Speaking of THE blockbuster film of the summer, ‘The Odyssey’, director Christopher Nolan said at CinemaCon earlier this year “It’s not a story, it’s the story!”
The esteemed filmmaker isn’t wrong. Shot over 91 days with a monumental $250 million budget, the film also boasts an extraordinary collection of filming locations across Italy, Greece, Morocco and beyond.
There was never any doubt that these extraordinary landscapes would be integral to bringing this ancient story to life, transporting audiences to another world and evoking an irresistible sense of wanderlust.
From hidden caves in Greece to the volcanic shores of Iceland and the windswept pine forests and towering dunes of Scotland, the film’s destinations span six countries and some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
For travellers hoping to follow in the footsteps of the production, these filming locations offer the chance to experience some of the world’s most extraordinary scenery. Each destination reveals a different side of the film’s visual landscape, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable backdrops.
From the unspoilt beaches of Peloponnese in Southern Greece to the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou in Morocco, join Emma Harrison on the ultimate set-jetting adventure of the year as they follow in the footsteps of the cast and crew to discover the dramatic landscapes, hidden gems and iconic places behind The Odyssey.
Greece
Drawing on the legends of Ancient Greece, the story naturally brings the country’s dramatic landscapes, historic sites and mythical settings into focus. As the birthplace of the ancient epic, Greece sits at the heart of Odysseus’ journey home and provides one of the film’s most breathtaking backdrops.
The area’s ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines and landscapes which are steeped in mythology, made for the perfect backdrop for The Odyssey and to recreate the world of Odysseus.
From the crescent-shaped shores of Voidokilia Beach to the medieval walls of Methoni Castle, the towering Acrocorinth and the secluded landscapes surrounding Almyrolaka Beach and Nestor’s Cave, these standout filming locations take us on a journey through some of the country’s most cinematic settings.
Beyond its role as a cinematic backdrop, the Peloponnese offers world-class beaches, enchanting hilltop villages and timeless historical sites, making it worth an odyssey of your own.
Travel Tip: As many of the film’s iconic scenes unfold against the breathtaking landscapes of Messinia, in the southwestern Peloponnese, this extraordinary region offers the perfect setting to begin an unforgettable journey inspired by the silver screen. Take a leisurely evening stroll and watch the sunset from the hilltop fortress of Methoni Castle.
Italy
From ancient ruins to sun-drenched islands, Italy’s dramatic Mediterranean scenery provided a striking backdrop for The Odyssey. The production journeyed to Sicily in March 2025, with cameras capturing the rugged beauty of Favignana, the island known as “Goat Island”, along with the remote Castello di Santa Caterina.
The volcanic Aeolian Islands, scattered across the Tyrrhenian Sea off Sicily’s northern coast, were chosen to represent the mythical floating island of Aeolus, the keeper of the winds in Homer’s epic.
Travel Tip: Sicily is a feast for the senses, where ancient temples, baroque towns and dramatic volcanic landscapes meet some of Italy’s finest food and beaches. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of mythological heroes or simply lingering over long seafood lunches by the sea, the island rewards slow, curious travel.
Iceland
For one of the epic’s most atmospheric sequences, Iceland provided the perfect backdrop with its volcanic landscapes, vast black sands and remote wilderness. The Odyssey’s interpretation of Odysseus’ descent into the underworld, where he seeks counsel from the prophet Tiresias in Homer’s original poem, was brought to life among some of Iceland’s most dramatic natural settings.
The filming locations linked to the production include Hjörleifshöfði mountain, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Markarfljót river and Landeyjahöfn harbour.
Travel Tip : This journey is reserved for true The Odyssey enthusiasts. A scenic three-hour drive from Reykjavík to Landeyjahöfn is best experienced by car, while the area’s limited selection of accommodations makes advance planning essential. Do go chasing waterfalls at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, stroll the black sand beaches beneath Eyjafjallajökull and soak up the raw beauty of Iceland’s wild south coast.
Scotland
With its windswept coastline, ancient ruins and untamed wilderness, Scotland’s Moray Firth offered an atmospheric setting for The Odyssey. The dramatic region, famed for its sea stacks, rugged shores and coastal wildlife, became one of the film’s northern filming locations.
Production extended to the cliffside remains of Findlater Castle and the forests of Culbin, while the arrival of a full-sized wooden Viking ship in Inverness harbour hinted at the scale and detail behind the film’s recreation of The Odyssey’s fascinating ancient world.
Travel Tip: Beyond the filming locations, the Moray Firth is worth exploring for its dramatic coastline, historic castles and abundant wildlife. Walk the clifftop paths to the ruins of Findlater Castle, spot bottlenose dolphins from Chanonry Point, or head into the pine forests and sand dunes of Culbin Forest for some of Scotland’s wildest scenery.
Morocco
Morocco’s dramatic landscapes and ancient architecture offered the perfect setting for the film’s epic world and delivered an authentically ancient atmosphere to The Odyssey
Production took place across Marrakech and other key areas in Morocco with the legendary fortified village of Aït Benhaddou standing in for the ancient city of Troy. Its maze of red-hued clay buildings has made it one of the world’s most iconic filming locations, with previous appearances in Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Gladiator cementing its cinematic legacy.
The production ventured beyond Morocco’s historic cities and desert landscapes to Dakhla in Western Sahara, capturing the region’s remote coastal scenery. Filming also took place in Essaouira, where the legendary Trojan Horse sequence was brought to life along the shores of this atmospheric Atlantic port town.
Travel Tip : The beautiful coastal town of Essaouira is a favourite among travellers, famed for its UNESCO-listed medina, excellent seafood and world-class wind sports. Beyond the city walls, the Atlantic coastline draws kitesurfers and windsurfers, while sunset camel rides, horse treks and laid-back beach clubs offer a slower pace. For a stylish stay, check into Le Jardin des Douars, a beautiful blend of French chic and North African charm, set within lush walled gardens in the argan-covered hills just outside the city.
The spectacular filming locations behind The Odyssey are set to become a major part of the film’s appeal, with remote landscapes, ancient sites and dramatic coastlines creating an unforgettable cinematic backdrop.
For film-loving travellers inspired to follow in its footsteps, these destinations offer the ultimate set-jetting journey, where mythology, history and cinematic magic collide, giving visitors the chance to experience an odyssey of their own!
Photo Credits – Le Jardin des Douars and Pexels
