Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, his adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, has landed in cinemas as one of the year’s most anticipated films. Matt Damon plays Odysseus, leading an ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. It runs 2 hours 52 minutes and is shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film.
The internet has already named the season The Odyssey Summer. A GetYourGuide survey of 4,000 people found that 77% would book a trip based on something they saw on screen, with Americans the most likely at 84% and Brits at 81%. Maren Schullerus, GetYourGuide’s Regional Manager for central and Eastern Europe, says, “Movies don’t just entertain — they inspire people to pack their bags.” This takes us to another travel trend, which is making people bag their bags and go on set-jetting trips.
What Exactly Is the Set-Jetting Travel Trend in 2026?
Set Jetting, one of the popular trends of today’s time, means traveling to places made famous by films and TV shows. What started as a niche travel trend has become one of the biggest forces shaping tourism, with travelers planning holidays around the realms they have fallen in love with on screen.
From Game of Thrones turning Dubrovnik into King’s Landing to The White Lotus boosting holiday bookings to Sicily and Thailand. Films and television are increasingly influencing where people book their next trip, with shows like Crash Landing on You putting tiny Swiss Villages on travelers’ lists. Now, with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Greece and Sicily rank among the destinations most likely to see a tourism surge in 2026.
So, let’s find out what those dreamy destinations are that you can actually visit IRL.
Where Was The Odyssey Filmed?
Christopher Nolan shot The Odyssey across six countries: Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland, and the United States. It was filmed over roughly 91 days in 2025 with real locations standing in for the ancient Mediterranean. For a traveler like you who skates out to five countries you can actually visit in real life, because the US scenes were shot on a studio water tank.
So, let’s explore these amazing destinations in The Odyssey Summer without losing signal without swapping the SIM card on every border. To enjoy your summer Set Jetting trip, all you have to do is install the Maya Mobile global eSIM, which covers 165+ countries in a single plan.
Destinations in The Odyssey Movie to Experience in Real Life On Your Next Trip ( +1 Bonus Location)
Troy The Odyssey, Turkey – Bonus Location
10 years of war, Helen, Achilles, and the wooden horse that finally ended it is the Troy of Homer’s Iliad. For a long time, people have asked this question: Is Troy a real place? Can someone actually visit it? Troy is the real place, and its ruins are open for visitors to explore.
The site sits beside the small village of Tevfikiye in northwestern Turkiye. The nearest city is Canakkale, which is about 30 minutes away, and Istanbul is roughly a 5-hour drive. Troy once stood on the coast by the Dardanelles (the narrow strait linking the Aegean to the Sea of Marmara). Over the past 4,000 years, river silt has pushed the shoreline back, so the ruins now sit about 3 miles inland.
What You Will See At Troy, Turkey
Troy is an archaeological site where you can see what the archaeologists have actually dug up. Today, there are defensive walls, old foundations, and a small Roman-era theater, the Odeon, to explore. Troy is really nine cities stacked over 4,000 years, marked on-site with Roman numerals from Troy I (oldest) to Troy IX (newest). The layers that best match Homer’s descriptions and are used as inspiration in The Odyssey are Troy VI and VII. Moreover, near the entrance, you will find a wooden horse on which you can climb for a photo. And immediately after that, you can share this epic photo resembling the Trojan Horse with your friends using the unlimited data on Maya mobile’s global eSIM.
Don’t skip the on-site Museum of Troy, opened in 2018, and head to its top terrace for wide views over the plain to witness how the city of Troy has survived the centuries.
Fun Fact: Odysseus’s whole journey starts at Troy, so before you chase Nolan’s film shooting destinations to find Troy, you should know that the real Troy is a place you can visit and is not in Morocco. It’s in Turkiye. In the film Troy, a set was designed at Ait Benhaddou in Morocco!
1. Morocco: The Fall of Troy
Morocco is the destination from where your proper The Odyssey Summer getaway begins.
i) Ait Benhaddou: On Screen Troy Filming Location
Nolan rebuilt Troy at Ait Benhaddou, which is a fortified mud-brick ksar near Ouarzazate in Morocco. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been the director’s favorite on-screen setting in the ancient world for decades. Arrive there at sunrise when the rising sun paints Ait Benhaddou in warm gold. The beauty reveals why Christopher Nolan chose this timeless landscape to bring ancient Troy to life, as in The Odyssey.
ii) Essaouria: where the horse comes ashore
The beaches just outside Essaouira doubled as the dramatic shoreline where the legendary Trojan Horse comes ashore in The Odyssey. Standing on the wide stretch of sand, with Atlantic waves crashing against the coast and a constant sea breeze in the air, a fan can easily picture the towering wooden horse emerging on the shoreline. Greek warriors concealed within it, and the tense moments that unfold in the film before the fate of Troy is sealed.
