Movies filmed in Croatia - filming locations you can visit by boat

Croatia has become a prime location for filmmakers seeking breathtaking scenery, rich history, and unspoiled natural beauty.  

With its sparkling Adriatic waters, medieval architecture, and picturesque coastal towns, it effortlessly transforms into mythical kingdoms, ancient cities, and Mediterranean escapes.  

Our country's landscapes have appeared in numerous productions, drawing in both Hollywood blockbusters and independent films.   

The Adriatic coastline provides an unmatched setting for epic storytelling.  

Directors and location scouts are drawn to Croatia’s well-preserved historical sites, vibrant islands, and picturesque harbors.  

The unique blend of ancient and modern, along with favorable filming conditions (as well as tax incentives), has made Croatia an attractive choice for blockbuster movies and television series.  

From medieval fortresses in Dubrovnik to secluded beaches on Vis Island, a boat trip allows travelers to relive their favorite on-screen moments while soaking in the natural beauty of the Adriatic.

How to explore these iconic film locations by yacht  

Many of these stunning locations can be explored while sailing, making it possible to immerse yourself in cinematic history from the deck of a yacht.   

Many of the country's most famous film spots are located along the coastline or on its islands, making a nautical journey the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magic of the movies.   

Sailing along the Dalmatian coast offers an immersive way to experience the cinematic magic firsthand.   

Private yacht charters, guided tours, and self-navigated voyages allow you to dock at harbors that have been immortalized on screen. From exploring Dubrovnik’s fortified walls to anchoring in the hidden bays of Vis, you can relive scenes from their favorite movies while enjoying the Adriatic’s natural splendor.

Game of Thrones: Dubrovnik as King’s Landing  

Dubrovnik’s medieval architecture and towering city walls served as the principal filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.  

The city’s narrow alleys, stone staircases, and scenic harbor provided an ideal setting for political intrigue and battle sequences.  

Notable sites include Fort Lovrijenac, depicted as the Red Keep; the Jesuit Stairs, known for Cersei's "Walk of Shame"; and the Minčeta Tower, representing the House of the Undying.  

Sailing into Dubrovnik's harbor allows fans to disembark and walk through these iconic settings  

Game of Thrones: Daenerys’ throne room in Diocletian’s Palace  

Split's Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was used to depict Daenerys Targaryen's throne room in Game of Thrones. The palace's ancient cellars and intricate architecture provided a fitting backdrop for the series. You can dock at Split's marina and explore the historic site, immersing yourself in the world of Westeros.   

Šibenik: Game of Thrones city of Braavos  

The historic city of Šibenik was used to represent Braavos in Game of Thrones. St. James Cathedral stood in as the exterior of the Iron Bank of Braavos. Sailing to Šibenik allows visitors to explore its medieval architecture and the iconic sites featured in the series  

Lokrum Island: Game of Thrones’ mysterious Qarth  

Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island stood in for Qarth, the wealthy city visited by Daenerys Targaryen.  

The island’s exotic botanical gardens and ancient monastery provided an enchanting setting for the show. Today, you can dock nearby and wander through the same locations depicted on screen.  

Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Canto Bight  

The lavish casino city of Canto Bight in Star Wars: The Last Jedi was brought to life using Dubrovnik’s historic streets.  

The transformation included futuristic lighting and extravagant set pieces, blending the city’s timeless charm with a galactic fantasy. If you are a fan, you can explore the same pathways where high-speed chase sequences were filmed while taking in the city's stunning waterfront.  

Robin Hood (2018): Dubrovnik as Medieval Nottingham  

For Robin Hood (2018), Dubrovnik’s historic center doubled as medieval Nottingham. The city’s stone buildings, narrow passageways, and dramatic fortifications seamlessly fit the film’s medieval aesthetic.  

While sailing, you can arrive by boat and disembark at the Old Harbor and explore locations used in battle sequences and marketplace scenes.  

Lee (2023): Kate Winslet’s WWII Drama in Kupari  

Kupari, located near Dubrovnik, provided the haunting setting for Lee (2023), a biographical war drama starring Kate Winslet.  

The abandoned Kupari hotel complex, once a luxury retreat, became an atmospheric filming location depicting wartime devastation.  

