One of the most iconic sagas that graced the film industry is none other than Star Wars, which continues to tug the hearts of fans all over the world. They even have a day of their own: May 4.
The stunning imagery that backdrops the saga isn’t as far as it may seem. Star Wars fans have traveled worldwide to walk in the footsteps of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Natalie Portman, Mark Hamill, and Ewan McGregor. Many of these locations have become places on fans’ bucket lists.
Check out six of the incredible locations where Star Wars was filmed.
1. Djerba, Tunisia
Djerba is a prime tourist destination for Star Wars fans. Located in the Gulf of Gabès, off the coast of Tunisia, is where many of the original Star Wars films were shot. In fact, in these earthy and sandy terrains, director George Lucas and his crew filmed many iconic scenes from Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader’s childhood.
As the primary filming location for Tatooine – better known as Luke Skywalker’s home planet – it’s where you would see iconic landmarks like the Mos Eisley cantina, the Lars Homestead, the Slave Quarter where Anakin and his mother Schmi lived, and a historic mosque depicted as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s home in the film.
2. Skellig Michael, Ireland
Skellig Michael is one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland. For reasons that need no explanation, the site gained fame as one of the most stunning movie locations after appearing in Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.
Huge crowds of Star Wars fans flocked to Luke’s island sanctuary on the aquatic planet of Ahch-To, where Rey meets Luke for the first time on Christ’s Saddle. It’s also where they filmed the scenes where Rey and Luke had their Jedi training in front of the Wailing Woman rock.
3. Lake Como, Italy
In Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Anakin Skywalker kept Padmé Amidala in hiding on her beautiful planet of Naboo. The scene where the two shared a romantic kiss is against the backdrop of mesmerizing waters and magnificent castles and gardens. Later, the lovebirds also had their wedding ceremony there.
Woman standing on the terrace balcony with flowers at Villa Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy by thug1747 on 123RF.
These iconic scenes were filmed at the Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como, Italy. After the film, many Star Wars fans have made it a point to have their wedding ceremonies at the villa. Unfortunately, no guests are allowed to stay the night, but there are plenty of accommodation options overlooking Lake Como. It certainly looks like the perfect place for rest, relaxation, and plenty of kisses.
4. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
In Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, the final battle on Planet Crait took place on what seemed like a vast white tundra, but it is actually on one of the world’s largest salt flats. Bolivia’s salt flats were formed when prehistoric lakes dried up, leaving behind hexagonal patterns on the surface that stretched for more than 4,050 square miles.
The salt flats are also one of the biggest tourist attractions in Bolivia, especially during the wetter months of December to April, when the flat salts transform into a shallow mirror lake reflecting the sky, creating a stunning 360-degree view.
5. Krafla, Iceland
The surreal landscape of Krafla’s steaming lava fields, gurgling mud pots, fissures, Víti explosion crater, and rock formations were featured in the Star Wars franchise as the planet of Ilum in Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Krafla is part of a more extensive volcanic system in the Mývatn (pronounced mee-vaht) Lake in the northeast of Iceland. Its breathtaking views are enough to make any visitor second guess if they are still on Earth or far away in intergalactic space. The view of Krafla changes throughout the seasons, so visit during the warmer months if you can’t handle the cold.
6. Plaza de España, Spain
The Plaza de España is one of the top attractions in Seville, Spain. In one of the scenes of Episode II: Attack of the Clones, when Anakin, Padmé, and R2D2 arrived on the planet of Naboo, they were actually walking through the semi-circular gallery of the magnificent Plaza de España.
The plaza’s beautiful architecture, decorated with colorful azulejos tiles and surrounded by a canal, can make anyone feel as regal and austere as Padmé and leave you speechless.
May the force be with you
The galaxy far, far away is truly closer than it seems. Anyone who takes a turn exploring these locations will feel that they are in nothing less than the Star Wars universe.
Are you a film buff? Visit these sweet iconic movie locations. If wanderlust has got to you, you’d love to read our list of the most beautiful places on earth.