Crete’s famous film Locations, Crete Island is famous for its golden beaches, crystal clear waters, history, gastronomy, nature and more. Tourists from all over the globe choose this destination and explore the wilderness yet peace of Crete. The attention, however, for its uniqueness was appreciated also from various film producers, as parts of Crete were characterized as a destination with fresh and wild spots for a variety of films.
Crete’s famous film Locations, Chania: Car with automatic transmission in Crete
And is there a better way to meet these unique movie scenes than renting a reliable car and start your journey? Many of these destinations- Stavros Beach or Elounda village- is best reached by car. By renting a car you have the opportunity to shape your holidays at your own pace, as our reliable vehicles give you the security you need to create your own movie adventure on wheels.
Crete’s famous film Locations, Some of the most famous film productions include:
- Zorba the Greek (1964): Filmed on Stavros Beach near Akrotiri of Chania area, this classic movie gave the worlds famous “Zorba’s dance”.
- The Moon- Spinners (1964): Another Disney mystery film starring Hayley Mills were shot in Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, presenting Crete’s beautiful coastline.
- The Two Faces of January (2014): A thriller movie featuring Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst showed unique alleys of Chania Old Town and the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion.
- The 11th Day: Crete 1941 (2005): This documentary reveals Crete’s role in WWII by including rare interviews with Patrick Leigh Fermor and other historical events.
- Moonflower Murders (2024): This sequel to Magpie Murders, showed the investigation of a murder in a seaside village, with scenes filmed in Crete.
- Arcadia (2024): A Fantasy drama film that premiered in the 74th Berlin International Film Festival and directed by Yiorgos Zois.
A Road Trip Itinerary through Crete’s Film Spots:
Palace of Knossos- Heraklion
Near Heraklion city visit Knossos Palace, where The Two Faces of January filmed, and step into Europe’s oldest civilization.
Elounda & Agios Nikolaos – Disney’s Moon-Spinners
Drive east along the coast (approx. 1.5 hrs) by car. These seaside towns were transformed into magical backdrops for Disney’s 1960s adventure. Perfect for film buffs and beach lovers alike.
Chania – Old Town & Stavros Beach
Crete’s famous film Locations, Head west (approx. 3 hrs from Heraklion) by car. Stroll through Chania’s Venetian harbor, often used in films, then head to Stavros Beach, where Anthony Quinn danced into cinema history in Zorba the Greek. Chania film festival is a proof the place is amazingly beautiful for shooting films.
Rethymno Old Town: Rethymno’s narrow streets, fortresses, and Ottoman architecture starred in period dramas and offer countless photo opportunities. Easily accessible by car and its approximately 1 hour and 20min from Heraklion and Chania respectively. Crete’s famous film Locations.
Travel tips for film enthusiasts:
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn provide a pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
- Bring a camera: Many film locations remain unchanged, so you can recreate your favorite movie scenes.
- Combine culture & cinema: After visiting a movie spot, explore nearby tavernas, wineries, or gorges for a full Cretan experience.
Renting a car provides:
- Freedom & flexibility
- Comfort – Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers.
- Convenience – Pick up directly at Heraklion or Chania Airport.
With your own car, you’re not just visiting Crete—you’re starring in your own adventure.