Fans of the Star Wars franchise are often captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and unique architecture that serve as backdrops for some of the most memorable scenes. If you’re planning a trip inspired by the epic saga, here are some key locations you won’t want to miss:
Mos Espa (Oung Jmel, Tunisia)
Mos Espa: The sets depicting the spaceport of Mos Espa on Anakin and Luke Skywalker’s home planet Tatooine.
Luke Skywalker’s Igloo (Chott El Jerid, Nefta, Tunisia)
Luke Skywalker’s igloo: The exterior was filmed at the dried-up salt lake of Chott El Jerid, later rebuilt for “Attack of the Clones.”
Scarif (Laamu Atoll, Maldives)
Scarif: The Laamu Atoll represents the Imperial planet where Death Star plans are stored in “Rogue One.”
Salar De Uyuni (Bolivia)
Salar De Uyuni: The stunning salt flats stood in for the planet Crait in “The Last Jedi.”
Luke Skywalker’s Home (Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia)
Luke Skywalker’s home: This subterranean hotel, built by indigenous Berbers, was used as his childhood home in the original film.
Imperial Base (Canary Wharf Station, London)
Imperial Base: London’s Canary Wharf metro station doubles as an Imperial base on Scarif.
Massassi Outpost (Tikal National Park, Guatemala)
Massassi Outpost: These Mayan ruins serve as a Rebel base in “A New Hope.”
Endor (Redwood National and State Parks, California)
Endor: The iconic speedbike chases were filmed among California’s giant redwoods in “The Return of the Jedi.”
Eadu (Reynisfjara, Iceland)
Eadu: The black sand beach of Reynisfjara appears in “Rogue One” representing the stormy planet of Eadu.
Naboo (Whippendell Woods, near Watford, UK)
Naboo: Whippendell Woods serves as the setting where the character of Jar Jar Binks makes his debut.
Theed Royal Palace (Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain)
Theed Royal Palace: Plaza de Espana in Seville doubles as the palace on Naboo in multiple films.
Mustafar (Mount Etna, Italy)
Mustafar: The lava flows of Mount Etna provided a hellish backdrop for battles in “Revenge of the Sith.”
Tatooine (Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada)
Tatooine: Locations in Death Valley served as crucial filming spots for “A New Hope.”
Jakku (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Jakku: The desert of the UAE represented the planet Jakku in “The Force Awakens.”
Resistance X-Wing Fighter Base (Former RAF Greenham Common, Berkshire, UK)
Resistance Base: The decommissioned RAF Greenham Common was used for various film projects.
Jedi Temple (Skellig Michael, Ireland)
Jedi Temple: Skellig Michael’s ancient monastery appeared in both “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi.”
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik: The medieval city features as Canto Bight in “The Last Jedi.”
Moon of Jedha (Wadi Rum, Jordan)
Jedha: Wadi Rum represents the moon of spiritual significance for the Jedi in “Rogue One.”
Mos Espa Slave Quarter (Medenine, Tunisia)
Mos Espa Slave Quarter: Anakin’s childhood quarters were filmed on a real-life Tunisian street.
Lake Retreat (Villa del Balbianello, Lenno, Italy)
Lake Retreat: The Villa del Balbianello was the location of Anakin and Padme’s wedding in “Attack of the Clones.”
Eadu (Krafla, Iceland)
Eadu: Krafla Volcano also features as the planet of Eadu in “Rogue One.”
Great Pit of Carkoon (Buttercup Valley, Yuma Desert, Arizona)
Great Pit of Carkoon: Home of the sarlacc from “Return of the Jedi,” filmed in Arizona rather than Tunisia.
Hoth (Hardanger Jokulen Glacier and Finse, Norway)
Hoth: The icy world scenes in “The Empire Strikes Back” were shot in Finse and the nearby glacier in Norway.
Kashyyyk (Guilin, China)
Kashyyyk: Thailand and southern China served as doubles for Chewbacca’s home planet in “Revenge of the Sith.”
Conclusion
These incredible locations not only showcase the breathtaking beauty and diversity of our planet but also allow Star Wars fans to step into the iconic universe of their favorite movies. Whether planning a dedicated Star Wars pilgrimage or simply seeking stunning travel destinations, these sites are bound to inspire and impress.
