How The Odyssey Is Inspiring a New Wave of Travel
From Greece and Italy to Iceland and Morocco, Christopher Nolan's latest epic is turning filming locations into some of the world's most talked-about destinations.
Movie tourism isn't new. Films like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones have inspired millions of travelers to visit the places they saw on screen. Now, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is doing the same, introducing audiences to breathtaking landscapes across Europe and beyond.
Rather than relying entirely on visual effects, Nolan chose to film in real locations, many of which are destinations you can visit yourself. From ancient castles and dramatic coastlines to volcanic beaches and remote islands, these places are quickly finding themselves on travelers' wish lists.
✍️ Ethan · July 23, 2026
Greece – Where the Journey Begins
Greece forms the heart of The Odyssey, with many scenes filmed across the Peloponnese. Nestor's Cave near Pylos became the setting for the Cyclops' cave, while Methoni Castle and Acrocorinth helped recreate the ancient Greek world.
Beyond the film itself, these locations offer visitors a chance to explore archaeological sites, coastal villages and landscapes that have inspired stories for thousands of years. For travelers interested in both history and cinema, Greece naturally becomes the starting point of the journey.
Favignana, Italy – The Real Ithaca
One of the film's biggest surprises is Favignana, a small island off the coast of Sicily that stands in for Odysseus' legendary home, Ithaca.
Instead of choosing mainland Sicily, Nolan selected Favignana for its rugged coastline, crystal-clear water and the dramatic 15th-century Castle of Santa Caterina overlooking the island. Visiting during the off-season also allowed production to capture the island's peaceful atmosphere, something visitors can still experience outside the summer months.
Iceland – Bringing the Underworld to Life
Few places feel as otherworldly as Iceland, making it the perfect choice for Hades in Nolan's adaptation.
The production avoided Iceland's busiest tourist locations in favour of more remote black sand beaches near Hjörleifshöfði. Combined with volcanic landscapes, endless daylight and dramatic coastlines, the country creates one of the film's most visually striking settings.
Morocco – Rebuilding Ancient Troy
Although the story begins in Troy, filming didn't take place in modern-day Türkiye. Instead, the production transformed Aït Benhaddou, the UNESCO-listed fortified village in Morocco, into the legendary city.
Large sections of Troy were built alongside the historic settlement before being burned for the film's battle scenes. Today, Aït Benhaddou remains one of Morocco's most famous filming locations, having also appeared in productions such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Scotland – A Mythical Island That Doesn't Exist
Not every location in The Odyssey was chosen for historical accuracy. Nolan travelled to Scotland's rugged coastline to create the mysterious home of Circe.
Filmed near Cullen in the Scottish Highlands, the dramatic cliffs and isolated coastline perfectly captured the feeling of a mythical world, proving that the right landscape can sometimes matter more than geographic accuracy.
Why Film Tourism Keeps Growing
Film tourism has become one of the fastest-growing segments of travel. Instead of simply visiting famous landmarks, travelers increasingly want to experience the exact places where memorable scenes were filmed.
For destinations featured in blockbuster films, this often brings a significant increase in visitors. Local businesses benefit from the additional tourism, while fans gain a deeper connection to the stories they love.
Can You Visit Every Filming Location?
The answer is yes—and that's part of what makes The Odyssey unique.
Unlike fantasy worlds created entirely with CGI, most of Nolan's landscapes exist in the real world. From the beaches of Iceland to Greek castles, Italian islands and Moroccan fortresses, nearly every major filming location can be added to a real travel itinerary.
A New Bucket List for Movie Lovers
Every major blockbuster leaves a travel legacy, and The Odyssey looks set to be no exception. By choosing authentic landscapes instead of digital worlds, Christopher Nolan has introduced millions of viewers to destinations they may never have previously considered visiting.
Whether you're drawn to Greece's ancient history, Iceland's volcanic coastlines or the medieval streets of Aït Benhaddou, one thing is certain: The Odyssey isn't just sending audiences on an epic adventure—it may also inspire their next one.
✍️ This blog was written by Ethan.