Beyond the filming location, Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most atmospheric coastal towns. Wander through its UNESCO-listed medina, admire the blue shutters and whitewashed houses. You can stroll along the 18th-century stone ramparts overlooking the ocean and watch traditional blue fishing boats return to the harbor. Visit in the late afternoon when the golden light softens the walls, and the coastline takes on the same cinematic glow seen on screen.
iii) Marrakech: where Menelaus’ Palace Found Its Home
Marrakech may not be the backdrop for The Odyssey’s biggest action sequences, but it quietly helped shape one of the film’s most important royal settings. While scouting locations across Morocco, Christopher Nolan’s production team discovered an interior in Marrakech that became King Menelaus’ Palace. For travelers, the best way to experience Marrakech is to slow down rather than rush from landmark to landmark.
Step inside historic palaces and traditional riads where mosaic courtyards, carved cedar ceilings, ornate arches, and peaceful fountains create an atmosphere worthy of a king’s residence. Even though the exact filming location isn’t open to the public as a movie attraction, the city’s craftsmanship and timeless design make it easy to see why the filmmakers chose Marakkech.
2. Greece: Where Christopher Nolan Brought The Odyssey to Life
Greece is the heart of The Odyssey. It is the birthplace of Homer’s epic and one of Christopher Nolan’s biggest filming destinations for the movie. Across the Peloponnese, ancient coastlines, medieval fortresses, and hidden sea caves became the backdrop for some of the film’s most important moments. Visiting these locations lets fans experience both the history that inspired the legend and the landscapes that appear on screen.
i) Pylos and Voidokilia Beach: where Odysseus Faces the Cyclops
If you are on your set-jetting trip based on Nolan’s filming locations in The Odyssey, then start in Pylos. The production transformed Nestor’s Cave, located above the breathtaking Voidokilia Beach. You can see the setting for one of the film’s most intense moments, when the encounter with the fearsome Cyclops takes place. The cave overlooks a perfect horseshoe-shaped bay while the turquoise waters below create a dramatic contrast to the rugged cliffs. During filming, a full-sized ancient Greek trireme sailed into Pylos Harbor with dozens of trained rowers recreating the look of an epic Bronze Age voyage.
Fans can relive that journey by hiking up to Nestor’s Cave, where the sweeping coastal views instantly feel cinematic. After this, cool off with a swim at Voidokilia Beach, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Greece. If time allows, then you can drive south to Methoni Castle, whose massive sea walls and medieval towers add another layer of history to your adventure.
ii) Messinia: following Telemachus’ Journey
The fertile countryside of Messinia also played a role in The Odyssey. The production filmed the hunting sequence during Telemachus’ visit to King Menelaus and Queen Helen using the region’s centuries-old olive groves to recreate the landscapes of ancient Sparta. Today, visitors can drive through rolling hills covered with silver green olive trees, many of which have stood for generations. The peaceful scenery feels worlds away from the battles of Troy. Yet it reflects the quieter moments of the story, when Telemachus searches for answers about his missing father as the kingdom slowly rebuilds after war.
iii) Methoni Castle: The King’s Return
Rising dramatically above the sea, Methoni Castle became the setting for Agamemnon’s long-awaited return home. Surrounded by water on three sides, the medieval fortress offered the scale and grandeur needed for one of the film’s powerful royal scenes. Walk across the stone bridge into the fortress, explore its massive walls, and climb the battlements overlooking the Ionian Sea. As the sea breeze whips through the towers, it’s easy to picture royal banners flying overhead and the emotional homecoming that unfolds in the film. Visit close to sunset when the golden light gives the castle an almost cinematic look.
iv) Acrocorinth: A fortress for kings
Perched high above Corinth, Acrocorinth was another location used to film The Odyssey Agamemnon homecoming. Its towering hilltop fortress, commanding views, and ancient stone walls created the perfect backdrop for scenes celebrating the king’s return after the Trojan War.
The climb to the summit rewards you with panoramic views across the Peloponnese, stretching from the Corinthian Gulf to the Saronic Gulf. As you explore the fortress gates and defensive walls, it’s easy to understand why Nolan’s team chose this dramatic setting to capture the scale and emotion of one of the story’s defining moments.
