Kingdoms of Heaven

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25 AUGUST 2004
When it comes to finding the world's most idyllic destinations, nobody does it better than Hollywood location scouts trained to spot real-life utopias that will prove major scene stealers on screen.

So why not take inspiration from the professionals who sought out backdrops for the likes of Brad Pitt, Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom?

'TROY'- Malta
Visitors to the island of Malta, where the swords and sandals epic Troy was filmed, will find that its pristine beaches are pleasantly free of invading armies. And although some holidaymakers might relish the thought of a muscle-bound Brad Pitt striding up the shoreline toward them, Malta is better-known for its secluded bays and tranquil waters.

The main island is also a popular destination for culture vultures, with impressive ruins which predate the pyramids. The country boasts 30 prehistoric sites, including Neolithic temples that are thought to be the world's oldest buildings.

Located between the coasts of Libya and Sicily, sun-drenched Malta prides itself on offering both tranquillity and luxury for well-to-do holidaymakers. And there’s little chance of visitors missing out on any of its delights, as the main island covers just 95 square miles.

The baroque buildings and fortifications of the capital Valletta frequently stand in for ancient cities in historical features. Little wonder then, that it also proved irresistible to Russell Crowe and his fellow warriors when they came here to film the epic Gladiator in 1999. Indeed Malta has proved so popular with movie makers that the islands now offer a special guided tour of its many film locations.