'The Odyssey' inspires surging travel interest in real-world locations behind the blockbuster

Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film "The Odyssey" takes moviegoers on an epic journey throughout the ancient world — with many of the scenes shot in notable locations all over the world. 

Filming took place at spectacular spots in Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland and Iceland — continuing Nolan's longtime preference for practical filmmaking and in-camera effects. 

The film, after just four weekends, has become Nolan's highest grossing movie ever at the global box office, with $1.1 billion pulled in, according to Deadline. ("The Odyssey" is also the highest grossing R-rated movie of 2026 both in North America and around the world, the same source said.)

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The locations were transformed into a variety of settings, including ancient Troy, Odysseus' homeland of Ithaca and the cave in which the hero encounters the Cyclops. 

Travelers have been showing a strong interest in taking in some of these locations for themselves. A recent analysis from Nibble, a learning app, found that Google search interest in traveling to Troy jumped 3,421% after the movie's mid-July release, while searches for "flights to Troy" increased 966%, as Travel + Leisure reported.  

Searches about whether Troy is a real place or not also surged, the same source noted — "suggesting that many viewers left the theater wondering whether Homer’s legendary city is somewhere they can actually visit," Travel + Leisure said. 

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Moviegovers may recognize the following five locations in the film — and may find a way to see these locations with their own eyes in the days, weeks and months ahead. 

Voidokilia Beach is located in Messenia, in the southwestern Peloponnese region of Greece.

The uniquely shaped beach, which served as one of the film's Greek filming locations, is about 10 miles from the coastal town of Pylos.

Nestor's Cave sits above Voidokilia Beach.

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The cave was used to film scenes with Polyphemus, the Cyclops who traps Odysseus and his crew in his cave before devouring several of the men.

Visitors can reach Nestor's Cave on foot via a hiking trail above Voidokilia Beach, though the climb is rocky and steep.

The largest of Sicily's Egadi Islands, Favignana was used to represent Ithaca in "The Odyssey."

Also known as the Aegadian Islands, the archipelago consists of three main islands known for their crystal-clear waters.

Favignana is about a 30-minute ferry ride from Trapani on Sicily's western coast.

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The waters surrounding the Egadi Islands have also yielded remarkable archaeological finds.

In September 2025, Sicilian officials announced the discovery of a well-preserved bronze helmet near the site of the 241 B.C. Battle of the Aegates, along with weapons.

Aït Benhaddou is a fortified settlement in southern Morocco, with structures dating back to the 17th century.

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In "The Odyssey," Aït Benhaddou serves as part of ancient Troy at the end of the Trojan War.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site remains open to visitors and is a roughly 30-minute drive from Ouarzazate.

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Marrakech, a popular tourist destination, is roughly 110 miles from Aït Benhaddou.

As for the beach where the Trojan Horse is found and brought ashore — that took place on the beaches of Essaouira, Morocco, on the Atlantic coast, according to multiple reports. 

Nolan filmed scenes at Findlater Castle in Aberdeenshire, on Scotland's northeast coast, last summer, according to several sources.

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The castle overlooks the Moray Firth, a large inlet of the North Sea. Visitors can explore the castle, which features ruins dating back to the 14th century, though the first documented fortification at the site dates to 1246.

"For nearly eight centuries, Findlater Castle has stood witness to the ebb and flow of history — from Viking occupation to royal sieges," officials from Findlater Castle said in a statement.

"Now, thanks to Christopher Nolan's vision, these ancient ruins will introduce millions of cinema-goers around the world to the raw beauty of the Banffshire coast."