Whether you like action movies or not, you’ve got to hand it to their production teams…they know how to choose the right locations, and how to show them off to their best advantage. Italy, with its coastline and picturesque villages, is often an ideal backdrop for action films. When we leave the cinema, we often think we’d like to spend our next vacation there. So today, we’re uncovering a few of Italy’s film destinations for you, so all you have to do is make the trip.
The Amalfi Coast
Tenet (2020)
Tenet is the latest addition to this selection, allowing us to marvel at the beautiful scenery of the Amalfi coast and the charming little port town of Amalfi, the holiday resort of the story’s great villain.
While not everyone can moor their luxury yacht here, it’s easy to get to/from Naples, hike along the coast, or embark on a scuba-diving expedition to discover its underwater treasures.
Access: Naples can be reached by ferry (tickets bookable on Ferryscanner), and then it’s just a short drive by car or bus.
Villa Bablianello
Casino royale (2006)
Located on the shores of Lake Come, this magnificent villa is where James Bond rests after being tortured by Le Chiffre, and strikes up a romance with the beautiful Esther. Seeing this place on screen makes us think we’d love to spend our convalescence there too. Fortunately, you don’t have to be tortured to visit the site: a simple entrance ticket or a boat trip on the lake is all you need to admire its wonders.
It’s also where the scenes of Anakin and Padmé Amidala’s budding love affair in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones were filmed.
But since we’re talking about Casino Royale, how can we not mention noble Venice, where the film’s final scenes were shot, and whose winding streets invite mystery and romance?
Access: Lake Como can be reached by car or bus from Milan. As for Venice, the best way to get there is by ferry (tickets bookable on Ferryscanner).
Erice
Aquaman (2018)
Anyone who’s seen this superhero movie probably couldn’t help thinking that the small Italian village where the two heroes search for the location of the Heart of the Ocean before being attacked by Black Manta and his henchmen would still make a fine holiday destination. Well, the set may have been mostly created in a studio for filming, but it was largely inspired by the Sicilian villages of Erice and Taormina, both of which are stunning locations. Don’t worry, the damage caused by the fierce battle is fictitious or has already been repaired.
Access: The best way to get to Erice is to take the ferry to Trapani, take the bus a little further and you’re there.
Castel del Monte
The American (2010)
In this film, an experienced hitman played by George Clooney finds himself in the picturesque Italian village of Castel del Monte to carry out his latest mission.
Narrow, steep-sided streets give this small Abruzzo village an atmosphere worthy of a good detective story, but its tranquillity invites you to stroll around, and there are some wonderful hikes to be had in the surrounding area and the ruins of a medieval fortress to explore.
Access: Situated in the Abruzzo region, it can be reached by bus or car, especially from Rome, and is a great base for visiting the many other sites of interest in the area.