Filming locations
Ever wanted to visit the home of the world's best loved films?
Tunisia, Kefalonia, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Jamaica, Sicily, Marrakech, Dominican Republic
Luckily for us, film set locations are not just confined to the studio.
From the desert landscapes of Tunisia and the citrus groves of Sicily, to the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro of Tanzania and the soft, dreamy whhite sands of the Caribbean...today's filming locations take in some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the world.
And now we’ve handpicked a small selection of films that we feel offer not just a great film set, but a great holiday too. Take a look at our favourites below, and make your next holiday one to remember by walking in the footsteps of some of the greatest film stars of all time...
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Farmboy Luke Skywalker embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, as he and his allies Han Solo, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, C-3PO and R2-D2 attempt to rescue rebel leader Princess Leia from the evil clutches of the Empire, by attacking the Empire's most powerful weapon - the Death Star.
Film set location
The desert planet of ‘Tatooine’ was filmed in Tunisia (Tataouine is a real Tunisian town, several miles south of the filming location). Luke’s home was filmed in the Tunisian town of Matmata, while the interior is one of the inner courtyards of the Sidi Driss Hotel. The exterior of Luke's home (where he gazes st the two suns) is part of the vast Chott el Jerid. The gully, where R2D2 is captured by the Jawas, known locally as ‘Star Wars Canyon’, is Sidi Bouhel, east of Tozeur on the edge of the Chott el Jerid.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)
When Italy allied with Germany in WWII and invaded Greece, an Italian garrison led by Captain Corelli was sent to a remote Greek island, Kefalonia, to maintain order. Corelli soon finds himself immersed in their close community. The bond between Corelli and local doctor's daughter Pelagia flourishes against the odds, but when Italy changes sides in the war and faces German attack, Corelli and Pelagia must choose between their alliegance for their countries and their love for each other.
Film set location
Most of the filming took place in Sami, a village 9 km south of Agia Efimia on the island of Kefalonia, while the campsite of the Italians was built on the beach of Antisamos bay. Myrtos beach was also used in the film and is situated approximately 5 minutes by car west of Agia Efimia. Myrtos Bay is where the bomb explosion on the beach took place in the film.
Gladiator (2000)
Maximus, a trusted and victorious General, is bequeathed the leadership of Rome by the dying Emperor, who chooses Maximus over his own son Commodus. Upon the Emperor's death, Commodus orders Maximus' execution. Although Maximus survives, his family is killed and he is captured and trained as a Gladiator. With no will to live, Maximus succeeds as a Gladiator only so he can face the evil Commodus and avenge his family's death.
Film set location
Much of the film was shot in Rome and surrounding areas in Italy, although a good proportion of the vast 'Roman' sets were constructed on the massive remains of Fort Ricasoli in Malta (later used for the filming of Troy). The African town, where Maximus is sold into slavery, is Aot Ben Haddou, near Ouarzazate in Morocco.
