Film and TV capture our imaginations like little else does. Watching a story unfold in a visually captivating setting is the best way to experience the world from the comfort of your home or the sanctuary of a cinema. But visiting in person? That’s simply unbeatable. “Set jetting” to destinations you’ve seen on screen, in many ways, completes the viewing experience!
In our opinion, a luxury villa holiday to on-screen locations is a must-have on your travel bucket list. It’s the ultimate way to make dreams come true. Who wouldn’t want to relax in scenic splendour while walking in the steps of celebrities? Read on to discover some of the top destinations to travel to in Europe to get behind the scenes of the blockbusters…
Provence, France
When browsing luxury villas in Provence, you can’t help but feel enamoured. Lavender fields, inimitable Provençal charm, drinks with a view in French wine country… the beauty is magnetising. Hence, the region served as a set for Love Actually (2003). Colin Firth’s character seeks to disconnect from the world after uncovering an unfortunate truth in his life (no spoilers!). Of course, there’s no better place to do that than the South of France. He retreats to a lakeside French cottage, which can be found to this day in Vidauban in Provence. This small, quaint town is about 1.5 hours from Marseilles airport and is a great sightseeing pit stop before settling into your holiday.
Though the house itself isn’t available to visit, there are a number of luxury villas in Provence at your disposal. Just a 40-minute drive away is a stunningly restored Bastide, sleeping up to 18 guests; Villa Clos Mireille sits on a 54-hectare estate of Côtes de Provence vines famous for rosé wine production. It would be difficult to find somewhere more suited to replicating the Provençal imagery we see on screen. On top of its farmhouse charm, it also boasts rare private beach access, as pictured above.
Moreover, the Oscar-winning French musical adaptation of Les Misérables (2012) had its time in Provence. Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean lamented life’s obstacles after his release from servitude at the Gourdon Fountain near Nice. And for those with a heart for nostalgia, the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) filmed its “English” beach scenes at Cap Taillat, around a 30-minute drive from the gorgeous luxury villas of St Tropez.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany has to be one of the most romantic holiday destinations in Europe. Florence, the region’s capital, is a popular honeymoon destination, the restaurants and views acting as a natural aphrodisiac. In more rural areas, the rolling wine country hills are a picturesque backdrop for engagements. Out of all set jetting destinations, Tuscany is a favourite among twin flames with a penchant for amorous films. Letters to Juliet (2010), while set in fair Verona, found the Tuscan countryside to be an ideal on-screen location for the film, with Amanda Seyfried no doubt enjoying the riches of the region during filming. In addition, Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) explored, as the name would suggest, a variety of Tuscany gems. One such location used was the beautiful Umbria region, home to some stunning luxury villas that make the choice of Umbria or Tuscany more difficult!
Of course, as any substantial region should be, Tuscany is extremely multifaceted. It’s not just a romantic destination but a mysterious, adventurous, and historic one. Award-winning films like A Room with a View (1985) and Gladiator (2000) filmed in Tuscany! It has the ability to represent any era, from ancient ages to modern day, looking accurate for any time period. So when it served as a double for the Spanish hometown from which Maximus hailed in 180 AD, there was no need for suspension of disbelief; it was a setting that just made sense. In modern times, the ancient relics of the past remain but are complemented by a thriving tourism scene. However, the secluded villa holiday experience remains, especially at the luxury villa estates of Tuscany, such as the Borgo Pignano Estate.
Capri, Italy
If you want to travel to movie locations, then Capri is one of the finest luxury destinations in Italy for it. Its history as one of the iconic set jetting destinations begins in the glamorous golden age of Hollywood. Walking back in time, it was the on-screen location for It Started in Naples (1960), featuring Sophia Loren and Clark Gable. Landmark cinephile favourites like The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) also found their home in Capri, and more contemporarily, the exciting black comedy sequel Another Simple Favour (2018), starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively.
When you travel to film locations like Capri, you can see the intuitively dreamlike nature that entrances audiences. Colourful houses, boats bobbing on the water, Michelin-starred restaurants… it’s a true jewel in the Bay of Naples. You arrive by boat, as this 10km² landmass has no airports, contributing to the scenic appeal. The smell of the native flora entangled with the fresh seafood and salty sea is hypnotising, something you can’t get from watching on screen.
Villa holidays in Capri reveal the most treasured parts of an Italian summer retreat. Live the life of the movie stars like Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning from their adventures filming the TV show Ripley (2024), driving along Via Marina Grande with the wind in your hair. Of course, you can also spend your days avoiding any dramatics of the screen and bask in the sunshine in your luxury holiday home with a pool. The choice is yours; you are your own director!
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
A relatively recent boom in Croatia’s tourism has made it a Hollywood hotspot. It was considered a “hidden gem” for a long time, but its glorious beaches and architecture have finally gained recognition. It has an almost otherworldly feel to it, the mixture of terrain a great credit to its beauty, especially along the Dalmatian Coast. That mystical atmosphere has lent itself greatly to cinema, such as in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). Dubrovnik served as the set for Canto Bight, a casino city visited by the heroes of the story. The tall looming hills and shimmering coastline of this UNESCO site were a perfect match, although if you visit the locations for Star Wars, you’ll find a far more down-to-earth beauty in these set jetting destinations.
The historical streets of the city of Dubrovnik offer an alternative setting, where cultural heritage comes to life. Or, in the case of Game of Thrones (2011-2019), a fictionalised heritage. The world of dragons and magic filmed a huge portion of its scenes on the Croatian Islands and mainland. In fact, the series has stapled its identity solidly into the area, with Dubrovnik walking tours taking visitors from King’s Landing to the Red Keep and beyond.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022), starring Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal, also had a long stay in Croatia, filming in locations such as Čilipi Airport and Trestno. The latter is also home to one of the best luxury villas on the Dalmatian Coast, aptly named La Villa!
Mallorca, Balearics
A villa holiday in Mallorca is breathtaking, no matter the motive for the visit. Luxury bars to enjoy on the sandy shores, boutique shopping for every taste, and walks down the Mediterranean cobbles are just a few of the highlights. Film directors and producers who have experienced the same standout features thought the same thing. And so, Mallorca has become one of the on-screen locations for many films and TV shows!
Perhaps the most well-known film to feature Mallorca in recent years is the adaptation of Jojo Moyes’ novel Me Before You (2016), with Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke. The central characters’ blossoming romance comes to a head on their magical Mallorca beach holiday. The setting provides a respite from the tragedy of their story, a sanctuary to relax them both. With temperatures frequently reaching over 30°C and a wealth of luxury Mallorca villas, it’s an easy distraction from the everyday.
On the other side of the coin, a more sinister series has been filmed in Mallorca. The Night Manager (2016), starring Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, as well as big-name stars like Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie. It showcases a little more of the island, including Palma’s Old Town and the Horrach Moyà art gallery. There’s a great deal of culture in Mallorca, which deserves to be celebrated. This culture abounds on the show, but in our humble opinion, you’d find far more joy by visiting in person!
We’ve all dreamed of stepping into our screens and experiencing a film in 4D. So when they’re real places, why not visit these set jetting destinations? Get in touch with our Villas Specialists today by sending an email, or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203656. Our team is ready and willing to find you the best property for your villa holidays in Europe!
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