Beautiful James Bond film locations

James Bond is one of the world’s most famous movie characters; the suave English spy whose adventures have led him to some of the most wonderful places on the planet. Whilst we can’t guarantee that you’ll get a chance to save the world, jump away from explosions and defeat the villain like 007 would, we can offer the chance to visit some of the astonishing locations where Bond’s finest moments have taken place. We’ve compiled a list of a few of the best, all of which are well worth a visit, so let’s take a

Shanghai & Skyfall

Shanghai was featured in a scene in the most recent James Bond movie, Skyfall. The bright and exotic city was chosen as a place for 007 to ‘await further instructions’, as he recovered from being shot. Skyfall featured aerial footage shot on a Chinese government helicopter, after the film crew were granted rare access to film over the incredible city. Shanghai is China’s largest and wealthiest city, and has an urban population of 22 million people. The city is famed for its bright lights, huge high-rise buildings, European style streets and art-deco buildings, but there is so much more than this to explore; from an incredible entertainment industry, to unique food and world class shopping. Shanghai’s one of those cities that you really must see to believe.

Rio & Moonraker

One of James Bond’s most exciting battles to date was filmed on cable cars from Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. In this scene in Moonraker, Roger Moore battles the steel-toothed henchman Jaws, before sliding away down the cable with the Bond girl of the day, Holly Goodhead. This scene was one of the most famous ever filmed in Rio, and did a great job of showcasing Sugar Loaf Mountain and the vibrant city below. However, the scene could have become famous for different reasons, as Bond’s stuntman, Richard Graydon, slipped and nearly fell to his death when shooting the famous battle. The home of carnivals, a world class beach, well preserved tropical forests and the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio is a unique and interesting city, and one which is meriting of a place on any traveller’s bucket list.

Chile & the Quantum of Solace

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is a colossal 1000 kilometre expanse of sand, dust and rock, and feels more like the surface of another planet than somewhere on earth. It features in the 2008 Bond movie Quantum of Solace, where Bond infiltrates the Cerro Paranal (doubling as Hotel Perla De Las Dunas), before interrogating the main villain, Dominic Greene, and leaving him stranded in the middle of the desert. It’s a fascinating place, full of large rock formations and panoramas, whilst it’s so dry that people who lived hundreds of years ago have been found remarkably preserved in the timeless desert. However, despite the bleak landscape of their homeland, the Chilean people of the desert are warm and welcoming. The town of San Pedro in particular has a charming feel and friendly locals, with a colonial centre and a church which is around 500 years old.

Valletta, Malta & The Spy Who Loved Me

Scenes from the 1977 James Bond Movie The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed in Malta’s capital city of Valletta, along with various other blockbusters such as Gladiator, Troy and Midnight Express. Valletta is a Renaissance city, and the home of wonderful artworks, elegant architecture and an enduring sense of tranquillity. It’s known as ‘The Fortress City’, and was built by the Knights of St. John from 1568, who constructed palaces for each of the nationalities in their order, known as the Auberges. As well as these, there’s the majestic Fort St Angelo and San Anton Palace to visit, along with one of the world’s most beautiful waterfronts – Valletta really does have it all!

Iguazu Falls, Moonraker

Iguazu Falls, at the border between the north of Argentina and the south of Brazil, also feature in Moonraker as the setting where 007 is forced to eject from his boat just before it reaches the massive waterfall. In the scene, Jaws himself is less lucky, as his boat topples over the waterfall, but he manages to survive. Whilst the scene was shot on location at Iguazu Falls, the boat tipping over the edge of the cliff was instead filmed at Pinewood Studios, as when the film crew attempted to release the boat over the falls, it got wedged on rocks near the edge. Iguazu falls are considered amongst the world’s most mesmerising and mighty sights; they are nearly three kilometres in length, and their power is simply astounding. The added benefit with Iguazu falls is their location, surrounded by wonderful rainforest which is alive with wildlife such as toucans, monkeys and butterflies, as well as a rich array of jungle plants and trees.

These are just 5 of the hundreds of amazing locations which our nation’s most famous hero has turned up, but they are certainly amongst the most remarkable and meriting of a visit. So why not work these incredible settings into your next holiday abroad? For the full experience, just remember to order your martini shaken, not stirred.

Now star in your very own 007 adventure

Our escorte tours will take you there and they include all flights, accommodation, transfers,entry fees and guides, plus full ABTA and ATOL protection.