Star Wars movies may be set ‘in a galaxy far, far away,’ but the filming spots around the world can be visited easily. From scenic deserts in North Africa to a royal palace in Italy and various iconic destinations in California, Norway, England, Ireland and Jordan — our list takes you to all the shooting locations that are sure to make you relive epic Star Wars moments.
Add these popular Star Wars shooting locations to your must-visit list
Sidi Bouhlel Canyon, Tunisia
Now known as the ‘Star Wars Canyon’, the Djebel Sidi Bouhlel is where the pod race in Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace was filmed. The particular shooting location also appears in Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, where Jawas captures R2D2.
You can take a Star Wars tour in Tozeur’s Chebika region, which houses the Sidi Bouhlel Canyon. This covers the shooting location of Mos Espa from the fictional planet Tatooine, which is close to Sahara island. Tamerza and Mides are two of the other canyons that deserve your attention.
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How to reach Sidi Bouhlel Canyon
From Tozeur, you can take a taxi or a rental car to Bouhlel, which is 24 km away. Following that, turn in the direction of Chott El Jerid, which is 2.1 kilometres ahead of the “Dghoumes” sign.
Best time to visit Sidi Bouhlel Canyon:
Winter months, from November up until March.
Book Your Stay At Dar Saida Beya Tozeur Tunisia Here
Sidi Driss Hotel, Matmata, Tunisia
One of the inner courtyards of Sidi Idriss Hotel was used as the interior of the Tatooine homestead in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. Even today, you can see some of the props and artwork from the film set here.
A guided trip is available at the Sidi Idriss Hotel and includes off-site trekking, themed meals, strolling excursions, and learning about the local Berber culture. Going on a desert safari from Sousse to Hammamet, and finally, Tunis, is something you should do when you’re in Matmata. These excursions involve a variety of activities like camel riding, off-road driving, and camping.
How to reach Sidi Idriss Hotel
The Gabès-Matmata International Airport is just around 36.4 km from the Sidi Idriss Hotel, which can be easily covered by cab.
Best time to visit Sidi Idriss Hotel:
April through June as the weather is cool and there is little chance of rain.
Book Your Stay At The Sidi Idriss Hotel Matmata Here
Chott El Jerid, Tunisia
Remember Luke Skywalker’s (Mark Hamill) homestead? It is the dry, white salt stretch of Chott El Jerid where it was shot in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, where he is seen contemplating the two suns. The final scenes of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith were also shot here.
Known for being one of the largest endorheic salt lakes in southern Tunisia, Chott El Jerid is a place for history and movie buffs. Apart from the Star Wars filming locations, when in Chott El Jerid, explore the coastal capital city of Tunis and learn about the Jewish culture in the ancient town of Djerba Synagogue.
How to reach Chott El Jerid
Take a flight from Tunis to the Tozeur-Nefta International Airport for the quickest route to Chott El Jerid.
Best time to visit Chott El Jerid: March to June during spring and from September to October during autumn.
Book Your Stay At Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort Here
Palazzo Reale, Naples, Italy
The Royal Palace of Naples or Palazzo Reale is a cultural centre in Milan whose interiors were turned into the interiors of ‘Theed Palace’ on ‘Naboo’ in the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
The palace is open to tourists and locals for visiting.
Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Naples, the third-largest city in Italy, has a rich history which is evident from the ancient structures all around. A Roman-era theatre and ancient Greek wall fortifications are some of the historical sites you must visit. Do explore the historic centre of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Church of Santa Chiara and the Castel Nuovo. Also, take a stroll on Spaccanapoli Street to discover artisan workshops and beautiful balconies of local houses.
How to reach Palazzo Reale
Palazzo Reale is 7.7 km from the Naples International Airport.
Best time to visit Palazzo Reale: July to August since it is when party season is at its peak.
Book Your Stay At Romeo Napoli Here
Mount Etna, Sicily
In Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, the scenes where Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) endures his injuries at ‘Mustafar’ are shot on the slopes of Mount Etna. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also the most active stratovolcano in the world, is located on the east coast of Sicily.
When in Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, there’s a lot to learn about Italian culture and explore the native architecture. Do add iconic Sicilian landmarks like the Valley of the Temples, Teatro Massimo Opera House, the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, Palermo Cathedral and Norman Palace to your itinerary.
Culinary travellers will be in for a treat as Sicily is well-known for its heritage recipes. Cannoli, arancini, cassata, artichokes and rustic Italian breads are some of the sumptuous dishes you can try along with the famous regional wine.
How to reach Sicily
Sicily Island is at a distance of only 3.2 km from mainland Italy. You can reach it via several ferry routes from Rome, Naples, and other Italian cities, to Messina, the largest city on the island.
Best time to visit Sicily: Between April and October, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of rain.
Book Your Stay At Palermo-Grand Hotel Wagner Here
Tikal National Park, Guatemala
The shooting location of the rebel base on planet YAVIN 4 seen towards the end of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was the Mayan temple complex in Tikal National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Tikal City, in the Petén Basin region of northern Guatemala. Spanning over 576 square kilometres, it houses temples and public spaces depicting Mayan architecture.
Guatemala is known for being one of Central America’s greatest civilizations. Visit the lush green canyons of the Rio Dulce, Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey (a natural water pool), and many other places that lie in the lap of nature. Do cover the vibrant Antigua city located in the central highlands of Guatemala to taste artisanal chocolate at the ChocoMuseo (chocolate museum, where you can take different workshops starting at $25 per adult) and also, discover the colonial architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to reach Guatemala
The primary base for flights throughout Guatemala is La Aurora International Airport. Another entry point into the nation is the Flores airport, which is close to Tikal.
