Cinematic Beaches: Discover Movie Magic at These Coastal Locations
If your last beach excursion feels like a distant memory, or you simply yearn to see the ocean, a well-planned movie night might be just what you need to escape the landlocked blues. Put your feet up and embark on a vicarious journey to some of the most exotic cinematic beaches showcased in popular films, all while enjoying an engaging storyline.
When the time is right, plan a visit to uncover the real charm of these stunning coastal movie locations, along with a few extra hidden gems that deserve your attention.
Barjoska Beach, Vis, Croatia – Mamma Mia 2 (2018)
Masquerading as a Greek Island, Vis captivates visitors with its rugged coastline and pristine waters. This beautiful location has gained international fame thanks to its pivotal role in the hit musical film Mamma Mia 2. Historically a military base, this sun-kissed island was out of reach for tourists for years, but the film has changed all of that.
The island is easily accessible via a two-hour ferry ride from Split. Barjoska Beach, a secluded westerly cove featured in the film, can be reached by road or a water taxi, proving to be well worth the journey. Additionally, the stunning Stiniva Beach, with its white pebbles and dramatic cliffs, makes a memorable cameo appearance.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia – Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
In Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Captain Jack Sparrow finds himself in perilous situations amidst crystal-clear blue waters. This exceptional beach, known as Whitehaven Beach, is situated in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, offering a breathtaking landscape of white quartz sand and flourishing tropical flora, making it one of the most picturesque shores on the planet.
To capture the perfect photograph, take a brief walk to Hill Inlet, where the panoramic view of the 7-kilometer stretch of sand presents an unforgettable moment.
Marina di Camerota, Italy – Wonder Woman (2017)
While the location of Themyscira, the fictional home of Wonder Woman, remains a mystery, the real-life site where the movie was filmed can be found on Italy’s Cilento Coast, situated just south of Amalfi. Here, you can discover the pristine sandy beaches that inspired the enchanting setting of Wonder Woman’s origin story, although CGI was used to enhance the dramatic cliffs.
Affluent visitors often head to the picturesque village of Ravello, where they can stay at Villa Cimbrone and enjoy breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast captured in the film.
Koca Çalış, Fethiye, Turkey – Skyfall (2012)
In the iconic James Bond film Skyfall, 007, played by Daniel Craig, finds solace on Çalış Beach. This beautiful stretch of sand, with its warm Aegean Sea waters, provides a perfect retreat after a thrilling chase. The beach is ideal for relaxation, with numerous quaint cafés and restaurants lining the coast.
Don’t miss a visit to nearby Fethiye, where you can explore the stunning Lycian Rock Tombs carved into a mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Reynisfjara, Iceland and Laamu Atoll, Maldives – Rogue One (2016)
Rogue One contrasts two unique beach locations: Reynisfjara in Iceland and Gan Island in the Maldives. Reynisfjara, with its striking black sand and towering sea stacks, serves as the backdrop for a pivotal scene, while Gan Island, located in the vibrant Laamu Atoll, represents the visually stunning Planet Scarif.
The contrasting landscapes of these two locations provide filmmakers with a stunning array of visuals that elevate their storytelling.
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, California, USA – Inception (2010)
In Christopher Nolan’s intriguing film Inception, the character Dominic Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is seen on the sandy shores of Abalone Cove. This scenic park features trails leading to jagged bluffs, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, making it a popular hiking destination.
However, be advised that part of the park is currently closed due to cliff erosion.
Vault Beach, Cornwall, England – About Time (2013)
In About Time, Tim Lake time-travels to enhance his romantic life, often returning to the stunning Vault Beach to share stories with his father. This curved, sheltered beach is perfect for swimming, although summertime visitors might want to prepare for a more relaxed beachwear atmosphere.
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, USA – Descendants (2011)
Hanalei Bay serves as a picturesque backdrop for the dramatic climax in Descendants. The beach is enveloped by lush green slopes punctuated with cascading waterfalls, offering scenery that rivals any film set. Unlike more crowded tourism spots, Hanalei Beach invites visitors to enjoy its emerging food scene, showcasing local specialties.
Dunkirk, France – Dunkirk (2017)
As the title suggests, much of Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk unfolds on the striking sandy shores of Dunkirk, where Allied forces awaited rescue during WWII. To explore the history behind this cinematic portrayal, visitors can delve into the Dunkirk Museum 1940 for a poignant understanding of the events that transpired on this very beach.
Chesil Beach, England – On Chesil Beach (2018)
Windswept Chesil Beach, an impressive 18-mile stretch of pebbled shoreline along Dorset’s coastline, serves as the setting for Ian McEwan’s story of lost love. This stunning beach is the longest in Great Britain and boasts thick lagoons, with its dramatic landscape offering a unique environment that enhances the film’s narrative.
For the freshest seafood experiences, dine at the Crab House Café, known for its delectable dishes served right by the lagoon.
