GrownUps New Zealand

Top 10 beaches you’ll recognise from the movies

From comedies to dramas, film directors are always on the search for gorgeous beaches. And the good news is, it’s surprisingly easy to track down your favourite stretches of sand.

Ko Phi Phi Le, Thailand

Made famous by: The Beach

Nothing says “tropical paradise” quite like Ko Phi Phi Le, a dreamy island in Thailand’s Phi Phi archipelago. It shot to fame when it was used as a filming location for The Beach, a cult adventure drama starring a young and very handsome Leonardo DiCaprio.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Made famous by: Jaws

Love by the likes of Barack Obama and Reese Witherspoon, Martha’s Vineyard is one of America’s most coveted summer destinations. The Cape Cod gem is dotted with picturesque lighthouses, breezy cafes, colourful lobster shacks and adorable historic homes. Martha’s Vineyard also happens to be a major filming location for Jaws, which you may recognise as Amity Island.

St. Vincent, The Grenadines

Made famous by: Pirates of the Caribbean

Who didn’t fall head over heels for Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean? St. Vincent served as the location for Port Royal, the famed pirate town in Jamaica. You can even stay at the characterful Wallilabou Anchorage Hotel, which can be spotted in some of the scenes.

Monuriki, Fiji

Made famous by: Castaway

Wilson? Wilson! Immortalised in Castaway, Monuriki is a postcard-perfect island fringed by swaying palms and sugar white sand. It was used as a primary film location for the Tom Hanks blockbuster, and while it’s still uninhabited you can visit is as part of a day trip.

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Made famous by: countless films

While Waikiki dazzles visitors with its golden sand and aquamarine water, the pastel pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel steals the spotlight. The 90-year-old luxury property has hosted countless movies over the decades, including Tim Burton’s ‘ Big Eyes’ biopic about American artist Margaret Keane.

 

Devil’s Beach, Fiji

Made famous by: The Blue Lagoon 

Want to make a splash on the beach where Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins fell wildly in lust? Head to Fiji, where sun-drenched islands harbour dreamy stretches of sand like Devil’s Beach.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Made famous by: The Goonies

If you had little ones that watched The Goonies on repeat you’ll probably recognise Cannon Beach. This dramatic stretch of sand sits on the coast of Oregon and was used to film the scene where Fratellis escapes from the police on a bike. Today it’s a gorgeous spot to stroll, kayak and spot tufted puffins.

Cove Beach, The Bahamas

Made famous by: Casino Royale

James Bond is famously suave, so it’s only natural that Cove Beach was used to film the opening scenes for Casino Royale. The stretch of sand fringes the ultra-luxurious Paradise Island private resort in the Bahamas.

 

West Sands Beach, Scotland

Made famous by: Chariots of Fire

Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ve probably hummed along to the legendary opening score composed by Vangelis Papathanassiou.

Skopelos, Skiathos and Damouhari Pelion, Greece

Made famous by: Mama Mia

Who wasn’t enchanted by the stunning Greek islands where Mama Mia was filmed? If you want to wander around whitewashed villages, cool off in aquamarine water and belt out Abba songs, a spell in these magnificent islands is a must.

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