Santorini is one of the most beautiful and popular islands in Greece, attracting millions of tourists every year. Its stunning scenery, whitewashed houses, blue domes, and volcanic caldera have also caught the attention of many filmmakers, who have chosen the island as a location for their movies and TV shows. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most famous movies and TV shows that were filmed or set in Santorini and where you can see them.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
This action-packed sequel to the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider stars Angelina Jolie as the adventurous archaeologist Lara Croft, who travels to Santorini in search of a powerful artifact called Pandora’s Box. Along the way, she must outwit and defeat dangerous enemies while also taking in stunning views of the island. The movie features scenes of Lara diving into the sea, riding a jet ski, and exploring the ruins of an ancient temple that was uncovered by an earthquake. The temple was actually a set built on a beach near Akrotiri, a village that is famous for its archaeological site of a Minoan settlement that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. You can visit Akrotiri and see the remains of the ancient civilization, as well as enjoy the nearby Red Beach, which has red volcanic sand and rocks.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008)
These heart-warming movies are based on the novels by Ann Brashares and tell the story of four teenage friends who spend their summers apart but stay connected through a pair of magical jeans that fit them all. As they explore love and self-discovery, one of them, Lena (played by Alexis Bledel), travels to Santorini where she finds romance and adventure. The movies showcase the beauty and charm of Santorini, especially the village of Oia, where Lena stays with her grandparents. Oia is one of the most picturesque places on the island, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and spectacular sunsets. You can walk along the caldera edge, visit the blue-domed churches, shop at the local boutiques, and dine at the cozy tavernas. You can also see some of the locations where Lena meets her love interest Kostas (played by Michael Rady), such as Amoudi Bay, a small port below Oia where you can swim, eat fresh seafood, and watch the boats; or Skaros Rock, a rocky formation that used to be a medieval fortress and offers panoramic views of the island.
Summer Lovers (1982)
This steamy romance stars Peter Gallagher and Daryl Hannah as a couple who travels to Santorini for a vacation and becomes involved in a love triangle with a free-spirited local woman (played by Valérie Quennessen). As they explore their desires and relationships, they are also enchanted by the stunning scenery of Santorini. The movie features scenes of them sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and dancing at various locations on the island, such as Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach, Perivolos Beach, Thirasia Island, Fira Town, and Imerovigli Village. You can visit these places and enjoy the same activities as the characters, as well as admire the views of the volcano, the sea, and the cliffs.
D’ Agostino (2011)
This Italian drama presents the story of a group of friends who take a vacation to Santorini where they encounter love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The movie showcases the beauty and elegance of Santorini, especially its luxury hotels, villas, and spas. You can see some of them in the movie, such as Astra Suites in Imerovigli, which has an infinity pool overlooking the caldera; Mystique Hotel in Oia, which has cave-style rooms carved into the rock; or Vedema Resort in Megalochori, which has a traditional village atmosphere with whitewashed buildings and courtyards. You can also see some of the landmarks of Santorini in the movie, such as the lighthouse at Akrotiri or the windmills at Emporio.
Santorini Blue (2013)
This romantic drama stars Richard Belzer and Ice-T as two New Yorkers who travel to Santorini for different reasons. One is searching for answers to his past while the other is looking for a new start. They both meet and fall in love with local women, played by Liza Lapira and Deirdre Lorenz. As they explore their feelings for each other and the island, secrets from the past are revealed. The movie captures the essence and spirit of Santorini, with its blue and white colors, its music, its food, and its people. You can see some of the places where the characters hang out, such as Franco’s Bar in Fira, which has a terrace with a view of the volcano and plays classical music; or Koo Club in Fira, which is a popular nightclub with a dance floor and a pool. You can also see some of the cultural and historical attractions of Santorini in the movie, such as the Prehistoric Museum in Fira, which displays artifacts from the ancient civilizations that lived on the island; or the Byzantine Castle Ruins in Oia, which are the remains of a Venetian fortress that offers a great spot for watching the sunset.
Conclusion
Santorini is not only a dream destination for travelers but also a paradise for filmmakers who want to capture its unique beauty and atmosphere. Whether you are a fan of action, romance, comedy, or drama, you can find a movie or a TV show that was filmed or set in Santorini and enjoy its scenery and culture. And if you are inspired by these movies and TV shows, why not plan your own trip to Santorini and see for yourself why it is one of the most amazing places on earth?