Best time to visit Guatemala:
Known as the “Land of Eternal Spring,” Guatemala has lovely weather all year long. The best time to travel is during the dry season, from November to March.
Book Your Stay At Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal Here
Finse, Norway
Hoth, the ice planet in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back was filmed in Finse, Norway. The village town is located at the foot of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
When in Finse, go on a guided glacier excursion with Joklagutane AS, head on a trek to the Voringsfossen waterfall, discover the picturesque Sysendammen rockfill dam and go cycling along the stunning Rallarvegen route. You can also visit the surrounding national parks of Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet.
How to reach Finse
Finse is easily accessible from the railway station which is the highest railway network in Norway. It takes two and a half hours to get there from Bergen and four and a half hours from Oslo.
Best time to visit Finse: May to August as the weather is pleasant and not extremely cold.
Book Your Stay At The Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell Norway Here
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi was shot in the breathtaking Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California. The 300-foot-tall trees on the ‘Moon of Endor’ (also called monster trees) are none other than the redwood groves in the park.
Stout Grove, the Boy Scout Trail, Nickerson Ranch Trail and Leiffer-Ellsworth Loop Trail are some of the hiking trails in the dense forests of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for avid hikers. Driving through the serene Redwood Highway or Howland Hill Road has to be on a nature lover’s wish list. If you have a day or two to spend, you can easily find a campsite in this region. You can also enjoy fishing, snorkelling, or kayak rides in the Smith River when here.
How to reach Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
The nearest airport to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is Crescent City (CEC) at just a distance of 8 km.
Best time to visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: To experience California’s Mediterranean climate, plan your trip during summer, from June to August.
Book Your Stay At Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn Here
Lake District, Cumbria, England
The lush green planet of ‘Takodana’ in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), is filmed in the Lake District, Cumbria, in the United Kingdom. The scene in which Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) with the starship Millennium Falcon, and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) head for help from Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o) of the Takodana planet is shot here.
The Lake District gets its name from the presence of famous lake-filled valleys in the region. This includes the largest, Windermere Lake. You can walk and cycle around, take a boat ride, or enjoy a swim in the water. Also known for being one of the darkest regions in the United Kingdom, Lake District is where you can also stargaze, and the Grizedale Forest, Wasdale Mountain and Ennerdale Valley are some of the best sites to experience it.
How to reach Lake District
Manchester Airport is conveniently located close to Cumbria. You may take a train from the airport and get to Windermere within a couple of hours to cover the distance of 169 km.
Best time to visit Lake District: If you want to enjoy a comfortable climate, plan your trip between May and September.
Book Your Stay At Hazel Bank Country House Cumbria Here
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Remember the scene in The Force Awakens when Rey storms off to confront Ren (Adam Driver) in the dense forest? This is shot at the Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England.
The Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Clearwell Caves and Briery Hill Llamas (a native farm) are some of the tourist attractions to check off when in Gloucestershire.
How to reach Forest of Dean
Puzzlewood is a network of paths snaking through gullies, moss-covered rocks, and tangled willow tree roots. It was created by open-cast iron ore mining in the Roman era. There is a frequent bus service between Coleford and Gloucester. Follow the brown tourist signs from Coleford, a mile south to Perrygrove Road, to get to the woods.
Best time to visit Forest of Dean: The autumn months, September to November, in Gloucestershire, are a good time to visit for pleasant weather.
Book Your Stay At Hazel Bank Country House Here
Wadi Rum, Jordan
The Aki-Aki species lived on the desert planet Pasaana, which was featured in the film Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. For three weeks, Wadi Rum in Jordan was used to film the scene’s spectacular desert landscapes and distinctive rock formations. Seven Pillars of Wisdom is a well-known sight in the desert.
Wadi Rum is a popular tourist attraction where you may spend the night in a Bedouin camp and gaze at starry Arabian skies. Just two hours drive to the north of Wadi Rum is the renowned lost city of Petra, which along with Wadi Rum is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
How to reach Wadi Rum
The closest airport to Wadi Rum is King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, which is about 76.5 km away.
Best time to visit Wadi Rum
Between March and May and between September and November is the best time to visit this desert region.
Book Your Stay At The Bedouin Camp Wadi Rum Here
Main and Featured Image Credit: Christyn Reyes/ Pexels
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
Related: 10 ‘Mission: Impossible’ Filming Locations Around The World You Can Visit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: The 'Star Wars' franchise is popular for its masterful storytelling. The series revolves around the classic plot of 'good versus evil.' However, there are several subplots weaved together to create a perfect blockbuster spanning drama, comedy and action genres. Additionally, the team's innovative marketing initiatives (novels, comics, video games, toys and TV shows) are to be credited for its current popularity.
Answer: Director George Lucas began shooting the first 'Star Wars' movie in 1976.
Answer: Several scenes of the films in the 'Star Wars' franchise have been filmed in desert regions. This includes the Tatooine desert planet shot in Tunisia, North Africa and the desert planet Pasaana shot in Wadi Rum, Jordan.
Answer: The first 'Star Wars' movie, which is now known as 'Episode IV: A New Hope' and is the fourth movie in order, released in theatres in 1977. It was followed by the release of 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back’ in 1980 and 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi' in 1983.
Answer: If you love 'Star Wars', you must watch 'Star Trek’ (2009), ‘Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014), and 'Dune' (2021), among other similar movies.
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