Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey” has captured audiences by showcasing the ancient world through breathtaking filming locations across the globe. Shooting took place in extraordinary sites in Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland, and Iceland. This aligns with Nolan’s dedication to practical filmmaking and in-camera effects.
“The Odyssey” has set a new record for Nolan, grossing $1.1 billion worldwide after four weekends, as noted by Deadline. It stands as the highest grossing R-rated movie of 2026 globally.
Impact on Travel
The movie has sparked curiosity about its real-world locations. Nibble, a learning app, found that Google searches for trips to Troy surged by 3,421% following the film’s release in mid-July. Searches for “flights to Troy” rose by 966%, according to Travel + Leisure. Many viewers are curious about the reality of Homer’s legendary city.
Filming Locations
The film highlights several significant locales, drawing enthusiasts eager to visit them.
- Voidokilia Beach, Greece: Situated in Messenia, part of the Peloponnese region, this uniquely shaped beach was used for some of the film’s Greek scenes. It lies near Pylos.
- Nestor’s Cave, Greece: Located above Voidokilia Beach, this cave served as the setting for Odysseus’ encounter with the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Visitors can reach it along a rocky hiking trail.
- Favignana, Sicily: The largest of Sicily’s Egadi Islands, Favignana stands in for Ithaca. Known for its clear waters, it’s a half-hour ferry trip from Trapani. Nearby archeological discoveries include a bronze helmet from the 241 B.C. Battle of the Aegates.
- Aït Benhaddou, Morocco: This 17th-century fortified site represented ancient Troy. Located near Ouarzazate, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible to tourists. Scenes depicting the landing of the Trojan Horse were filmed on the beaches of Essaouira, Morocco.
- Findlater Castle, Scotland: Found on Scotland’s northeast coast, this site overlooks Moray Firth. Although its origins date to 1246, its current ruins are from the 14th century. Nolan’s film introduces the worldwide audience to Banffshire coast’s grandeur.
As these locations gain attention, more travelers might explore these settings to experience the combination of cinematic magic and historical authenticity.