Thanks to its diverse landscapes, beautiful hill country and ocean, ancient cities and low production costs, Croatia on Screen showcases some of Europe’s most desirable filming locations.
While it got its international fame through Game of Thrones and Mamma Mia: Here we go again, Croatia has continued to attract top-tier productions in the last five years.
1. The Witcher
While the Netflix series The Witcher began its production in other parts of Europe, Croatia on screen became a key location for Seasons 2 and 3.
The fantasy drama series follows Henry Cavill, a monster hunter who navigates a war-torn world filled with magic, political intrigue, and destiny.
The show was filmed in the Istrian peninsula and the coastal city of Kaštel Gomilica as well as Zala Stara Baška Beach on Krk Island. Croatia’s coastlines and historic towns made it a perfect fit for the show’s fantasy settings.
2. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is a 2021 American action-comedy film directed by Patrick Hughes. The film is a sequel to the 2017 film The Hitman’s Bodyguard and features huge names such as Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Richard E.
Filmmakers shot scenes in Rovinj, Rijeka, Karlovac, Zagreb, Jastrebarsko, Pisarovina, Motovun, Buje, Vodnjan, Lim Channel, and Biševo, showcasing Croatia’s cinematic potential for both action and glamour.
3. Murina
Winner of the Caméra d’Or at Cannes in 2021, Murina is a coming-of-age drama directed by Croatia’s very own Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović.
Filmed on the island of Hvar, the film uses the natural beauty of the Croatian coast as a backdrop to a tense family drama, reflecting both the literal and emotional isolation of its characters.
4. The Weekend Away
Leighton Meester starred in the 2022 mystery thriller, which filmmakers shot in Split and other locations along the Croatian coast.
The story revolves around a tourist’s getaway with her best friend that turns into a nightmare, with the picturesque scenery of Croatia contrasts the film’s dark themes. See the movie tralier here: The Weekend Away
5. Hotel Portofino
Set in the 1920’s, the TV show Hotel Portofino follows the daughter of a wealthy industrialist who moves to Italy British hotel in the beautiful town of Portofino, or Croatia…
Although set in Italy, the creators filmed most of the show in Opatija and Lovran, Croatia. They used the Adriatic coastline to represent the Italian Riviera, with only a few scenes actually shot in Portofino
2022’s second season was Croatia’s largest television production of that year. The production employed 135 Croatian crew, including 13 out of 14 heads of departments, and more than 800 extras.
6. McMafia
The British crime drama series McMafia stars James Norton as a London-based banker who becomes entangled in the violent world of international organised crime while trying to protect his family’s legacy.
After a long pause, the second season of McMafia returned with scenes filmed in various locations in Croatia, including Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
7. Below Deck Mediterranean
The reality series, Below Deck Mediterranean, regularly features Croatia as a luxurious yachting destination.
The series records the lives of the crew members who work and reside aboard a superyacht during a charter season in Greece, Malta, Italy, Spain, France and Croatia. Hosting glamourous guests, the crew navigates both the challenges of high-end hospitality and drama among team members.
Historic port towns Dubrovnik, Split, and Šibenik provide stunning visuals and showcase the country’s appeal as a premium travel destination.
The show has filmed multiple seasons along the Croatian coast, boosting appeal to viewers.
8. Faraway
Faraway is a relaxed romantic comedy, where a woman inherits a house on a Croatian Island and embarks on a trip that opens a door to a new love and joy in her life.
The multilingual film, shot on the islands of Brač and Šolta, is full of beautiful scenes of the Croatian landscape and Adriatic sea.
9. Canary Black
In Canary Black, Kate Beckinsale acts as a CIA agent who is blackmailed into completing missions in exchange for her kidnapped husband’s life.
The filming took place mainly in Zagreb, where shooting interrupted service for several trams to control the environment of the outdoor action scenes. They also utilised Dinamo Zagreb’s Stadion Maksimir as a movie set, and the city of Rovinj doubled for Tokyo.
10. Bliss
Finally, the sci-fi romantic drama Bliss, starring Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek, was also partially filmed in Dalmatia.
Croatia on screen locations included the historic city of Split, on the Riva promenade and the Meštrović Gallery. The island of Lopud, also served as the setting for pivotal scenes in the film. The picturesque landscapes enhance the storyline.
Why Croatia on screen Continues to Attract Filmmakers
Over the years it is clear to see that Croatia’s unique blend of natural beauty, preserved historical architecture, and favourable filming incentives continue to attract filmmakers.
While both the skilled local crew and a reputation in the global industry continue to grow, it is no surprise the country has become eye-catching to production companies.
As Croatia continues to invest in its film infrastructure, expect to see even more of its stunning landscapes on screen in the coming years.