Ever watched a movie and thought, “Where is that gorgeous place, and how do I get there immediately?” Italian towns have a knack for making us fall head over heels through our screens. From romantic comedies to action thrillers, these picturesque locations don’t just provide backdrops—they become characters themselves.
Let’s take a cinematic tour of four Italian towns that have graced our favorite films and made us add destinations to our travel bucket lists.
Positano: Under the Tuscan Sun and Beyond
Positano clings to the Amalfi Coast like colorful confetti scattered down a cliffside. This vertical village became a star when Diane Lane’s character discovered la dolce vita in Under the Tuscan Sun. Those cascading houses painted in shades of peach, yellow, and coral create Instagram-worthy shots at every turn.
The town’s winding staircases and hidden terraces have also appeared in The Talented Mr. Ripley, where Matt Damon’s character navigated both the steep streets and his complicated schemes. There’s a reason Positano is one of the top Italian hill towns: walking through it feels like stepping into a postcard.
Taormina: Sicily’s Cinematic Gem
Sicily’s Taormina has been seducing filmmakers since the early days of cinema. This hillside town overlooking Mount Etna starred in The Godfather trilogy, where its ancient Greek theater provided a dramatic setting for family drama. More recently, White Lotus Season 2 showcased Taormina’s luxury hotels and stunning coastline, proving this destination never goes out of style.
The town’s medieval streets and panoramic views make every corner photogenic. Visitors can sip wine at the same café where characters plotted their next moves or simply enjoy the view that has captivated audiences for decades.
Matera: Ancient Streets Meet Modern Filmmaking
Matera’s cave dwellings and ancient stone architecture have transformed this southern Italian city into a versatile film set. The town doubled as ancient Jerusalem in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and more recently served as the backdrop for the 2021 James Bond film No Time to Die.
These “sassi” (stone dwellings) carved into limestone cliffs create an otherworldly atmosphere. What makes Matera special is how it seamlessly blends its ancient past with modern life—locals still live in renovated cave houses that date back thousands of years.
Venice: The Ultimate Movie Set
No list of cinematic Italian towns would be complete without Venice. This floating city has starred in everything from romantic comedies like The Tourist to action sequences in multiple Bond films. Venice’s canals, bridges, and palazzos provide instant drama and elegance to any scene.
The city’s unique architecture and waterways make it unmistakably Italian, yet completely unlike anywhere else in the country. Whether characters are chasing each other through narrow alleys or sharing romantic gondola rides, Venice delivers cinematic gold every time.
Pack Your Bags (and Your Movie Knowledge)
These Italian towns prove that sometimes the best travel inspiration comes from the movies. Each destination offers its own slice of cinematic history, stunning views, and enough charm to make you feel like the star of your own film. Just remember to book accommodations early—apparently, everyone else had the same movie-inspired travel ideas.