Greece has long captivated the imagination of filmmakers and authors, serving as an iconic backdrop for countless works of film and literature. From the sweeping vistas of Santorini in romantic dramas to the ancient ruins of Athens in historical epics, Greece’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage have inspired a multitude of creative endeavours.
This enduring fascination with Greece, reflected through diverse narratives and cinematic masterpieces, underscores the country’s profound influence on global storytelling and its timeless appeal as a literary and cinematic muse.
One figure to become particularly enamoured with Greece was British writer Gerald Durrell. His Corfu Trilogy vividly depicts the island’s enchanting landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and the colourful charm of its inhabitants. Through his evocative prose, Durrell paints a picture of Corfu as a paradise of natural beauty and simple pleasures, seen through the eyes of his younger self and his eccentric family.
His most famous work, My Family and Other Animals, has inspired various television adaptations. ITV series The Durrells, in particular, has translated the humour, warmth, and whimsical spirit of the books, allowing a new generation to fall in love with the lush, sun-drenched landscapes that characterise Durrell’s vision of the island. The series was shot in Corfu, in beautiful, historical house – Villa Posillipo.
Corfu also makes a memorable appearance in the 1981 Bond film For Your Eyes Only. The island provides a particularly scenic backdrop for various of the film’s most dramatic action sequences, including a chase scene around The Old Fortress in Corfu Town and a stand-off between Bond, played by Roger Moore, and a Spanish hitman at the clifftop Villa Gia.
The neighbouring Ionian island of Paxos has recently been making headlines as the picturesque setting for the Greek Netflix drama Maestro in Blue. The series tells the story of a music teacher who travels to the island during the COVID pandemic to set up a music festival there. The show does much to highlight Paxos’ natural beauty of the island, providing a particularly romantic setting for the series’ central love affair, with its vast swathes of olive groves, crystal-clear waters and picturesque little towns.
Arguably the most famous film to be shot in Greece is Mamma Mia. The movie has become synonymous with the joyful exuberance of island life, with Meryl Streep and the rest of the all-star cast breaking into extravagant routines on pristine white sand beaches and idyllic hilltop chapels. The film was shot on Skiathos and neighbouring Skopelos, celebrating the mythical glory of the Greek islands with sweeping shots across lush, forested hillsides and crystalline coast.
But it’s not just the islands that get a look-in when it comes to providing scenic settings for Hollywood blockbusters. The 2022 whodunnit Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery was shot on the Peloponnese peninsula after the film’s production designer Rick Heinrichs became enchanted by a luxury resort called Amanzoe in the coastal town of Porto Heli.
The Peloponnese, with its dense greenery, soaring mountains and pristine coastline, has long been inspiring creatives from around the world. Most notably, renowned British author and adventurer Patrick Leigh Fermor forged a deep and lasting connection to the region. Captivated by its rugged landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Fermor made his home in the seaside town of Kardamyli. His experiences and interactions with the local population are vividly chronicled in his acclaimed travel writings, such as Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese. Fermor’s home in Kardamyli, which is today available for private rentals, became a cultural hub, hosting writers, artists, and travellers, further cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in celebrating and preserving the essence of the Peloponnese.
