Have you ever dreamt of stepping into the vast deserts of Tatooine, feeling the mist of the seas surrounding Ahch-To, or walking the royal halls of Naboo? Grab your lightsaber (or, more realistically, your camera) as we take you on a journey to the real-world locations that brought the Star Wars universe to life.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just appreciate breathtaking landscapes, these destinations promise adventures of galactic proportions.

Skellig Michael, Ireland

(Image: «Ireland Skellig Michael» by Michel Hébert – CC BY-SA 2.0.)

Imagine standing atop a rugged, remote island, the Atlantic Ocean sprawling infinitely before you. Welcome to Skellig Michael, an ancient monastic outpost and the filming location for the climax scene in «The Force Awakens.» «The Last Jedi» too uses this location.

This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its steep steps and wild beauty, is as mystical in reality as it is in the saga.

Tunisia

Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata

(Image: «File:Hotel-sididriss.jpg» by Acarvin at English Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 2.5.)

Ever wanted to dine in Luke Skywalker’s home? The Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, Tunisia, doubled as the interior of Luke Skywalker’s ancestral home on Tatooine. This unique hotel, with its troglodyte architecture, offers a taste of life in a galaxy far, far away.

(Image:»File:Chott el Djerid – Lars homestead.jpg» by Stefan Krasowski – CC BY 2.0.)

Not far from Matmata, the desert landscapes around Nefta served as the backdrop for the exterior shots of Tatooine. The vastness of Chott el Jerid makes it easy to imagine yourself on an epic quest across the dunes. In the middle of the salt lake flats stands an igloo which was the exterior of Luke Skywalker’s Lars homestead.

Lake Como, Italy

(Image: «Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy» by dannymol – CC BY-ND 2.0.)

Villa del Balbianello, with its exquisite Tremezzo gardens and breathtaking views of Lake Como, portrayed the romantic getaway for Anakin and Padme in «Attack of the Clones.» The villa’s elegance and historic charm make it a must-visit, not just for fans but for anyone who appreciates beauty.

Laamu Atoll, Maldives

The crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches of the Laamu Atoll in the Maldives provided the perfect setting for the planet Scarif in «Rogue One.» Though you won’t find Imperial bases here (the explosions in the battle were filmed in an England studio), the tranquil seascape is ideal for anyone seeking their own escape to paradise.

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

(Image: «File:Tikal National Park-36.jpg» by AlisonRuthHughes – CC BY-SA 4.0.)

The ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal National Park stood in for the Rebel base on Yavin 4 in «A New Hope.» Surrounded by lush rainforest, these towering temples offer not only a glimpse into a civilization long gone but also a chance to stand where heroes once gathered.

Finse, Norway

(Image: «Finse Norway» by zen whisk – CC BY-ND 2.0.

Brace yourselves for the cold as we move to Finse, Norway, the filming location for the icy planet Hoth in «The Empire Strikes Back.» This remote, snow-covered landscape is as close as you can get to experiencing the epic Battle of Hoth without running into an actual Wampa.

Whippendell Woods, UK

(Image: «Spring in Whippendell Wood – geograph.org.uk – 4395091» by Bikeboy – CC BY-SA 2.0.)

Nestled in the UK, Whippendell Woods was transformed into the forests of Naboo, where Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan first meet Jar Jar Binks in «The Phantom Menace.» The tranquility of these woods is a stark contrast to the perils faced by our heroes.

Death Valley National Park, USA

(Image: «Death Valley National Park, California, USA» by dconvertini – CC BY-SA 2.0.)

With its otherworldly terrain, Death Valley National Park served as a stand-in for various Tatooine scenes across the series. The park’s unique landscapes provided the perfect setting for a planet located on the outer rim of the galaxy, a place of lawlessness, adventure, and stark beauty.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

(Image: «Before Sunrise, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia» by Dimitry B – CC BY 2.0.)

The vast salt flats of Salar de Uyuni create the perfect illusion of a frozen lake on the planet Crait in «The Last Jedi.» The surreal expanse mirrors the sky, creating a sense of infinity that’s both mesmerizing and eerie.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

(Image: «WadiRum (وادي القمر), Jordan» by tsaiproject – CC BY 2.0.)

Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum’s dramatic red sands and towering cliffs portrayed the planet Pasaana in «The Rise of Skywalker.» Its timeless beauty and scale offer a humbling reminder of the natural wonders our own planet holds.

Conclusion

From the icy terrains of Hoth to the serene waters of Scarif, the real-world locations behind the Star Wars saga offer unique adventures that can appeal not only to fans but to anyone drawn to the extraordinary.

If visiting a place just for its Star Wars connection sounds niche, consider combining multiple interests in one trip. For example, you could dive into history at the British Museum in London before stepping into the enchanting Whippendell Woods about an hour (roughly 35 miles) away. Or, experience the thrill of a Raiders NFL game in Las Vegas before embarking on a two-hour drive (about 100 miles) to Death Valley National Park.

Regardless of your galactic choice, may the Force guide your journey.