The galaxy wasn’t as far, far away as we once thought… If you’re a fan of the Star Wars movies, here’s where you can take a detour and catch some of the most popular filming locations.
Tatooine – Tunisia
Tunisia doubled for the desert planet of Tatooine and Skywalker’s hometown. The towns of Onk Jemal and Matmata particularly served as the sites of Mos Espa (Anakin’s hometown) and Lars’ moisture farm, where Luke was raised by his aunt and uncle. You can definitely visit these locations, such as the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata known aptly as the “Star Wars Hotel.”
Endor – Del Norte County, CA
The home of the cute little Ewoks was actually in the forests of Northern California. Filming for the Battle of Endor actually took place on land owned by the Miller-Redwood Company. Although the area has been logged, there are state parks all over Del Norte and neighboring Humboldt County, such as Redwood National Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. These places should still give you the same experience.
Hoth – Norway
Near the town of Finse, Norway, is the Hardangerjøkulen glacier which served as the battleground between the Empire and the Rebellion in the first half of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. The glacier is the fourth biggest in continental Norway, and it’s considered the most accessible.
Naboo – Italy
At the end of Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Anakin and Padmé were secretly married in…Lake Cuomo, Italy. In particular the Villa del Balbianello. The deepest in Italy, Lake Cuomo is also a popular tourist destination. Not only is it beautiful, but it has a host of recreational activities such as hiking and sailing. The lake is accessible by train and plane and within it you can take ferries that will service you to the surrounding towns.
Southern Italy (Naples) has the Palace of Caserta. This UNESCO site doubled as the royal palace of Naboo in both Episode I and II. Getting there is a 45-minute train ride from Naples and an additional 5-minute walk from the Caserta station. The entire complex is fully accessible, from the gardens to the palace interior. And if walking seems like a chore, you can also rent bikes.
Jakku – United Arab Emirates
You may have assumed Tatooine instead of Jakku. And this time the film crew for The Force Awakens went to the Rub’ al Khali near Abu Dhabi. The world’s largest continuous sand desert is only accessible via off-road travel. When you get there try to find the Tel Moreeb, the world’s tallest sand dune, which you can go off-roading on. And stay until dusk to enjoy the stars.
Takodana – England
Remember when everyone was buzzing over Kylo Ren’s claymore-like lightsaber. Well, that was in the Forest of Dean near Gloucestershire, England. It is a perfect year round getaway thanks to its scenic strolls and array of activities including skeet shooting and mountain biking. And if you’re there, check out magical Puzzlewood.
Rey’s Encounter with Luke Skywalker – Ireland
Skellig Michael, in Ireland, was where Rey gave Luke his light-saber at the end of Episode VII. At one point in its history, locals operated a Gaelic monastery which has since become a UNESCO world heritage site. The island itself is only accessible during the summer when weather permits. Licensed trips are limited. So it’s best to plan your trip to Skellig Michael in advance (including bookings and tours). Come prepared and take time to get yourself situated in the surrounding area.
Jedha – Jordan
The desert moon of Jedha was a sacred place for the Jedi and the last remaining one in the film Rogue One. And known for its kyber crystals, which are used in light-sabers and the Death Star’s super weapon. This time the film crew went to Wadi Rum, Jordan, a landscape that T.E. Lawrence described as “God-like.” It was probably the towering red cliffs that sold him. You can book aerial tours of the desert or explore the canyons and watering holes on foot.
Scarif – Maldives
The Maldives is where the final battle in Rogue One takes place. Scarif was just as much of a tropical paradise as Laamu Atoll. There is a resort for travelers to stay in. You can go diving and snorkeling around the barrier reefs that ring the islands, surf the waves, or go catamaran sailing among a host of other activities.
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