Following its premiere at the beginning of July, Christopher Nolan’s latest spectacle has now been on screens for several weeks, earning exceptional feedback (currently sitting at number one in IMDb’s ‘Most Popular Movies’ list with an impressive 8.5/10 rating) alongside a staggering opening‑weekend box office. However, The Odyssey filming locations have become a talking point in their own right, earning as much admiration as the production and the storyline itself.
This epic action adaptation of Homer’s timeless poem, thought to be one of the oldest surviving stories, brings together an A‑list cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway and more. In Nolan’s retelling, Odysseus faces an arduous voyage back to Ithaca after the Trojan War, encountering Cyclops, Sirens and other mythical forces along the way.
Beyond the monsters and the gleaming cast, The Odyssey filming locations emerge as one of the most vital elements of Nolan’s production. The director – also responsible for films like Interstellar, Dunkirk and Oppenheimer – committed to authenticity, filming almost entirely on location. This includes landscapes such as the dramatic and historic Peloponnese coastline and Italy’s islands (including Favignana), where each setting feels purpose‑built for Odysseus’ journey.
So, let us delve deeper into The Odyssey film sets, for you to venture on your own jet‑setting holiday inspired by this mythical tale…
What is The Odyssey?
For those unaware of the ancient poem, in summary, The Odyssey follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, on his journey to return home after the Trojan War. Crossing the Mediterranean Sea, this embarkation soon turns into a decade-long battle facing storms, deadly obstacles, and mythical creatures along the way. It’s a story of resilience and victory that has been retold for centuries, one that’s a definite must-experience now thanks to Christopher Nolan’s retelling on the big screen.
Greece
With breathtaking natural landscapes and a feeling of Greek mythology, it’s no surprise why the Peloponnese region in Greece was one of Nolan’s firm choices; the scenery is dramatic yet beautiful, steeped in history, and was the perfect place to evoke the epic nature of myth and bring Odysseus’ legendary voyage to life.
According to the Hellenic Film Commission, production took place between March and April in the Messinia region. The first was set on Voidokilia Bay – home to the iconic crescent-shaped sands and crystal-clear waters of Voidokilia Beach, where Odysseus met with the goddess Athena. High above the sandy shores, Nestor’s Cave showed a staggering natural landscape where Odysseus encountered something a little more unfortunate: the Cyclops.
Further down the coastline from Voidokilia Bay, Methoni Castle was a prominent feature, whilst other filming locations included Almyrolaka Beach and Acrocorinth.
Where to Stay?
Villa Charlotte, Peloponnese
Masterfully integrated on a 1,300m² plot with over 200 olive trees and impeccable sea views, Villa Charlotte in Peloponnese is sure to impress 6-8 guests, redefining modernity and elegance for those looking to indulge in life’s simple pleasures. But, away from the villa itself, its location isn’t just shaped by the stunning seascape that sprawls across the horizon. Instead, this luxury three-bedroom Greek villa lies within a 20-minute drive of Voidokilia Beach, where you can stand in the very meeting point of Odysseus and Athena – the ultimate jet-setting holiday base!
Villa Sadie, Peloponnese
Villa Sadie in Peloponnese also resides in the Messinia region of Greece, combining architectural clarity with an exceptional natural setting above the coastline for 12-14 guests. The property assures a relaxed and effortlessly balanced retreat for friends and family groups, complete with a vast swimming pool, a pétanque court and incredible sea views visible across its spacious interiors and inviting outdoor spaces. From the terrace, the historic Methoni Castle can be seen in the distance and is also a 10-minute drive from Villa Sadie itself.
Morocco
Morocco, a world of ancient charm and diverse landscapes, is rich with unsuspected treasures, captivating cultural contrasts, and age-old warmth and hospitality. Naturally, owing to its seemingly endless deserts, storied mountains, ancient-looking architecture, Atlantic beaches and palace-like interiors, the country becomes a filmmaker’s dream without the need for editing to take place.
Alongside The Mummy, Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, The Odyssey joined the list, also hosting a variety of filming locations, including Aït Ben Haddou – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that became the city of Troy – and Essaouira (also used in the Trojan Horse sequence). Marrakech, Tahanaoute, El Haouz and Ouarzazate were other filming locations in Morocco for The Odyssey.
