A Traveller’s Guide To Star Wars Movie Locations

So you call yourself Star Wars fan, eh? Doubtlessly you know how many parsecs it took the Millennium Falcon to make the Kessel Run in, but how many real-world locations from the famous movie universe have you visited in person? Here are five holiday destination to consider in a galaxy not so far away.

Travel membership club DreamTrips shared a list with us of the top destinations any self-respecting Star Wars fan should visit. The locations mentioned below were either used for on-location shooting or directly inspired the look George Lucas was going for.

#1 Naboo

“George Lucas drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance for the planet of Naboo. So where better to travel than Italy to get a feel for this other-worldly planet?

“One of the most famous intergalactic weddings took place at Villa Del Balbianello, on the banks of Lake Como – the union of Anakin and Padmé. This villa is open to visitors from March to November, and is a must see for any Star Wars fanatic. It was featured in Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

“The interiors of the Royal Palace on Naboo were filmed at Caserta Palace, a former real-life royal residence. This spectacular palace was built to rival Versailles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

#2 Tatooine

“Tatouine, a small town found nestled in the harsh deserts in Tunisia, was the inspiration behind George Lucas’ sandy planet Tatooine. However, while the name is iconic, no scenes were filmed in the town itself. Rather, the majority of scenes were filmed just on the outskirts of the quaint town.

“The home of Luke Skywalker himself can be found in Tunisia. Many of the sets seen in Episode IV: A New Hope are still standing, with Hotel Sidi Driss offering fans the chance to sleep the night in Skywalker’s home. The hotel itself even offers a Star Wars inspired menu, making it one of the ultimate Star Wars experiences that this world can offer.”

#3 Yavin IV Rebel Base

“The Yavin IV Rebel Base was filmed at the mystical Mayan temple complex at Tikal in Guatemala. As any self-respecting fan would know, this was the iconic destination from which Luke Skywalker and Han Solo launched their attack on the Death Star in Episode IV: A New Hope. The force is indeed strong at these ancient ruins.”

#4 Ice Planet of Hoth

“The Rebel Alliance’s Echo Base was hidden on the snow entrenched ice planet of Hoth. If you are adventurous enough to brave the cold, you can visit our galaxy’s version of the icy planet in Finse, Norway. Many of the scenes for Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, were filmed at the Hardangerjokulen glacier. Trains running the Oslo-Bergen route will make a stop here. Luckily, our galaxy features no Wampas, your biggest concern will be frost-bite.”

#5 Wookie Planet of Kashyyyk


Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
featured some of the most magnificent landscapes imaginable. The limestone karsts surrounding the city of Guilin in Southern China, were the back drop for the Wookie Planet of Kashyyyk. For the Chewbacca loving family, this is an ideal destination. Travel to Dragon Valley water world or visit the Merryland theme park.”


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