Here is our Travel Guide to Greece
3. Italy: Where Odysseus Finally Comes Home
Southern Italy plays a starring role in The Odyssey. Christopher Nolan filmed across Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, turning dramatic coastlines, volcanic islands, and medieval ruins into the world of Odysseus. Better still, many of these places have been linked to Homer’s epic for centuries. That means you are not just following the film. You are walking through landscapes that have inspired the legend for thousands of years.
i) Favignana: The On-Screen Ithaca
If there is one destination every The Odyssey fan should visit, it’s Favignana. Known in ancient times as Aegusa or Goat Island, many scholars believe Odysseus and his crew stopped here before sailing towards their encounter with the Cyclops. Today, the island is famous for its turquoise waters, quiet fishing villages, and relaxed Mediterranean charm. However, for Nolan, it offered something even more valuable: the perfect setting for Ithaca. The panoramic views are among the most spectacular in Sicily.
The production explored several locations across Sicily before choosing Castello di Santa Caterina. It is a ruined fortress sitting high above the island. From the summit, the sea stretches in every direction. Ancient ships could approach from almost every angle, making it easy to imagine Odysseus finally returning home after years at sea.
Slow down and explore Favignana by bike. Swim in hidden coves, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean. The island still feels wonderfully untouched, especially outside the busy summer season.
Quick Behind The Scenes Trivia
The journey to the castle is part of the adventure. The trail climbs nearly 900 feet and takes around 45 minutes to reach the top. During filming, Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and much of The Odyssey cast and crew completed the same hike every day. Heavy equipment was transported by helicopter while actors, including Tom Holland, climbed the trail in costume and sandals.
Fun Fact: Although the real Ithaca is a Greek Island in the Ionian Sea, the version you see in The Odyssey was recreated on Favignana in Sicily. The island’s rugged coastline, medieval hilltop fortress, and secluded setting gave the filmmakers the timeless look they wanted for Odysseus’ kingdom. However, the palace interiors were not filmed here. Those scenes were built on a soundstage in Los Angeles.
ii) The Aeolian Islands: Realm of The Wind God
North of Sicily, the volcanic Aeolian islands add another cinematic chapter to The Odyssey. Nolan’s team also filmed across this island chain, whose dramatic landscapes have long been connected with Aeolus, the keeper of the winds in Greek mythology.
Take a boat tour at sunset to watch Stromboli’s glowing lava light up the night sky or visit Lipari’s archaeological museum to discover artifacts from ancient Greek civilization. Standing on islands such as Stromboli or Vulcano, it’s easy to understand how these dramatic landscapes inspired stories of gods controlling the sea.
iii) Malta: A Mediterranean movie favorite
After filming in Sicily, The Odyssey production also spent time in Malta, another island with a long history of standing in for the ancient Mediterranean on screen. At the same time, Universal has not revealed exactly which scenes were filmed here. But Malta’s fortified harbors, limestone cliffs, and historic architecture make it a natural fit for Nolan’s epic.
Check out our Italy Summer Guide
4. Iceland: Step into The Underworld
Every great hero’s journey has a turning point. In The Odyssey, that moment comes when Odysseus descends into the underworld to seek advice from the blind prophet Tiresias. Rather than creating Hades on a studio set, Christopher Nolan turned to Iceland. Its volcanic landscapes, endless black sand, and almost otherworldly light created a setting that feels both haunting and unforgettable.
i) Hjörleifshöfði & Iceland’s Black Sand Coast: The Gates of Hades
If one location captures the eerie atmosphere of The Odyssey, it’s the black sand beaches surrounding Hjörleifshöfði on Iceland’s south coast. Nolan filmed the Underworld sequence here during the height of summer when the midnight sun barely sits. The result is unlike anything you have seen before.
You can walk to the volcanic beach, and you will quickly feel that you are in a movie scene. Black sand stretches towards the Atlantic, cliffs rise from the shoreline, and sea caves disappear into the rock. The landscape feels untouched, making it one of the most atmospheric stops on The Odyssey Summer trail.
ii) Beyond the Black Sands
Iceland’s shoot extended beyond the coastline. Filming also took place around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Markarfljót River, and Landeyjahöfn Harbor, where the country’s raw volcanic scenery added even more scale to Odysseus journey. During scouting, the production also found a surprising white-sand beach surrounded by green fields. It became the setting for the Cattle of Helios, proving that Icelnad could convincingly portray more than one mythical world.
Travel Tip: Visit Iceland between June and August to experience the midnight sun for yourself. Then drive the South Coast to combine Hjorleifshofoi, Reynisfjara, waterfalls such as Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and the dramatic landscapes that helped bring The Odyssey to life.
