8 Places to Visit if You Love ‘Star Wars’

Tatooine and the forest moon of Endor may seem like they’re in a galaxy far, far away, but these Star Wars worlds are closer than you think. The fantastical environments of these fictional planets were inspired by and filmed in real-world locations, from the craggy peaks and windswept isles of the Scottish Highlands to the ancient ruins and whitewashed houses of Tunisia.

Leslye Headland, the showrunner/creator of the newest original Star Wars series, The Acolyte, now streaming on Disney+, says that one of the goals of the production from the very beginning was "to find locations that would feel otherworldly." Places in Wales and Portugal ended up having the alien appeal she was looking for. And the actors appreciated it as well, enjoying the diverse climates and settings.

There’s no need for a Millennium Falcon to visit the ethereal landscapes our favorite Resistance fighters and Imperial forces call home. Simply take a plane, train, boat, or car to these eight stellar Star Wars filming locations.

1. Madeira, PortugalThe planets Khofar and Olega, The Acolyte

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is an autonomous Portuguese archipelago known for its diverse terrain. The island's landscapes range from sheer cliffs to rugged mountains and sun-drenched beaches, making it an ideal filming location for The Acolyte.

2. Island of Djerba, TunisiaTatooine, various episodes

Djerba served as the primary filming location for Tatooine. It's home to iconic sites like the Mos Eisley cantina from A New Hope. For more Star Wars locations, visit mainland Tunisia, where the Hotel Sidi Driss, used as Luke Skywalker’s home, is still open for guests.

3. Lake Como, ItalyNaboo, Attack of the Clones, Episode II

Scenes on Naboo, including Padmé and Anakin’s stay at Varykino Villa, were filmed on the shores of Lake Como. Visitors can explore Villa del Balbianello, where the couple’s secret wedding was filmed, and stroll through its elaborate gardens.

4. Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaThe forest moon of Endor, Return of the Jedi, Episode VI

The towering redwoods of California's national and state parks portrayed the forest moon of Endor. Hike through Grizzly Creek’s Cheatham Grove to see where the famous Imperial speed racing scene was filmed.

5. Salar de Uyuni, BoliviaCrait, The Last Jedi, Episode VIII

Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, doubled as the remote mining planet of Crait. Visit during the rainy season to see the flats transform into a stunning mirror reflecting the sky.

6. Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, U.K.Forest of Takodana, The Force Awakens, Episode VII

Puzzlewood’s mystical woodlands made the perfect setting for the forests of Takodana. Visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt or stay in one of the enchanting Puzzlewood cottages.

7. Skellig Michael, IrelandLuke’s Hideout, The Force Awakens, Episode VII

Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site off the coast of County Kerry, served as Luke Skywalker’s hideout. Visitors can climb the ancient steps to the monastery and explore the seabird colonies.

8. Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, NorwayHoth, The Empire Strikes Back, Episode V

This glacier near the mountain village of Finse was the filming location for the ice planet of Hoth. A guided tour is required to access the glacier, available from July to September.