You can visit the nearby coastline, offering a glimpse into the eerie yet beautiful backdrop featured in the film.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)  

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) is a unique action-comedy starring Nicolas Cage as a fictionalized version of himself.  

While the film's story unfolds across various international settings, several crucial scenes were filmed in and around Dubrovnik, utilizing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and historic architecture.  

One of the primary filming locations was also Konavle and Cavtat, which provided an idyllic setting for sequences requiring natural beauty and seclusion.

The Day of the Jackal (2024)  

The adaptation of The Day of the Jackal (2024) used Istria, the cities of Rijeka and Dubrovnik, the city of Zadar, and the island of Pag among many of its filming locations.  

The production took advantage of the natural beauty and terrain to create realistic settings for the high-stakes thriller. The dramatic coastal cliffs, narrow winding streets, and historic town squares helped capture the tension and atmosphere essential to the storyline. 

Vis Island: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) Greek illusion  

Although the plot of this film takes place in Greece, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was filmed on Vis Island, using its picturesque bays and charming stone houses.  

The island’s remote location and unspoiled beauty made it an ideal substitute for a Mediterranean paradise.  

If you are a fan of this movie, you can sail into Komiža Harbor and explore Stiniva Cove, one of the film’s most recognizable backdrops.

The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021)  

The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, starring (amongst others) Samuel L. Jackson, Ryan Reynolds, and Salma Hayek, was shot in various Croatian locations, including Istria, Lim Channel, and Biševo, as well as Zagreb and Rijeka.  

The film used historic architecture and waterfront promenades to portray an action-packed setting, blending the landscape's elegance with high-intensity sequences.  

You can sail to Biševo, for example, to experience the charm of the Blue Cave while tracing the steps of the film’s stars.

Hotel Portofino (2022)  

Despite being set in the glamorous Italian Riviera, the series Hotel Portofino was primarily filmed in Croatia, which offered an ideal stand-in due to its elegant coastal towns and historic architecture. The main filming locations include the cities of Rijeka, Lovran, and Rovinj, each contributing to the show’s distinctive atmosphere.  

The villa that portrays the actual hotel in the series is located in Lovran, a scenic town along the Adriatic Sea. This early 20th-century villa, situated on the Lungomare coastal promenade, was chosen for its grand façade and period-appropriate design, perfectly matching the aesthetic of the series.

The Gray Man (2022)  

Directed by the Russo brothers, The Gray Man (2022) movie production took place across several international locations, including Croatia, contributing to the film’s distinct visual style.  

This high-octane thriller starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, used Croatia’s striking landscapes, which played a key role in enhancing the film’s atmosphere. One of the most intense sequences, set around a moat, was shot in Croatia.  

Although referred to as Zbrka Castle in the movie, the estate is actually a château in France - advanced visual effects integrated footage of a historic French landmark with Mljet Island.  

Movies filmed in Croatia—How to sail to these film locations  

Sailing along Croatia’s breathtaking coastline offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit the country’s most famous filming locations.  

By chartering a yacht or catamaran, you can navigate effortlessly between historic cities and secluded islands that have appeared in major Hollywood productions.  

We recommended a well-structured sailing itinerary for visiting multiple film locations  

in a single journey, such as:  

• Dubrovnik - the backdrop for Game of Thrones (King’s Landing) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Canto Bight)  
• Split - home to Game of Thrones scenes set in Daenerys' throne room within Diocletian’s Palace  
• Vis Island - the picturesque stand-in for Greece in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again  
• Biševo Island - a small gem near Vis, renowned for its mesmerizing Blue Cave, stunning secluded beaches, and unspoiled natural beauty  

For a more thorough review of the movies filmed in Croatia, you can opt for film-themed guided tours.  

Several local operators provide exclusive information, behind-the-scenes stories, and access to filming locations, enriching the experience with fun details about the productions shot in these breathtaking settings.   

Croatia remains a sought-after filming destination, blending rich history, diverse landscapes, and stunning coastal scenery.  

Exploring its cinematic locations by yacht or catamaran offers a unique and immersive way to connect with the country’s on-screen legacy.  

To plan the perfect film-inspired sailing adventure, charter a vessel with Jadranka Yachting and explore Croatia’s cinematic heritage in comfort and style.