5. Scotland: The land of Magic and Monsters
Scotland may seem like an unlikely stop on Odysseus’ Mediterranean journey, but Christopher Nolan saw something different. The rugged cliffs, windswept coastline, and ancient forests of the Moray Firth became the perfect setting for some of the film’s darkest moments. Instead of recreating these mystical landscapes with CGI, the production used Scotland’s wild beauty to bring Circe’s island and the land of the giants to life.
i) Findlater Castle: Circe’s Island of Aeaea
Few locations in The Odyssey are as haunting as Aeaea, the island ruled by the powerful sorceress Circe. Located on a rocky cliff above the North Sea, the ruins of the Findlater Castle became her isolated stronghold in the film. In the film, this is where the enchantress welcomes the sailors before turning them into pigs with her magic. The dramatic coastline makes every scene feel both beautiful and unsettling.
Today, you can explore the remains of the 13th-century fortress, pause at the cliff edge, and enjoy panoramic views across the Moray Firth. The sea is rarely calm, and the constant wind only adds to the cinematic atmosphere that drew Nolan to this remarkable location.
ii) Culbin Forest: The land of the Laestrygonians
Just an hour from Findlater Castle, the landscape changes completely. The towering pine trees of Culbin Forest became the setting for the terrifying encounter with the Laestrygonians, the giant cannibals who ambush Odysseus’ men. Unlike the dramatic sea cliffs of Findlater, Culbin Forest offers a quieter experience.
iii) Sunnyside Beach: Odysseys Returns Home
The Moray coast appears once more as Odysseus finally reaches after twenty years of war and wandering. Sunnyside Beach, with its wide stretch of pale sand and rugged cliffs, became the shoreline where the exhausted hero comes ashore. Walk along the shoreline at sunrise or sunset, and it’s easy to understand why the filmmakers chose it for such an emotional moment.
Fun Fact: Scotland does not appear anywhere in Homer’s original Odyssey. Christopher Nolan chose the Moray Firth purely for its dramatic landscapes. The rugged cliffs near Cullen offer exactly the look they imagined for Circe’s island.
Want To Follow Odysseus By Sea?
If this The Odyssey Summer itinerary leaves you wanting more, you can take The Odyssey beyond the filming locations. Several luxury voyages now trace parts of Odysseus’ legendary route across the Mediterranean, sailing between destinations such as Turkey, Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and Ithaca. It offers a slower way to experience the landscapes that inspired Homer’s epic with the added perspective of arriving exactly as ancient sailors once did.
Planning to cruise? Maya also offers eSIM plans from 20+ cruise lines, so you can stay connected both at sea and when you dock in each new destination. That means you can share every sunset, navigate every port, and keep in touch without swapping SIM cards.
Stay Connected Across Every Stop
Following The Odyssey Summer is not a one-country trip. You will cross borders, catch ferries, board flights, and explore remote coastlines from Morocco to Scotland. The last thing you want is to lose signal while navigating a new city. That’s where Maya Mobile eSIM comes in, where you can stay connected across 165+ destinations. There is no need to swap physical SIM cards every time you enter a new country.
FAQs
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey movie is an epic adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek poem. This story follows Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces many challenges, such as the Sirens and a journey into the underworld.
The Odyssey’s movie filming locations span through 6 countries: Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iceland, and Scotland. Highlights include Ait Benhaddou and Essaouira in Morocco, Nestor’s Cave in Greece, Fvignana in Sicily, etc.
Yes, especially if you love Homer’s poem. The film recreated Ithaca in Favignana, Sicily, but you can explore the real island as well. Ithaca is located in Greece’s Ionian Sea and is widely accepted as Odysseus’ actual homeland. Some of the things you can do include walking the Odysseus Trail and visiting the Cave of the Nymphs. You can easily reach here by flying to Kefalonia and then taking a ferry to Ithaca.
Plan for 10 to 14 days to explore each filming location of The Odyssey 2026. The major leg of the trip consists of Greece and Sicily. You can add 3-4 more days to explore destinations in Morocco. One thing you can do is visit Iceland and Scotland on a separate 5- to 7-day Northern Trip.
Mostly yes, but you have to plan for it. If you think you have to swap eSIMs at every border crossing, and find a new local connection. Then Maya Mobile’s one global coverage plan can save you, as it covers 165+ destinations and 20+ cruise lines in one eSIM. Also, it gives you unlimited data without throttling, so share your amazing pictures of The Odyssey Summer immediately.
Also Read: The Best Wellness Destinations in Europe For 2026: Where To Switch Off Without Going Off-Grid
