Big Fat Greek Locations: Exploring The Filming Spots Of The Beloved Sequel

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 was filmed entirely in Greece, including in the capital city of Athens and on the island of Corfu. The film's writer, director, executive producer, and star Nia Vardalos said she wanted to capture Greece with magical realism.

Athens airport was transformed into Chicago's O'Hare airport

Vardalos describes how Armstrong would "squint his eyes and turn his head sideways" when walking through a location, and visualise how it could be transformed. This is how they were able to make Athens Airport resemble O'Hare.

The film is set in both Chicago and Greece, but was filmed entirely in Greece. Vardalos explains that this was made possible thanks to a Greek tax credit, which made filming in the country more financially viable.

The film's locations also include a house in a wealthy suburb of Athens, which was used as the interior of the Portokalos family home. The historic neighbourhood of Plaka, known for its neoclassical architecture, narrow streets, and quaint village feel, was also used for several scenes.

The cast also travelled to the island of Corfu, filming in the neoclassical village of Varipatades and showcasing the island's stunning castles. Other filming locations included Santorini, Paros, Crete, and Hydra.

The film was shot in the historic neighbourhood of Plaka

Plaka was once a nightclub district, but most venues closed down when the government outlawed amplified music in the 1970s. Now, it is an area filled with restaurants and tourist shops. The neighbourhood is mostly closed to automobile traffic, although motorcycles and delivery trucks can still be spotted.

Writer and director Nia Vardalos specifically sought to film in Plaka to showcase the neoclassical architecture of the area. In an interview, Vardalos shared that her overarching theme for the film was that "immigrants and migrants, most often, do not go by choice. They go because they are left with no choice". She wanted to showcase the beauty that surrounds them in their new homes, and Plaka, with its stunning architecture, was the perfect backdrop for this vision.

Corfu's neoclassical village of Varipatades was a key location

The Corfiot neoclassical village of Varipatades was a key location in the filming of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3'. The village is built on the slopes of a hill and is characterised as a preserved settlement. It is known for its unique, traditional character, with no modern structures that alter its historic charm. The village is surrounded by the famous Corfiot olive grove and boasts stunning views from the hilltop.

Varipatades was chosen for its representation of the dream that director Nia Vardalos and production designer Grant Armstrong had for the paternal village and house of the Portokalos family. The village's neoclassical architecture, with its straight lines, geometric shapes, and pale colour palettes, aligned perfectly with their vision. The balance of these elements, along with the natural beauty of the island, made Corfu an ideal place to shoot the film.

The village's small traditional square, dominated by the church of Agios Stefanos, served as a meeting point for locals and visitors. The long mansions with pastel colours and beige tiles added to the desired aesthetic. The production team also discovered that only 20 people lived in Varipatades during the winter, making it an ideal base for filming.

The choice of Varipatades as a filming location contributed to the authenticity and visual appeal of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3'. It provided a backdrop that captured the beauty and history of Greece, enhancing the overall experience of the movie for audiences.

Santorini was used for a night wedding scene

The decision to film in Santorini was part of writer-director Nia Vardalos' vision to capture Greece with "magical realism". Vardalos wanted to avoid visual cliches and present a fresh and vibrant portrayal of the country. She worked closely with cinematographer Barry Peterson and production designer Grant Armstrong to achieve her desired aesthetic, paying careful attention to colour palettes and costumes.

The film's storyline centres on the Portokalos family, who travel to Greece for a family reunion following the death of their patriarch, Gus. The film is set in both Chicago and Greece but was filmed entirely in Greece, with locations including Athens, Corfu, Santorini, Paros, Hydra, and Crete.

The film also features coastlines of Paros, Hydra, and Crete

The film 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' features several coastline shots of the Greek islands Paros, Hydra, and Crete. The film's writer, director, executive producer, and star Nia Vardalos, wanted to capture the "magical realism" of Greece. Vardalos aimed to showcase the country's beauty and avoid visual clichés. She worked closely with cinematographer Barry Peterson and production designer Grant Armstrong to achieve her vision.

The coastline views of Paros, Hydra, and Crete add to the picturesque landscapes and vibrant atmosphere of Greece, enhancing the film's enthralling and all-encompassing experience. Vardalos wanted to showcase a different side of Greece, one that felt nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

The inclusion of these coastline shots in the film highlights the natural beauty of these Greek islands. Paros, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the movie. Hydra, with its unique architecture and charming harbour, offers a different visual perspective. Meanwhile, Crete, the largest island in Greece, boasts diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to rugged mountains.

The film's attention to detail in capturing the beauty of these coastlines showcases the crew's dedication to bringing Vardalos's vision to life. The coastline shots of Paros, Hydra, and Crete contribute to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3', enhancing the storytelling and providing a visual treat for viewers.

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