Put your feet up and discover an exotic cove or wild seashore on a vicarious trip to any of these cinematic beaches.
LessSeen in: Rogue One (2016). The stark location of Planet Lah Mu, where Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is separated from her parents, is Iceland’s black sand Reynisfjara, guarded by enormous sea stacks and pounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
Seen in: Dunkirk (2017). Christopher Nolan’s cinematic rendition of the horror of war and the civilian bravery during the rescue is at odds with the peaceful stretch of sand that stretches north towards Belgium, so head to the Dunkirk Museum 1940 to get a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded as the battle raged on the beach.
Seen in: Descendants (2011). Lush green slopes with cascading waterfalls tumble down to the shore, providing unsurpassable cinematic scenery. Hanalei also escapes the crowds that gather in some of the other resorts like Waikiki in the island of Oahu. Linger in hip Hanalei Town to discover its emerging food scene and sample local specials such as Hawaiian-style chicken katsu and fish tacos.
Seen in: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). Whitehaven Beach is in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, with miles of white quartz sand, translucent water and flourishing tropical plant life, which guarantees its ranking as one of the most beautiful shores on Earth. Take a short bush walk to Hill Inlet where the view of the 7km stretch of sand provides the ultimate Instagram moment.
Seen in: Inception (2010). Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in California is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that lead to jagged bluffs with commanding views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Visitors should note that part of the park is currently closed off due to cliff erosion.
Seen in: About Time (2013). Sheltered by high headlands to the east, this English curved sand and shingle beach slopes gradually into the sea. It’s generally a safe swimming area, and visitors should be aware that summertime bathers tend to wear considerably less clothing than Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) or his father at the far end of the beach.
Seen in: Skyfall (2012). Secluded Koca Çalış in Turkey is 5km of sandy beach fringed by the warm water of the Aegean Sea, with a low-key selection of cafés and restaurants. Head towards nearby Fethiye to discover the Lycian Rock Tombs carved into a mountainside, with staggering views back to the coast.
Seen in: Wonder Woman (2017). Visitors with deep wallets head north to the pretty Italian village of Ravello to stay at Villa Cimbrone and enjoy the 1000ft-high views over the Amalfi Coast from its terrace, which also features in the movie.
Seen in: On Chesil Beach (2018). The beach – the longest in Great Britain – is separated from the mainland by a lagoon and its rugged beauty was chiselled by the wind and ocean that pounds the Dorset coast. Seafood doesn’t come any fresher than the hearty fare served at the Crab House Café, which faces the lagoon.