Go behind the scenes and take a look at this selection of locations that provided the settings to create the world of Star Wars! After discovering these filming locations, you might want to catch up on all the Star Wars movies! Pick a destination and let your wanderlust begin!
Sidi Bouhlel, Tunisia – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Image credit: @filippoarosio via Instagram
Here’s the first of the 9 incredible Star Wars film locations! This ravine near Tozeur provided The Phantom Menace’s wide-angle scenes for the pod race. Explore the area and recall the intense battle that left only one racer crossing the finish line! Imagine if Sidi Bouhlel hadn’t provided the scenes for The Phantom Menace. You wouldn’t remember the ravine at all! Why not book a flight to Tunisia and discover this location for yourself.
All you need is your South African passport (which must be valid for six months). You can visit the country for up to 90 days visa-free.
Villa del Balbianello, overlooking Lake Como, Italy – Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Image credit: @trip.over.the.world via Instagram
This was the venue of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala’s secret wedding. CGI stood in place of the building’s exterior. This scene served to partly cement Anakin’s fall to the dark side. At the same time, it paved the way for his children, Luke and Leia, who would play a part in overthrowing the Empire. Enjoy more of Villa del Balbianello’s gorgeous scenery with cheap flights to Milan!
If you are visiting the film location in Italy, you will need a Schengen visa.
Mount Etna, Italy – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Image credit: @jimjamandtoast via Instagram
Number three on our list of nine incredible Star Wars film locations is by the far the most exotic! When Revenge of the Sith was being filmed, this volcano erupted. Lucasfilm sent camera crews to shoot various angles of the eruption. Later on, the crew added the footage to the background of the scenes on Mustafar. This was where Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader had their hair-raising lightsaber duel. Currently, there are still some small signs of activity around Mount Etna. With a flight to Catania, you can experience this amazing setting!
You will need a Schengen visa to enter Italy.
Wadi Rum, Jordan – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Image credit: @roundtheworldgirl via Instagram
This incredible national park provided the perfect backdrop for the Jedha. The fictional desert moon served as a pilgrimage site for those that followed the Force. It was where Jyn Erso met Saw Gerrera. Shortly after that, the original Death Star destroyed Jedha. Take a flight to the city of Aqaba and enjoy a tour through this magnificent scene.
Also read: Luxury glamping in Wadi Rum Desert
Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Image credit: @world.traveler.photo via Instagram
Number five on our list is the one that started the franchise. Were you one of the first to watch it? You’ll definitely recognise this exotic hotel in the town of Matmata. It served as the home of Luke Skywalker on the planet of Tatooine. It was here where his story started. Soon after, Luke joined the war between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. Book a flight to Tunisia for the opportunity to admire the Berber architecture of this hotel!
Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Image credit: @mistaajg via Instagram
Hardangerjøkulen Glacier is the sixth largest glacier in Norway. This incredible location provided the backdrop for the ice planet of Hoth. This was the home of the Rebel Alliance’s secret base. Plenty of the initial action of the movie took place with this backdrop. Remember the battle between the Rebels and the Empire’s AT-ATs? This scene was actually filmed using a miniature set! This was due to the area’s sub-zero temperatures, and the limits of film-making techniques at the time.
Travelling to Norway? You’ll need a Schengen visa.
Del Norte County, United States – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Image credit: @wanderingactor via Instagram
This is the “Avenue of the Giants” in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California. Along with the area around the town of Smith River, it provided the setting for the forest moon of Endor. Do you remember the creatures inhabiting the moon, the cute and furry Ewoks? These alien residents played a big role. They helped the Rebels storm the Empire’s station to take down the second Death Star’s shields. Book a flight to California and admire the picturesque setting this county provides.
To visit the United States, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa.
Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland – Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Image credit: @traveler__story via Instagram
Put yourself in this vast area and you may think you’re in the middle of nowhere. That’s most likely what gave filmmakers the idea to use the Northeastern Region as Starkiller Base. Remember that intense aerial battle? What about that hair-raising lightsaber duel between Rey and Kylo Ren? Get ready to explore this incredible landscape with flights to Iceland!
You will need a Schengen visa to enter Iceland.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Image credit: @i.love.dubrovnik via Instagram
The coastal city of Dubrovnik serves yet again as a film location. Dubrovnik has already featured on the renowned television show, Game of Thrones, and the Bollywood movie, Fan. In 2018, the city will feature in the upcoming Robin Hood. Dubrovnik will serve as the location Canto Bight in The Last Jedi. This is a casino city on the desert planet of Cantonica. From photos of The Last Jedi, it shows that Finn will be spending some time in this fictional city. What will he get up to there? Enjoy cheap flights to Dubrovnik and explore the parts of the city that helped to create Canto Bight!
Now you have an idea where to head for your own adventure with these nine incredible Star Wars film locations. So, start planning your next trip and let the adventures begin.