Once again, Cannes, the dazzling epicentre of celluloid success and yachting chic is lighting up the French Riviera. From 12th – 23rd May the town’s eponymous film festival plays host to the top players in the cinema industry and while sparkling celebrity smiles, covetable designer gowns and handsome leading men will all be on show, tickets are quite hard to come by. But if you’ve not secured your place at what is Europe’s most glamorous festival then why not live like a movie star by holidaying on location instead? With some of the world’s most captivating movies filmed in some of Europe’s most beautiful locations act out what you’ve seen on screen by making a cinematic escape. Here are five of our favourite scene-stealing locations across the continent:

The spectacularly sheer and dramatic Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast

Italy is a dreamy backdrop for several films but it’s Anthony Minghella’s vivid cinematography in The Talented Mr Ripley which pushes the Amalfi coast and Naples into the forefront of this thriller. The timeless beauty of Italy’s sundrenched coastal villages is immortalised in the classic, with the islands of Ischia and Procida – both just a short boat ride from Naples – two of the locations featured in the film.

Those searching for the fictitious beach resort of ‘Mongibello’ will find its real-life stand-in at Ischia’s port and beach, Bagno Antonio.  To amble around what featured as Mongibello’s idyllic cobbled streets and dilapidated churches visit Ischia’s neighbouring island of Procida. This petite island is also the setting for Italian classic – Il Postino. Back on the mainland, Positano in the hills of the Amalfi coast is another perfect setting for your cinematic stay. For a base in the area consider staying in the Hotel Santa Caterina; its jaw-dropping views of the jagged coastline are sure to wow even the harshest critic.

The Greek Islands

Mouth-watering seafood, brilliant sunshine and enticing azure waters are a pretty safe bet on most Greek islands. But for that added picture-perfect setting try either Kefalonia of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin fame or Skopelos where Mamma Mia! was filmed. An off-season visit should save you from encountering hordes of film buffs looking for a similar fix.

Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island, strikes the right balance between atmospheric towns and blissful beaches but make sure you hire a car so you can access its hidden corners. The traditional tavernas and markets of the island’s main city Argostoli make it a good base but it’s a visit to Petani beach (when no one else is around) on the west coast that will make you feel like you’ve stepped on to a film set. The island has plenty of caves and boat trips to nearby Ithaca (Odysseus’s homeland) to fuel your picturesque fantasy.

The latest star of the Greek islands is Skopelos, the location for the musical Mamma Mia! And it’s an island still worthy of a song and dance. There’s no Kairport, so visitors have to fly to Skiathos and then take a ferry into Skopelos Town’s harbour. Rent a house in the hills in Glossa so you can throw open your blue shutters and burst into spontaneous song too or spend a relaxing day on the beaches of Kastani. This secluded bay on the island’s west coast was the film’s main location.

The atmospheric Magic Fountain of Montjuic

Barcelona

If you’ve never been to Barcelona, cast your eyes over All about my Mother, Perfume and Vicky Cristina Barcelona for a glimpse of this photogenic city on film.

The bohemian charm of its Gothic architecture and Gaudi embellishments set a suitably lush and dramatic mood in the romance Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Cristina is on a quest for aesthetic excitement in the movie which takes her on an invigorating journey through the cosmopolitan city. The impressive collections of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Fundació Joan Miró provide a backdrop for part of the film and you can let life imitate art too if you follow her to Catalonia in search of romance and excitement.

For another sultry take on the city, stroll La Rambla to soak up the Catalan cafe culture. Head for the sea and en route you’ll find the medieval streets and squares of El Gotic, used to dramatic effect in Perfume. By night, with the Montjuic Magic Fountain dancing to an atmospheric light display and soundtrack, you’ll feel like you’ve reached the crescendo of your film’s closing scene.

Paris

While Cannes basks in all the attention, it’s another part of France which has made the biggest impact on screen. From the gritty realism of La Haine to the whimsical surrealism of Amélie and the  smouldering romance of Before Sunset, Paris has often been a location of longing.

In Before Sunset, Linklater’s long shots in almost real time allows the afternoon shadows to cast over the reunited couple’s riverside walk and amble through a park. They take a boat over the Seine from the Quai des Tournelles – for a new perspective on the city’s famous sights you should do the same.

In Amelie, gorgeously bohemian Montmartre takes centre stage. It is in the Cafe les Deux Moulins where much of the action takes place and Audrey Tautou’s character can be seen dashing through the surrounding streets on her quest. Iconic Moulin Rouge is just a walk away and, as you’d expect, it’s around here that parts of Moulin Rouge were shot. The Pont des Artes by the Louvre and Notre Dame also feature in Amelie and make great places to explore while you’re in the city.

London's dark and dramatic skyline

London

The grubby old city of London has charmed filmmakers for years and, if you’re in luck, you might just stumble onto a set one quiet afternoon in the city. Notting Hill, Brick Lane and 28 Days Later are just a handful of films which showcase its landmarks.

The iconic South Bank and St Paul’s Cathedral regularly make cameos on TV shows and films. So explore the cathedral, then wander across Millennium Bridge for a panoramic view of the City. You’re unlikely to find the hauntingly deserted scene at Westminster Bridge in 28 Days Later but to avoid the crowds try an early morning at the weekend.

Dusty Fleet Street, home to the fictional Sweeney Todd and Spitalfields, prowling ground of the all-too-real Jack the Ripper, provide historically rich locations. Run Fat Boy Run takes place in arty Hackney while nearby Brick Lane is as cosmopolitan and colourful as its film’s namesake. Head West to Notting Hill to see the pastel-coloured doors, boho market and aged bookshops of this famous strip. For another flight into fantasy there’s also Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes walking tours around town.

With so much on offer London can be exhausting so treat yourself to a nightcap at the cocktail bar at St Martins Lane hotel, an easy amble from the theatre district. It’s a hangout for London’s stars of stage so while you may be without tickets to Cannes you’ve still got a chance to attend a closing party with acting glitterati.