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Greece, with its unparalleled natural beauty and rich history, has served as the perfect backdrop for numerous international film productions. Several Greek islands have hosted the filming of movies that left their mark on the global film industry.

Films Shot on Greek Islands

🔹 Boy on a Dolphin (1957)
Sophia Loren’s first English-language film was shot on the island of Hydra, bringing it into the international spotlight. The windmill where her character, Phaedra, lived remains an iconic landmark of the island.

🔹 The Guns of Navarone (1961)
This classic war film, starring Anthony Quinn and Gregory Peck, was filmed on Rhodes. The well-preserved settlement of Lindos and other breathtaking locations on the island provided the ideal setting for the film’s narrative.

🔹 Zorba the Greek (1964)
This legendary film, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, takes place in Crete. The beach of Stavros in Akrotiri, Chania, became world-famous for the iconic scene where Anthony Quinn dances the Sirtaki.

🔹 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001)
Starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz, this film showcases the stunning landscape of Kefalonia, with scenes shot in locations such as Sami, Antisamos, and Myrtos Beach.

🔹 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Santorini served as the backdrop for this popular action movie starring Angelina Jolie, highlighting the island’s caldera and its breathtaking volcanic landscape.

🔹 Mamma Mia! (2008)
The famous musical starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan was filmed on Skopelos and Skiathos. The islands' stunning beaches and distinctive architecture played a crucial role in creating the film’s unique atmosphere.

🔹 The Big Blue (1988)
Amorgos gained worldwide recognition through this film, which features the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa and the island’s mesmerizing beaches. Additional scenes were also filmed on other Cycladic islands, such as Ios and Naxos.

The choice of Greek landscapes for film productions has significantly contributed to promoting the country as a top tourist destination. The filming of major productions has enhanced the international visibility of Greek islands, attracting travelers eager to experience firsthand the magic of the locations they saw on the big screen.