many Greek locations, including the island of Santorini. Your own travel adventures may vary from this fictional depiction! Special 2-disk gift pack.
