Europe’s stunning landscapes and historic cities have long been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers, offering a rich tapestry of settings that bring stories to life on the big screen. For movie enthusiasts and travel lovers alike, combining a European cruise with visits to iconic filming locations creates an unforgettable journey through both real and fictional worlds.
This article explores some of the best filming locations you can discover while cruising through Europe’s picturesque waters, allowing you to step into the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows.
The Mediterranean Marvels
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones
Dubrovnik’s ancient walls and terracotta rooftops transformed this Croatian gem into King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in HBO’s Game of Thrones. As your cruise ship docks in this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can walk the same streets as Cersei Lannister during her walk of atonement or climb the steps to Lovrijenac Fortress, which doubled as the Red Keep.
Greek Islands – Mamma Mia!
The crystal-clear waters and white-washed buildings of the Greek Islands provided the perfect setting for the musical romantic comedy Mamma Mia! While the fictional island of Kalokairi doesn’t exist, you can visit Skopelos and Skiathos, where much of the movie was filmed.
Don’t miss the chance to climb the 199 steps to the chapel of Agios Ioannis Sto Kastri, the location of Sophie’s wedding in the film.
Malta – Gladiator and Game of Thrones
Malta’s ancient architecture and dramatic coastlines have made it a favorite for historical epics and fantasy series alike. Fort Ricasoli in Valletta served as ancient Rome in Gladiator, while the walled city of Mdina became King’s Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones.
A shore excursion to these locations offers a journey through both cinematic and real-world history.
The Atlantic Coast
Cornwall, England – Poldark
The rugged coastline of Cornwall has been beautifully showcased in the BBC’s adaptation of Poldark. As your cruise ship sails along the English coast, you might spot Holywell Bay Beach, where many of the show’s dramatic horseback riding scenes were filmed.
A visit to the picturesque fishing village of Charlestown, which stood in for Truro in the series, is like stepping back in time to 18th-century Cornwall.
Northern Delights
Bergen, Norway – Ex Machina
While much of Ex Machina was filmed in studio sets, the breathtaking exterior shots were captured in and around Bergen, Norway. The Juvet Landscape Hotel, nestled in the Norwegian wilderness, served as the high-tech home of the film’s reclusive tech billionaire.
A cruise stop in Bergen offers the opportunity to explore this futuristic location set against a backdrop of fjords and forests.
Reykjavik, Iceland – Game of Thrones and Interstellar
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes have made it a go-to location for films set in fantastical or alien environments. Many scenes “north of the Wall” in Game of Thrones were filmed here, as were the ice planet scenes in Interstellar.
A cruise to Reykjavik can be combined with excursions to locations like Thingvellir National Park, where the dramatic meeting of tectonic plates created the perfect backdrop for the Eyrie in Game of Thrones.
Mediterranean Island Hopping
As you sail to Mamma Mia film locations in Croatia, you’ll be treated to a visual feast of azure waters and charming coastal towns that captivated audiences worldwide. The Dalmatian Coast offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cinematic magic, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sun-soaked atmosphere that made the movie so irresistible.
A European cruise that incorporates visits to famous filming locations offers a unique way to experience the continent’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean to the dramatic fjords of Norway, each destination provides an opportunity to step into the worlds of beloved films and TV shows while creating your own unforgettable memories.
Featured photo by PeopleImages via iStock.