Where to Stay?
Ezzahra Estate, Marrakech
Sitting about an hour’s drive from Tahanaoute, the Ezzahra Estate in Marrakech is a private enclave comprising four luxurious villas, tucked away in truly impressive private grounds which cover over 20,000m² and offer a tranquil haven of utmost luxury.
As one of our best luxury villa estates, Ezzahra Estate is perfect for large group villa holidays, accommodating up to 29 guests nestled away in the prestigious Palmeraie area of Marrakech.
Italy
Italy became a prominent destination for Christopher Nolan’s filming, particularly around Sicily and its surrounding islands. According to legend, Sicily has long been linked to The Odyssey and is thought to have inspired the land of the Cyclopes. And with sun-swept, rugged landscapes and plentiful coves, it portrays an epic, mythological atmosphere that the film calls for.
The island of Favignana, just off the Sicilian coastline, served as the production’s main base. The largest of the three Egadi Islands has a long history in the Greek chapter, often thought to be the destination where Odysseus rested, feasted on a goat (hence its nickname, ‘Goat Island’) and gathered supplies for the journey ahead.
In the film, Favignana’s paradisiacal coves and Castello di Santa Caterina were key production settings. The ruined hilltop castle that served as Odysseus’ wife Penelope’s home back in Ithaca even required Nolan to undertake an arduous journey with his crew, requiring a 900-foot hike and transportation by helicopter to reach the hilltop!
The Aeolian Islands in Italy were also used as filming locations for The Odyssey, including Lipari, Vulcano, and Basiluzzo, to depict the floating island of Aeolus.
Where to Stay?
Villa Giada, Capri
Although not located in one of the filming destinations used in The Odyssey, Villa Giada in Capri is set within beautiful grounds with a style and outdoor space reminiscent of typical Greek luxury. Located along the Amalfi Coast, north of Sicily on Italy’s southwestern coastline, this luxurious villa brings much of the same charm you’d expect from the popular island.
With a lush garden, whitewashed façade and blue accents throughout its 400m² living areas, Villa Giada, in the quiet area of Anacapri, is perfect for couples, friends, or family villa holidays. Boasting a hillside position and commanding sea views peering through the surrounding vegetation, it’s certainly not to be missed.
Other Filming Locations in The Odyssey
In addition to Greece, Morocco and Italy, The Odyssey film sets also visited Scotland and Iceland, in slightly colder climates that offered a starker, more rugged backdrop when compared to the warmer Mediterranean destinations.
Scotland’s Moray Firth Coast, stretching 500 miles, and Findlater Castle starred, alongside Burghead and Culbin Forest, whilst in Iceland, reported filming spots include the black‑sand plains and caves of Hjörleifshöfði to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the river Markarfljót and the harbour at Landeyjahöfn.
The Odyssey – Corfu
Although not chosen by Christopher Nolan as a setting for his adaptation, Corfu is generally considered to be the location of Scheria in Homer’s original poem – a place where Odysseus washes up and is discovered by princess Nausicaa.
Amongst one of the popular Greek islands to visit, this beloved and diverse destination offers everything that a modern traveller desires, as well as being able to experience Paleokastritsa Beach (rumoured to be where Odysseus was found).
Where to Stay?
Villa Grace, Corfu
With a stunning beachfront location overlooking the Ionian Sea on the eastern side of the island, Villa Grace in Corfu presents a gorgeous, discreet retreat for 14 guests. Across layered terraces and landscaped grounds, Villa Grace’s breathtaking architectural work is a true masterpiece in every sense, comprised of two luxury villa buildings.
With high-end amenities, uninterrupted views and expansive outdoor living, the property is perfect for multigenerational families or groups of friends.
We hope our journey of The Odyssey’s filming locations wasn’t as perilous as that of Odysseus’ adventure! If you’d like to check out any of the destinations featured in this guide, then a jet-setting holiday is the perfect way to do so. For further details and how to book your getaway, speak with our specialists today by sending an email or giving us a call on +44 (0)1202 203656.
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