5 Perfect Movies to Watch if You’re Planning a Greece Vacation

There are several universally acclaimed vacation destinations that always sound like a great idea. Be it Italy with its chef’s kiss cuisine and stunningly beautiful landscapes, or the UAE’s Dubai with its skyscrapers and safaris, or the picturesque Thai beaches… but hey, let’s not forget just how perfect (and cinematic!) Greece is.

Greece is a country rich in history and culture. Its landscapes are simply breathtaking and its natural beauty is so fresh and peaceful. If you are a history fan, then your best choice will be to visit all the ancient ruins. If you are a fan of laid-back lifestyle and only come for the food and the beaches, the whole Mediterranean coastline is there for you.

And it’s so convenient that there are movies to help you understand what kind of vacation awaits you either way. For example, that you will almost certainly end up befriending a loud Greek family and becoming part of their culture in a matter of days.

So here are 5 movies you simply must watch before you go to Greece.

1. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

The first choice, of course, is this amazing rom-com that has become a staple of movies about Greeks. Although it’s not actually set in Greece, it tells the story of Greek immigrants who make sure that the culture and traditions stay the same while living in America.

The story revolves around a Greek-American woman named Toula, played by Nia Vardalos, who falls in love with a non-Greek man named Ian, played by John Corbett. And as you can imagine, that’s a big no to her family.

So Toula and Ian have to make sure they earn the love of their elders and get their blessing to get married. The movie humorously explores the cultural differences and family ties that define Greek life, while showcasing Greek traditions, food and values.

There’s probably no better way to get into the Greek vacation spirit than by watching the beloved musical Mamma Mia!. Set on the beautiful island of Skopelos, this feel-good movie brings together catchy ABBA songs, breathtaking scenery and of course a heartwarming story about family bonds and self-discovery.

You won’t learn anything about Greek culture after watching this movie, but it will be a sneak peek into the beautiful country landscapes that will be awaiting you in Greece.

3. Zorba the Greek (1964)

But if you’re looking to dive deep into culture and history, this old-school gem is your best bet. Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, this classic film tells the story of a British writer who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a free-spirited Greek named Zorba.

The movie is set in Crete, Greece’s largest island, and is a perfect way for you to see the real Greek experience before you actually travel there. The vibrant music, especially the famous Zorba’s Dance, and the portrayal of Greek life, from the local traditions to the spirited approach to life, will surely make you appreciate the laid-back yet passionate nature of Greek life.

4. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

While not entirely set in Greece, a significant part of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants still takes place on the Greek island of Santorini. The story at the center of the movie follows four friends who share a magical pair of pants (that fits each of them perfectly).

One of the girls, Lena, spends the summer in Greece with her grandparents. And it’s exactly the time she experiences love and self-discovery against the backdrop of Santorini’s iconic blue-domed churches and little white houses drowning in flowers.

5. My Life in Ruins (2009)

Starring My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s Nia Vardalos, My Life in Ruins is a lighthearted romantic comedy that explores the beauty and charm of Greece’s historical sites. The film follows Georgia, a tour guide who’s a little exhausted from her job showing tourists around ancient ruins and historical landmarks. But soon enough, thanks to the beauty of her country, she discovers a renewed sense of purpose and love.