Top 5 Must-See Filming Locations on the Greek Islands

The Greek islands are a filmmaker’s dream, offering a kaleidoscope of backdrops—from dramatic coastlines and volcanic cliffs to ancient ruins and vibrant harbour towns. With more than 200 inhabited islands, Greece gives productions endless options for period dramas, adventure features, commercials, music videos, and streaming originals.

These islands have hosted iconic shoots for decades. Summer Lovers turned Santorini into a global sensation, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin transformed Kefalonia into a WWII set, and the James Bond franchise leveraged Corfu’s estates for high-stakes espionage. Greece’s infrastructure, predictable weather, and cinematic colour palette keep crews returning season after season.

1. Santorini – The Jewel of the Aegean

Santorini delivers volcanic caldera vistas, Cycladic architecture, and luxury resorts that instantly elevate romance films, premium commercials, and fashion or music releases. Caldera paths allow Steadicam and drone coverage with breathtaking depth.

• Best for: High-end lifestyle, romance, wedding content, beauty campaigns.
• Production tip: Secure sunrise and sunset slots early—the island’s popularity demands professional permitting and crowd management.

2. Crete – A Land of Contrasts

Crete combines ancient palaces, rugged gorges, palm forests, and cinematic beaches within one production base. It excels at adventure features, historical dramas, and ambitious travel campaigns seeking scale.

• Best for: Historical epics, documentaries, automotive shoots, outdoor adventure.
• Production tip: Work with local fixers to navigate multi-region logistics across the island’s vast terrain.

3. Mykonos – The Cosmopolitan Playground

Mykonos brings luxury nightlife, designer villas, and energy-packed beaches that suit music videos, fashion, and entertainment brands. The Wog Boy showcased its cosmopolitan appeal, and the island continues to deliver on-camera glamour.

• Best for: Dance and pop videos, luxury brands, influencer and social-first campaigns.
• Production tip: Peak season crowds require advance venue holds and shuttle planning—local producers unlock off-hours access.

4. Corfu – The Emerald Isle

Venetian architecture, lush landscapes, and UNESCO-listed Old Town make Corfu perfect for period dramas, romantic stories, and prestige television. Productions like For Your Eyes Only leveraged its elegant estates and coastal roads.

• Best for: Period drama, romance, Mediterranean lifestyle pieces.
• Production tip: Many heritage sites require additional lead time for permitting—schedule tech recces with cultural representatives.

5. Rhodes – The Island of the Knights

Rhodes’ medieval Old Town, crusader castles, and sun-soaked beaches give fantasy series, historical documentaries, and action sequences ready-made production value. Its fortified lanes provide dramatic depth for chase sequences and dialogue scenes alike.

• Best for: Fantasy, historical series, adventure and family entertainment.
• Production tip: Filming inside UNESCO fortifications needs archaeological approval and controlled crew sizes—plan for guided access.

Find Your Perfect Island

Beyond these stars, islands like Skopelos, Skiathos, Kefalonia, and the Cyclades offer authentic villages, hidden coves, and seasonal festivals ideal for unique story beats. Our location managers scout, permit, and coordinate island logistics so your production captures the exact tone you need.

Ready to explore the archipelago? Contact our scouting team to build a custom island itinerary, or speak with a producer about aligning incentives, schedules, and crew.