25 Star Wars Filming Locations You Can Visit

A Galaxy Not So Far Away

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Part of the magic of Star Wars has always been the otherworldly vistas, but would you believe you could visit all of your favorite locations? You don't even need the Millennium Falcon. Just pick your favorites from this list and call up your travel agent.

Tunisia

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Although Tunisia might be unknown to many Americans, Star Wars fans would immediately recognize Tatooine. However, if you feel a desert planet might be too grim for vacation, the real Tunisia has plenty of beauty as well.

Caserta, Italy

3/26
Regardless of how one feels about the Star Wars prequels, the palace on Naboo is infinitely more beautiful in real life with absolutely zero Jar Jar Binks slumming about. The copy of Versailles in Southern Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seville, Spain

4/26
The capital city of Theed in Episode II, Seville is even more noble in real life. A wild night of flamenco dancing might just transport you a galaxy away as well.

Lake Como, Italy

5/26
The scene from Anakin and Padme's wedding looks like the stuff from a fairy tale and few would believe it is actually real. It's actually the Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como in Italy. Destination wedding, anyone?

Phuket, Thailand

6/26
Phuket is only in a few scenes of Episode III, but you'll want to spend a lot longer in the real thing.

Mount Etna, Italy

7/26
Those eruptions during the lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in Episode III? Those were real. The eruptions continue, but the lightsaber fights aren't quite as regular.

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8/26
Although one might expect to see Maria from Sound of Music bounding across those hills above, this is actually Alderaan in Episode III. Thankfully, you can enjoy these views without worrying about any Death Stars.

Tikal, Guatemala

9/26
Already a fantastic tourist destination in Central America, Tikal is a Mayan monument that stood in for Yavin 4 in "A New Hope."

Death Valley National Park

10/26
Numerous shots of Tatooine throughout "A New Hope" were filmed throughout Death Valley National Park, including our first look at Mos Eisley.

Eidfjord, Norway

11/26
Hoth, a deathly cold planet established in "Empire Strikes Back" is the last place many of us would want to visit. This amazing piece of Norway, however? That Viking ship sailing through the fjords seems a lot more comfortable than a tauntaun.

Yuma, California

12/26
Would you believe the Sarlacc's pit is actually "Buttercup Valley?" Doesn't sound nearly as frightening.

Del Norte, California

13/26
Can you see the Ewok's frolicking around this particular area of northern California? In "Return of the Jedi," this was Endor. You know, there's something perfect about Ewoks coming from the Pacific Northwest.

Rub' al Khali, UAE

14/26
The absolute desolation of Jakku is a huge thematic piece of "The Force Awakens." It shapes Rey as much as anything. Would you believe this is just miles from Dubai, one of the most luxurious places on the planet?

Cumbria, UK

15/26
Maz Kanata's homeworld of Takodana is full of mystery (and eventually full of First Order firepower). The filming location, though, is a beautiful piece of Northwest England. It was the home of Beatrix Potter and the setting for her books like The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Forest of Dean, UK

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The crowded forest of tall trees on the surface of Takodana is a wonderful backdrop for the lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren. These same forests were the solace of J.R.R. Tolkien and helped solidify the idea of Middle-Earth.

Skellig Michael, Ireland

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In Star Wars lore, this island houses Luke in the big reveal at the end of "The Force Awakens." Before that, it was an ancient Jedi temple and stronghold. In real life, the history is much the same as generations of monks have called Skellig Michael home.

Laamu Atoll, Maldives

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One of the most magical places on Earth, the Maldives might be one of the few places that Lucasfilm can't improve upon. In "Rouge One," this is Scarif where the final battle took place but there will be no such tragedy in this beautiful paradise.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

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"Rouge One" is not even close to the only place to film in this amazing Jordanian location. "Lawrence of Arabia" made it famous for American filmgoers. Matt Damon explored Wadi Rum in "The Martian." It's about time you got there yourself.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

20/26
Croatia is a favorite for fans of "Game of Thrones," but did you know it was also the filming location for Canto Bight, the casino city in Episode VIII? The real Dubrovnik is even better.

London

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Sadly, there are no hidden scenes of R2-D2 and C-3PO bumming around Big Ben. However, London was the location for many of the filming studios that have made Star Wars happen over the years.

Sydney

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Like London, Fox Studios of Sydney was a big piece of making Episodes II and III. Bonus: Here you can get a backlot tour!

Redwood National Park

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Are you really a Star Wars fan if you can't picture a speeder bike wrapped around these trees? This state park in California is well worth the trip.

Salt Flats in Bolivia

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Not only were these salt flats the backdrop for an excellent battle in Episode VIII, but they're also the home of an ancient train graveyard and a very popular tourist destination.

Guangxi, China

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In Episode III, Guangxi was the stand-in for Kashyyyk (home of the Wookies). The cuisine in this area of China isn't roasted Porg, but rice noodles and plenty of spicy chili sauce.

Cardington Airfield, UK

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Want to check out the Rebel base far closer than Darth Vader could have dreamed? Cardington Airfield housed Leia, Luke and company in "A New Hope" and was used once again in "Rouge One."

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Michael Schottey

Michael Schottey

Editor true 9234 14744 Michael Schottey is ASTA's Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Communications. Schottey lives in Florida with his wife and two boys. 5255 Editor

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CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

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