As cinephiles around the globe have come to expect from the brilliant mind of Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey has become an instant sensation – almost like a national holiday – and bound to be the main water-cooler topic for weeks to come. Greek mythology enthusiasts and film lovers alike are in for an enthralling cinematic treat that is not only star-studded, but visually rich. After all, Nolan didn’t rely solely on stellar performances from Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson to spark magic, but also sought out distinct filming locations across several countries that perfectly depict Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey.
Wanderlust-fuelled travellers are in luck, as the stunning landscapes seen in The Odyssey are mostly real filming locations across six countries that can actually be visited. If you have already pencilled in a few of these dramatic backdrops for your next getaway, below is a list of top hotels and resorts near key filming locations where you can experience the world of The Odyssey firsthand.
Peloponnese, Greece
Of course, the Greek mythology film was shot in Greece, home to tales of splendour and ancient wisdom that remain relevant to modern civilisation. For the film, Nolan selected Voidokilia Beach and Nestor’s Cave as the setting for some of its iconic scenes.
Located in Messinia, on the south-western tip of the Peloponnese region, the pristine, perfectly horseshoe-shaped beach serves as the backdrop to the village plundering by Odysseus and his crew. Nestled in the cliff right above the bay, Nestor’s Cave provides a vantage point over Voidokilia Beach that stretches out to the open sea. This cavern is where Odysseus and his crew were trapped inside with the giant Cyclops.
Where to stay: A short drive away lies Costa Navarino, a luxury complex featuring five-star establishments such as The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, and Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Facing the Ionian Sea and Navarino Bay, the resort unwraps the region’s legendary beauty.
To celebrate the film, Costa Navarino is offering The Odyssey-inspired experiences, including the Messinian Odyssey Trail that trace the myth and filming locations, the seven-course Nestor’s Feast, The Odyssean Journey spa ritual, and Penelope-style weaving workshops.
Favignana, Italy
The island of Favignana, set just off the west coast of Sicily, takes centre stage as a primary Italian filming location for Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Perched high above the island, the historic Castello di Santa Caterina serves as the scenic exterior for the home of Odysseus and Penelope. The castle’s hilltop vantage point offers sweeping views over the open horizon, adding a touch of drama as Telemachus and Penelope look out to sea, though interior scenes were captured elsewhere.
Reaching the remote set was no small feat: cast and crew faced a 900-foot uphill trek for daily filming, with the occasional helicopter ride for assistance. Production also ventured further afield to the Aeolian Islands, including Lipari, Vulcano, and Basiluzzo.
Where to stay: Just a ten-minute drive from Castello di Santa Caterina, I Pretti Resort offers a welcoming base near the bustling port of Favignana. The four-star boutique retreat is built around a peaceful Mediterranean garden, with suites finished in clean white, grey, and terracotta tones that let the natural stone detail shine.
Beyond its leafy courtyard, I Pretti Resort helps guests make the most of their coastal escape with boat charters, scooter and bicycle rent, and tailored excursions across the neighbouring Egadi islands.
Marrakech, Morocco
With its sweeping sand dunes and earth-coloured landscapes, Morocco makes a wonderfully fitting backdrop for ancient Troy. Right from the film’s opening scene, you will spot the coastal port of Essaouira, setting the stage as Trojans pull the legendary wooden horse into the city. But the harbour is really just the beginning – a brief wander brings you to the historic walled town of Medina, a place that feels completely frozen in time.
Further to the southeast of Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou is picked as one of the filming locations for The Odyssey. A striking UNESCO World Heritage site, this earthen fortified village (ksar) is no stranger to the screen, having also set the scene for Game of Thrones and The Mummy.
Where to stay: Since these filming locations sit hours apart, setting up base in Marrakech places you right in the middle of the adventure. The city offers two exceptional Three-Michelin-Key stays worth booking with three-to-four-hour drive to each site.
If you fancy a scenic valley retreat overlooking Mount Toubkal that taps into the authentic Moroccan way of life, Kasbah Tamadot offers far more than standard rooms, featuring traditional riads and luxury Berber tents.
Meanwhile, if you are after pure opulence with a soft spot for timeless Art Deco style, La Mamounia is the ultimate match – reinventing luxury through royal, palatial charm and deep Moroccan heritage.
Aberdeenshire-Moray, Scotland
To swap the sun-drenched Mediterranean for a mistier, paler mood, the production moved to Scotland, taking full advantage of its rolling green plains and atmospheric, cloud-draped skies. This dramatic landscape brings a touch of mystery to the scenes featuring Circe the witch. Her secluded hut was set at Findlater Castle on the northern coast of Aberdeenshire, dramatically perched on a hill overlooking the ocean.
Further west in Moray, filming moved into the dense pine canopy of Culbin Forest, creating a towering backdrop for when Odysseus and his crew encounter the giants.
Where to stay: As these filming locations sit in fairly remote spots best visited during daytime excursions, booking a base a little more centrally makes it easy to tick off plenty of other attractions during your trip. Tucked inside Cairngorms National Park in the village of Braemar, the Two-Michelin-Key Fife Arms hotel offers a truly distinctive staying experience.
The property thoughtfully blends eccentric Celtic tradition, aristocratic charm, and contemporary art throughout its spaces. During your stay, you can join in on Victorian and Edwardian-inspired pursuits, from pony picnics and woodland walks to poetry making and guided excursions across the surrounding countryside.
