7 Iconic James Bond Destinations

The James Bond series is the most indelible in cinematic history, with a $5 billion windfall from some 22 films. From Dr. No to Quantum of Solace, 007 always seems to find himself in the most exotic destinations. Here are 7 in particular that stand out.

1. Bimini
One of the main sets in License to Kill, Bimini is a notable district of the Bahamas. Bimini consist of two islands, North and South Bimini, separated by a narrow channel. South Bimini has a small airport and a few hotels but North Bimini is the main hub of activity and heralded among international anglers. Ernest Hemingway was sufficiently inspired while on a fishing expedition to write The Old Man and the Sea.

Image by mattk1979

2. Metéora
A prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece, Metéora was a backdrop in For Your Eyes Only. In the film, the monastery complex was the hideout of Bond nemesis Kristatos. Kalambaka, a town at the base of Metéora, provides efficient access to the remarkable site. For more on Metéora, check out our recent feature on the incomparable Greek treasure.

Image by Thomas Depenbusch

3. Nassau
Back to the Bahamas, the city of Nassau is a popular Bond haunt. The Bahamas capital has had stints in Thunderball, Never Say Never Again and Casino Royale. From colonial architecture to vibrant festivals, Nassau has a singular breezy charm and happily, offers a lot more than just sun, sand and surf.

Image by Mini D

4. Costa Smeralda
The elegant Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast, is a desirable holiday resort on the nonpareil island of Sardinia. A fashionable target for Europe’s jet set, the seaside community of Porto Cerve was a memorable backdrop in The Spy Who Loved Me. The tiny town is a popular stop for fat cats who dock at the state-of-the-art Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

Image by Wikimedia Commons

5. Estoril
The seaside resort of Estorial is a popular escape from Lisbon and a wonderful gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sintra and affluent town of Cascais. The famous Estoril Casino and Palace Hotel was perhaps the most memorable feature of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, other than George Lazenby’s wan performance, of course.

Image by Wikimedia Commons

6. Paradise Island
The affordable and convenient proximity of the Bahamas to the United States of America made Paradise Island the obvious and attractive choice for scenes in Thunderball and Casino Royale. The island’s claim to fame of course, is the massive Las Vegas-like Atlantis resort, a self-contained leisure city whose leviathan development seems to know no bounds.

Image by Wikimedia Commons

7. Talamone
Set on a rocky promontory over the Maremma nature reserve and Tyrrhenian Sea, the ancient Etruscan town of Talamone is a gem. A mere 175 km south of Florence hotels, Talamone is a telltale Tuscan treasure and the bucolic backdrop of the most recent 007 installment, Quantum of Solace. Other remarkable comuni in Italy that made their way into the film include Maratea, Craco, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda and Tremosine.

Image by Robi Ferrari